Salary - from £39,041.60 per year plus bonus scheme up to £5000 per year

Hours - 40 hours per week (either 4 day working week or 5 day working week)

Contract - Permanent

Role Purpose

The Nursery Manager is responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and operation of the nursery, ensuring high‑quality care and early years education for children aged 0–5 in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The post holder will lead the team to deliver a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment, maintain regulatory compliance, support families and drive continuous improvement across all aspects of the setting.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Provide strong, visible leadership to the nursery team, fostering a positive, inclusive and professional culture.

• Recruit, induct, supervise and develop staff; lead regular team meetings, appraisals and supervision.

• Ensure staff deployment meets ratios and the needs of children and the setting.

• Promote continuous professional development and support staff to meet their training needs.

• Implement and monitor policies, procedures and best practice to maintain high standards of care and education.

Children’s Learning, Development and Wellbeing

• Oversee the delivery of the EYFS to ensure children receive high‑quality learning and development opportunities.

• Support and guide the team in planning, observation, assessment and tracking of children’s progress.

• Maintain a welcoming, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued and supported.

• Promote positive behaviour management and support transitions, additional needs and inclusive practice.

Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Compliance

• Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; ensure staff follow safeguarding procedures and complete required training.

• Ensure the nursery meets statutory requirements, Ofsted regulations and company standards.

• Maintain accurate records including registers, accident and incident logs, medication records and children’s files.

• Oversee health and safety arrangements, risk assessments and premises management to provide a safe environment.

Partnerships with Parents and the Wider Community

• Develop and maintain strong, professional relationships with parents and carers, promoting open communication and family involvement.

• Work collaboratively with external agencies, health professionals and local schools to support children and families.

• Represent the nursery within the local community and support any marketing or outreach activities to maintain occupancy levels.

Administration and Financial Management

• Manage the nursery budget, resources and supplies efficiently and within organisational procedures.

• Oversee invoicing, fee collection and record keeping in line with company policy.

• Ensure effective organisational systems for rotas, staff records and compliance paperwork.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 or above qualification in Childcare / Early Years (or equivalent) with relevant management or leadership qualification (e.g. Level 5 or CACHE Leadership & Management) or demonstrable leadership experience.

• Proven experience of managing or leading an early years team within a nursery or similar setting.

• Thorough knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted/ CIW requirements and current early years practice.

• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one) and willingness to complete required pre‑employment checks.

Desirable

• Experience of managing budgets, occupancy and business planning in an early years setting.

• First Aid and safeguarding leadership training (or willingness to undertake).

• Experience of working with children with additional needs and with external multi‑agency teams.

What We Offer

• Supportive, values‑led organisation committed to staff development and wellbeing.

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• Competitive salary and employee benefits in line with experience and qualification.

• A rewarding role making a positive difference to children and families within the local community.

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.