Are you an experienced Early Years leader ready to put your stamp on something special? We're a Good-rated Croydon nursery on an exciting growth journey, opening our third setting soon, and we're looking for a passionate Nursery Manager to lead our team, shape our future, and build a career here, not just a job.
If you want autonomy, genuine progression, and a leadership team that backs you — read on.
Why you'll love working with us:
- £40,000 salary + £500 welcome bonus (paid on successful completion of probation)
- Be part of our growth story — we're opening a third setting, with real progression opportunities into Area or Operations roles for the right person
- Currently Good-rated with strong foundations — we're aiming high under Ofsted's new framework, and you'll be central to that journey.
- Generous childcare discount for your own family
- Company pension, sick pay, and bereavement leave — we look after our team
- Health & wellbeing programme plus Cycle to Work scheme
- On-site parking and excellent transport links in Croydon
- Investment in your development — we support relevant CPD and qualifications
- A leadership team that listens — your ideas shape how we run
What you'll do:
As our Nursery Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day running of the setting and play a key role in our wider growth. You'll:
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 20+ practitioners
- Champion the EYFS and drive quality of care and learning
- Build warm, trusted relationships with parents and families
- Maintain Ofsted-ready standards across safeguarding, safety, and compliance
- Oversee occupancy, budgets, and operational performance
- Help shape the culture and systems we'll carry into our new setting
What you'll bring:
- Level 3 qualification minimum (CACHE, NNEB, NVQ or equivalent) — Level 6/EYTS/QTS an advantage
- Proven leadership experience — ideally as a Nursery Manager or strong Deputy ready to step up
- Confident managing a team of 20+ and delivering against Ofsted standards
- Solid working knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and health & safety
- Commercial awareness — comfortable with occupancy, budgets, and basic financial oversight
- Reliably commutable to Croydon
The details:
- Location: Croydon (in-person)
- Hours: Full-time, permanent
- Pay: £40,000 per annum + £500 welcome bonus
- Start date: As soon as possible — we're moving quickly for the right person
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Transport links
Work Location: In person
