Nursery Manager
bambooh® Day Nurseries — Hook Norton, Oxfordshire
Full Time | Monday to Friday | 45 Hours Per Week
Lead Something Special in the Heart of Oxfordshire
Hook Norton is one of those rare places. A beautiful, close-knit village in the Oxfordshire countryside — and home to one of our most loved bambooh® settings.
We are looking for a Nursery Manager who is ready to make this setting their own. Someone who leads from the front, builds genuine relationships, and understands that a well-run nursery feels calm, purposeful and warm — every single day.
This is not a back-office role. Our managers are present, visible and engaged. They set the tone, support their team in real time, and are known by every child and family who walks through the door.
If that sounds like the kind of leader you are — or the kind of leader you are ready to become — we would love to hear from you.
Why bambooh®?
bambooh® is a family-owned group of three early years settings across Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. We are small enough to care deeply about every child, every family and every team member — and structured enough to give our managers the support they need to lead well.
At Hook Norton you will have:
- A dedicated Education Lead supporting curriculum delivery, staff coaching and educational quality — so you can focus on operational leadership
- Head Office support covering finance, funding, recruitment and occupancy management
- A team that knows its community and takes pride in it
- Employee Assistance Programme including 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support
- 24/7 Online GP Service
- Childcare discount
- Free parking
- Ongoing mentoring and professional development
- A values-led culture where managers are backed, not left to sink or swim
What You Will Be Doing
- Leading the day-to-day operation of the Hook Norton setting
- Building strong, professional relationships with children, families and staff
- Leading, developing and motivating your team
- Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and EYFS compliance
- Supporting staff wellbeing and professional development
- Ensuring staffing ratios and operational standards are maintained at all times
- Creating a calm, organised and welcoming nursery environment
- Supporting Ofsted readiness and quality assurance
- Being a visible, positive presence within the setting every day
- Acting as a role model for children, families and practitioners alike
What We Are Looking For
Essential:
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
- Leadership experience within an early years setting — whether as a Manager, Deputy Manager or Senior Room Leader ready for the next step
- Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and statutory requirements
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A calm, organised and solution-focused approach under pressure
- The ability to lead, motivate and support a team through change and challenge
- Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain)
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable:
- Paediatric First Aid qualification (support to obtain provided if needed)
- Experience supporting or preparing for Ofsted inspection
- Experience of leading in a community or village nursery setting
Who Thrives at bambooh®?
Our best managers share a few things in common. They are confident but not rigid. They communicate clearly and kindly. They hold high standards without losing warmth. They show up — not just physically but emotionally — for their team and their families.
If you have managed before and want a setting where your leadership will genuinely make a difference, this is it.
If you are a strong Deputy Manager who is ready to step up and wants proper support to do so, we want to talk to you.
Safeguarding
bambooh® Day Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures in line with statutory guidance.
How to Apply
Submit your CV via Indeed or email [email protected] with your CV and a short covering note telling us why this role is right for you and what you would bring to Hook Norton.
We review applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £38,000.00-£41,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
