Help build a new chapter for early years in Wolvercote
Wolvercote Community Nursery is a brand-new charitable nursery opening in September 2026, offering a rare opportunity to help establish and lead a nursery from the very beginning.
The nursery has been created by local families and residents following the closure of the area’s previous nursery, ensuring high-quality early years provision remains at the heart of the community. As a not-for-profit charity, we’re creating a welcoming, affordable nursery where children can learn through play, outdoor exploration, and strong relationships, with close links to local schools, organisations, and the community.
As our first Nursery Manager, you’ll work alongside an experienced and supportive Board of Trustees to recruit and develop your team, shape our educational approach, establish the nursery’s culture, and build trusted relationships with children, families, and the wider community. You’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution from day one, helping create a nursery that local families will value for years to come.
If you’re looking for the opportunity to build something meaningful, with genuine community support and the opportunity to make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.
About Us
Based at Wolvercote Village Hall, our welcoming 24-place nursery will provide high-quality early years education for children aged 2-5.
As a charity, our focus is on children rather than profit. We'll offer fully funded places, flexible morning and afternoon sessions, and keep fees as low as possible while paying our staff fairly and continually investing in high-quality provision.
Our educational approach combines the EYFS with Montessori-inspired practice and outdoor learning. Children will regularly explore Wolvercote Common, Port Meadow, Goose Green, and other nearby green spaces, using the local environment as an extension of the classroom.
We're also working closely with Wolvercote Primary School, the Wolvercote Hub, St Peter's Church, the Wolvercote Mill, and other local organisations to ensure the nursery becomes an interwoven part of village life. Some of our extended provision will operate from these venues.
The nursery already enjoys deep community support, with local families, volunteers, businesses, and organisations all playing an active role in bringing the project to life.
The Role
As Nursery Manager, you'll provide the leadership, vision, and day-to-day management needed to establish an outstanding nursery from its very first day.
You'll create an environment where children flourish, families feel welcomed, and staff are encouraged to grow professionally within a culture of collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement.
Working alongside the Trustees, you'll help shape the nursery's future, ensuring it remains educationally ambitious, financially sustainable, and deeply connected to its community. Unlike many larger providers, you'll have autonomy to shape the nursery's direction.
The role includes strategic oversight of our breakfast club, after-school club, and holiday club provision.
Key Responsibilities
You'll:
- Lead the successful opening and day-to-day operation of the nursery.
- Recruit, develop, and inspire an exceptional staff team.
- Create an engaging learning environment inspired by the EYFS, Montessori principles, and outdoor learning.
- Foster a warm, inclusive culture where every child and family feels welcomed and valued.
- Build strong relationships with parents, local schools, and community organisations.
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), embedding a strong safeguarding culture throughout the nursery.
- Ensure compliance with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, safeguarding legislation, and all relevant statutory guidance.
- Lead the nursery through Ofsted registration and future inspections.
- Support the development and oversight of breakfast club, after-school club, and holiday club provision for children registered with the nursery.
- Work with the Trustees to oversee staffing, occupancy, budgets, and the nursery's continued development.
About You
Above all, we're looking for someone who is:
- Warm and approachable.
- Organised and dependable.
- Innovative and forward-thinking.
- Community-minded.
- Passionate about high-quality early years education.
- Excited by the opportunity to help create a nursery from the ground up.
You'll be an experienced early years leader who shares our values and is excited by the opportunity to build something lasting.
Essential Criteria
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or equivalent).
- At least five years' experience working in an early years setting.
- At least two years' experience in a leadership role as a Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, or equivalent.
- Excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding responsibilities, and Ofsted requirements.
- Experience of recruiting, leading, and developing staff.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Level 4 qualification or above.
- Experience of Montessori-inspired practice, Forest School, or outdoor learning.
- Current Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training.
- Current Paediatric First Aid qualification.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to establish a brand-new charitable nursery from day one.
- The freedom and autonomy to shape the curriculum, culture, and learning environment.
- A supportive and engaged Board of Trustees who value collaboration, innovation, and professional expertise.
- A welcomingnursery where every child, family, and member of staff is known and valued.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- Annual salary review as the nursery grows.
- The opportunity to become an integral part of a thriving village community.
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
Wolvercote Community Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The Nursery Manager will act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and lead safeguarding practice across the nursery in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and statutory safeguarding guidance.
Appointment to this post is subject to:
- An Enhanced DBS check, including a Children's Barred List check.
- Two satisfactory professional references, including one from your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted following a conditional offer of employment unless you request otherwise.
- Verification of identity, right to work in the UK, and relevant qualifications.
- A satisfactory health declaration where required.
- Completion or renewal of mandatory training, including Designated Safeguarding Lead and Paediatric First Aid training where required.
We are committed to safer recruitment and will carry out all pre-employment checks in accordance with statutory guidance.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Wolvercote Community Nursery is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to equal opportunities in recruitment and employment.
How to Apply
Please send the following to [email protected]:
- Your CV.
- A covering letter (maximum two pages) explaining:
- why you'd like to join Wolvercote Community Nursery;
- what excites you about helping establish a new community nursery; and
- how your experience, leadership style, and values make you the right person for this role.
- The names, job titles, organisations, email addresses, and telephone numbers of two professional referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer.
Closing Date: Friday 26 June 2026
Interviews: Early July 2026
Start Date: August 2026
If you're excited by the opportunity to help create something genuinely special for children and families, we'd love to hear from you.
If you have any queries please contact [email protected].
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
