Nursery Manager

Salary: Competitive
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Term Time (36 weeks) plus 6 weeks Holiday Club
Reporting to: Head of Early Years

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and dedicated Nursery Manager to lead a thriving Early Years provision within a well-established independent school setting.

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspirational leader to oversee the day-to-day running of a nursery, creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where children aged 2-4 can learn, develop and thrive. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping outstanding early years experiences while leading and developing a committed team of practitioners.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the nursery team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
• Oversee staff performance, appraisals, mentoring and professional development.
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS requirements, safeguarding procedures and school policies.
• Contribute to wider school initiatives and maintain strong links with Reception and other departments.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy DSL) within the nursery provision.

Quality of Education

• Deliver and maintain an engaging, high-quality EYFS curriculum.
• Monitor planning, assessment and children's progress.
• Create an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence and independence.
• Support effective transitions into Reception.

Operational Management

• Manage staffing ratios, rotas and daily nursery operations.
• Maintain accurate records relating to attendance, safeguarding and child development.
• Ensure the highest standards of health, safety and hygiene.
• Oversee nursery resources, equipment and budget management.

Parent & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Provide regular updates on children's development and wellbeing.
• Lead parent meetings, events and reporting processes.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Champion a strong safeguarding culture across the nursery.
• Ensure all staff remain compliant with statutory requirements and training.
• Liaise with external agencies where appropriate.

About You

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Level 5 or Level 6 qualification desirable.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain.
• Safeguarding training essential.
• DSL qualification desirable.

Experience

• Significant experience working within an Early Years setting.
• Previous leadership or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• Warm, nurturing and approachable personality.
• Passion for delivering exceptional early years education.
• High levels of professionalism, emotional intelligence and attention to detail.
• Flexible, proactive and committed to continuous improvement.

Safeguarding Statement

The successful applicant will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references and any additional pre-employment screening required.

If you are an enthusiastic Early Years leader looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.