Salary: £42000 per annum plus bonus scheme

Competitive – dependent on experience
Hours: Full‑time, 40 hours per week (flexible to business needs)
Contract: Permanent

Role Purpose

The Senior Nursery Manager is responsible for the operational leadership and management of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality early years education and care in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), company standards and statutory requirements. This role combines people management, curriculum oversight, business performance and safeguarding responsibilities to create a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment for children, families and the team.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the nursery team, promoting a positive culture and strong staff engagement.

• Manage recruitment, induction, performance management and rota planning to ensure appropriate staffing levels.

• Oversee day‑to‑day nursery operations, ensuring high standards of care, health and safety, and compliance with statutory requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement through setting clear priorities, monitoring performance and delivering action plans.

Quality of Education and Child Development

• Ensure the effective implementation of the EYFS across all rooms, supporting room leaders and practitioners to deliver excellent learning experiences.

• Monitor assessment, planning and tracking of children’s progress to promote strong outcomes for all age groups.

• Promote inclusive practice and ensure every child’s individual needs are met, including children with SEND.

Safeguarding, Health and Safety

• Take lead responsibility for safeguarding within the nursery, ensuring processes are robust and followed by all staff.

• Maintain high standards of health, safety and welfare, conducting risk assessments and regular checks.

• Ensure all staff are up to date with mandatory training (safeguarding, first aid, food hygiene as appropriate).

Business and Operational Duties

• Support the nursery’s financial performance by managing budgets, fees, occupancy and cost control measures.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, responding to feedback and promoting effective partnership working.

• Represent the nursery within the local community and support marketing and recruitment activities to maintain occupancy.

• Produce accurate records, reports and maintain compliance with company policies and external regulatory bodies.

Team Development and Professional Practice

• Coach and mentor staff to enhance practice, delivering regular supervision, appraisals and development plans.

• Promote a reflective, learning culture and ensure staff have access to ongoing training and career development.

• Work collaboratively with the regional management team to share best practice and support wider organisational initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 qualification in Childcare / Early Years (or equivalent) with significant post‑qualification experience.

• Proven experience of managing a nursery or early years setting, including staff management and operational responsibility.

• Strong knowledge and practical understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements.

• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.

• Committed to promoting high standards of care, inclusion and continuous improvement.

• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undertake one) and right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (or equivalent).

• Experience of budgetary responsibility and achieving occupancy targets.

• Additional leadership or management training and current Paediatric First Aid certification.

Our commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to equal opportunities.

Why join us

• Be part of a supportive, values‑led organisation focused on improving children’s and families’ lives.

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• Competitive salary package and employee benefits.

How to apply

If you are an experienced, motivated leader who is passionate about delivering outstanding early years practice, please apply with a CV and a covering statement outlining your suitability for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and assessed against the person specification.