Nursery Manager – Lead with Curiosity, Inspire with Purpose
Location: Clarence House Ely
Salary: Starting from £38,000 per annum + performance-related annual bonus
Hours: Full-time, permanent
Why This Role Matters
Children are born curious; they’re natural explorers, storytellers, and problem-solvers. Our curiosity-led learning celebrates that wonder, encouraging children to lead their own learning through creativity, independence, and imagination.
As our Nursery Manager, you’ll be at the heart of that mission. This isn’t just about managing a setting; it’s about creating a place where curiosity thrives, where staff feel inspired, and where children are empowered to think for themselves.
You’ll lead a passionate team who see childhood as something to be protected, celebrated and not rushed. You’ll do it within a supportive, forward-thinking nursery group that values people as much as outcomes.
What You’ll Achieve
In your first 6 months, you will:
Build strong, trusting relationships with your team, children, and families.
Embed curiosity-led learning principles into daily practice and the nursery environment.
Create a culture of reflection and growth, where every practitioner feels confident to contribute ideas and take ownership of their room.
Within your first year, you will:
Lead your nursery to deliver truly outstanding early years experiences, rooted in creativity, respect, and child-led learning.
Nurture your team’s confidence and capability through meaningful coaching and development.
See the tangible results of your leadership; calmer learning environments, curious children, and a united, motivated team.
About You
You are:
A passionate advocate for early childhood education and curiosity-led learning.
A calm, confident, and reflective leader who empowers others through trust and communication.
Qualified to Level 3 (or above) in Early Years, with experience managing or leading within a nursery setting.
Organised and quality-driven, able to balance operational excellence with creativity and care.
Why Join Us
We’re a medium-sized group of nurseries with the heart of an independent setting, we are small enough to value individuality, but large enough to offer real opportunity for progression and professional support.
As a Nursery Manager, you’ll enjoy:
- A performance-related annual bonus
- A Christmas gift as a token of appreciation
- Two social events each year – because community matters
- After probation you will be eligible for a quarterly no absence bonus.
- Ongoing professional development and the support of a collaborative leadership network
- Access to a highly experienced and motivated head office team who are always on hand to offer guidance and continuous support throughout your career with Clarence House.
Here, you’ll find meaning in your work every day, shaping the next generation, leading a team with heart, and creating a space where curiosity comes alive.
Please note this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and applicants are therefore required to disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings that are not protected under the DBS filtering rules.
Apply Today
If you’re ready to lead with purpose, curiosity, and compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Join us, and help children (and adults!) rediscover the joy of wondering, questioning, and imagining.
Apply now and take the next step in your journey as a leader who inspires learning through curiosity.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £38,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a full and relevant Early Years qualification?
Work Location: In person
