Nursery Manager
Hillside Gems Terling
About the Role
We are looking for a warm, capable and inspiring Nursery Manager to lead our beautiful Terling site from September 2026.
Terling is a small, nurturing 21-place nursery and preschool, offering a calm and personal environment where children can be truly known, supported and celebrated. This is a special opportunity for a manager who values close relationships, thoughtful practice and the joy of working in a smaller setting where every child and family matters.
The nursery is within walking distance of a beautiful nature park, giving children rich opportunities to explore, discover and connect with the natural world. We are looking for a manager who will embrace outdoor learning and help bring nature, movement and curiosity into everyday nursery life.
This role would suit someone who is open to new approaches, thoughtful systems and fresh ideas. The successful candidate will have opportunities to work alongside a qualified Early Years Teacher, trial new ways of working and help develop practice across the setting in a way that is purposeful, reflective and child-centred.
Working Hours
The role is expected to be Full-time.
- Monday - Friday. To be available during the hours of 8-4pm.
Pay
£15ph + £1.81ph rolled-up holiday pay
= £16.81 per hour
Key Responsibilities
The Nursery Manager will:
- Lead the day-to-day running of the Terling site nursery and preschool
- Manage systems that support the smooth daily running of the nursery
- Create a warm, safe and inspiring environment for children aged 2–5
- Lead and support a small team, modelling strong early years practice
- Work as a team with the Directors to ensure high-quality care, education and safeguarding
- Build positive relationships with children, families, staff and the wider Hillside Gems team
- Support high-quality teaching, learning and care in line with the EYFS
- Be open to trialling new approaches, systems and ways of working
- Champion outdoor learning, including regular use of the local nature park where appropriate
- Ensure children are supported to develop confidence, independence, curiosity and resilience
- Oversee safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments and daily operational standards
- Support staff development through guidance, supervision and reflective practice
- Communicate clearly with parents about children’s progress, wellbeing and experiences
- Maintain accurate records, observations and children’s learning journeys
- Ensure the nursery remains inclusive, nurturing and responsive to children’s individual needs
Skills and Experience
We are looking for someone who has:
- A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
- Previous experience in a nursery leadership
- Ideally someone who is currently a Deputy Manager looking for the next step
- A strong understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
- Confidence leading a small team with warmth, clarity and consistency
- A genuine love of outdoor learning and nature-based experiences
- Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
- A calm, reflective and encouraging approach
- Openness to new ideas, systems and approaches to improving practice
- The ability to build trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues
- A commitment to high-quality, inclusive early years practice
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead a small, nurturing 21-place nursery and preschool
- A warm, supportive and values-led team environment
- A beautiful village setting with access to a nearby nature park
- Opportunities to work alongside a qualified Early Years Teacher
- Division of work with the Directors to allow you to concentrate on day-to-day nursery operations.
- The chance to try out new ideas and shape thoughtful systems within the nursery
- Opportunities for training, development and reflective leadership
- The chance to shape practice in a setting where children can be known deeply
- A role where you can help children build confidence, independence and a meaningful connection with nature
- The opportunity to work closely with the wider Hillside Gems leadership team
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £16.81 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
