Nursery Manager (St Philips)
Role Level: Level 5 – Early Years Leader
Location: St Philips
Responsible to: Head of Region
Responsible for: Deputy Manager, Senior Practitioners, Practitioners, Apprentices & Support Staff
Key Role: Nominated Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional Nursery Manager to lead our St Philips setting. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and ambitious Early Years leader to shape a high-quality, nurturing and inspiring environment where children and staff thrive.
As a Level 5 Leader, you will provide strategic direction, pedagogical expertise and strong operational leadership. You will play a pivotal role in driving excellence, ensuring outstanding care and education, and creating a culture where innovation, reflective practice and continuous improvement are embedded in everyday practice.
This role is ideal for someone who is driven, forward-thinking and committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for children, families and teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a clear, ambitious vision for high-quality Early Years provision
- Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement across the nursery
- Use data, self-evaluation and reflective practice to drive measurable outcomes
- Foster a culture of curiosity, innovation and professional growth
Educational Excellence & Pedagogical Leadership
- Lead outstanding teaching and learning in line with EYFS principles and best practice
- Design and implement an engaging, inclusive and child-centred curriculum
- Ensure high standards of assessment and progression for all children
- Champion inclusion, SEND provision and equity for every child
Safeguarding & Compliance
- Act as Nominated Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Embed a strong safeguarding culture across the setting
- Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, health & safety and regulatory requirements
- Lead safer recruitment and risk management practices
Financial & Operational Leadership
- Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency and high performance
- Manage occupancy, staffing levels, budgets and expenditure effectively
- Maintain an inspiring, safe and well-resourced learning environment
- Ensure the nursery is consistently Ofsted-ready
People Leadership & Culture
- Build, lead and inspire a high-performing team
- Provide coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities
- Create a positive, inclusive and supportive workplace culture
- Promote staff wellbeing, engagement and retention
Parents, Partnerships & Community Engagement
- Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and families
- Act as a key ambassador for the nursery within the local community
- Develop partnerships with external agencies and professionals
- Promote the nursery’s reputation and values
About You
We are looking for a confident, inspiring and experienced leader who:
- Has strong leadership experience within an Early Years setting
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory frameworks
- Is a strategic thinker with excellent organisational and decision-making skills
- Communicates effectively and builds strong relationships at all levels
- Leads with integrity, emotional intelligence and professionalism
- Is passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for children
Qualifications & Experience
- Level 5 qualification in Early Years or Leadership (or working towards)
- Proven experience in a leadership or management role within Early Years
- Advanced Safeguarding (DSL) training
- Knowledge of safer recruitment, health & safety and compliance standards
- Paediatric First Aid, IOSH and Food Hygiene (or willingness to obtain)
Additional Information
- Keyholder responsibilities
- Flexibility to support across other settings if required
- Commitment to continuous professional development
Why Join Us
- Opportunity to lead and shape a high-quality Early Years setting
- Supportive leadership and professional development opportunities
- A values-driven organisation committed to excellence
- A rewarding role making a real difference in children’s lives
Pay: £18.73 per hour
Work Location: In person
