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- Tasks: Lead a nursery, ensuring a fun and safe environment for children while managing staff and activities.
- Company: Join Tops Day Nurseries, a leading childcare provider committed to employee well-being and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £700 welcome bonus, flexible hours, 28 days holiday, and childcare discounts up to 60%.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives in a supportive, award-winning workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years Qualification and knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding procedures.
- Other info: Be part of an employee-owned company with profit-sharing bonuses and career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Nursery Manager
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Location: Tops Wimborne, Bournemouth, Dorset
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Job type: Full time, Permanent
\\nSalary: Up to £40,000 per annum
\\nContracted Hours: 40 hours per week
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“Staff well-being is valued and nurtured. The provider offers staff opportunities to celebrate their achievements and contributions. These include staff nominations on the 'Each Person Scheme' and special award nights to recognise both individual and nursery achievements.”- OFSTED recent feedback
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Why You’ll Love Working with Us
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At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family:
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Why You’ll Love Working with Us
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At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family:
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£700 Welcome Bonus: We’re excited to have you join us and want to start things off with a warm welcome!
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Relocation Package: Receive up to £3000 to help make your move as smooth as possible.
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Annual Bonus Scheme: As an Employee-Owned Company, you’ll share in our success. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.
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Childcare Discount: Enjoy up to 60% off childcare within Tops Day Nurseries, making it easier for you to balance work and family life.
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Flexible Working Options: Make the Most of Your Time Off with Compressed Hours. By working compressed hours, you could gain up to 48 extra days off per year. Alternatively, if you work nine days over a two-week period, you’ll receive up to 24 additional days off annually. And that’s in addition to your standard holiday allowance!
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Proud to be a World’s Happiest Workplace: Tops Day Nurseries has been officially certified as a World’s Happiest Workplace for 2025, recognising our commitment to employee well-being, career growth, and a positive workplace culture.
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Holiday Allowance: We all need time to rest, reset and enjoy the moments that matter most. That’s why you’ll receive 28 days of annual leave each year to relax and spend time doing what you love.
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And because we know how important it is to look after you, you’ll also receive 2 extra days:
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- One to celebrate your birthday – or another day that’s special to you
- And a Wellbeing Day, just for you, to take a pause, recharge, and focus on what makes you feel good.
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That’s a total of 30 days off each year – because you deserve it.
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Free meals: Our nurseries are proud to provide free breakfast to our colleagues as part of our commitment to supporting your well-being. Enjoy freshly prepared meals each day, ensuring you're energized and ready to provide the best care and education for the children we nurture.
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Employee Recognition: Access to the Blue Light Card, offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.
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Employee Recognition Platform: Access our reward and recognition platform, Each Person, for Gym discounts, Cycle2Work benefits, GP on demand, Cinema deals, Diesel Savings Card, and cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers. We also use Each person to celebrate employee of the month!
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Health and Wellbeing Support: We’ve got you covered with NHS Prescription Charges, Optical Care, and Dental Treatment.
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Career Development: We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement.
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Travel and Parking Season Ticket loan: Borrow up to £500 interest-free and spread the expense easily, whether for public transport or parking.
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** Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative
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About the Senior Nursery Manager Role
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Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and looking for a fresh new challenge?
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Are you ready to start a new term in a new setting and put your own stamp on the nursery?
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As a Senior Nursery Manager, you’ll help create a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children in our care. You’ll supervise children, ensure their safety, and organize activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. While some days might be challenging, you’ll also laugh, have fun, and make lasting memories with our children during one of the most important development stages of their lives!
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About the Nursery
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Tops Wimborne Nursery is an 80 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Leigh Road, Wimborne. The nursery run several extra-curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, meditation and much more!
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What does the Senior Nursery Manager role involve?
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- Demonstrate a solid background in effectively managing nursery settings.
- Communicate excellently to engage with children, staff members, and parents.
- Use creative skills and imagination to provide educational activities that ensure children are happy and learning in a rewarding environment.
- Maintain a positive outlook to keep children happy and build an environment where they feel secure and rewarded.
- Conduct interviews for potential applicants put forward by the recruitment department.
- Develop and maintain the nursery budget.
- Arrange marketing materials.
- Monitor the condition of the facility and equipment, organizing maintenance, repairs, and new items as required.
- Update parents and carers about their child’s progress and behaviour.
- Answer enquiries about enrolment, payments, and practices.
- Develop and implement an age-appropriate program of annual events and activities.
- Prepare the nursery for Ofsted inspections and follow inspector recommendations.
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What are we looking for?
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- A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
- Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS
- Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures
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Why Tops Day Nurseries?
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We are a leading early education and childcare provider in South England, established in 1990. We promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility by educating today’s children to influence future generations. We value respect, open communication, and teamwork, fostering a positive, purpose-driven work environment.
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As an Employee-Owned Company, our colleagues are co-owners, benefiting from the company’s growth through annual profit-sharing bonuses. We're also proud to rank 9th in the 2024 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK, offering career development from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships to Nursery Manager or Early Years Teacher.
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Exciting? We think so! Your journey starts here, so take the first step to become part of Tops Team by clicking apply!
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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks. This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Childrens’ Barred List.
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TOPST1
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Senior Nursery Manager employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nursery Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the EYFS framework and current safeguarding procedures. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively and engage with both staff and parents will set you apart as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Tops Day Nurseries and their values, especially their commitment to employee well-being and environmental sustainability. Tailoring your conversation to reflect their ethos during the interview can help you connect with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss innovative educational activities you've implemented in the past. Sharing creative ideas that align with the nursery's focus on fun and learning will demonstrate your proactive approach and passion for early years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in early years leadership and nursery management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to create a safe and educational environment for children.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for early childhood education. Mention why you are excited about the opportunity at Tops Day Nurseries and how your values align with their commitment to staff well-being and child development.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your Level 3 Early Years Qualification and any additional certifications or training you have completed. Highlight your knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures, as these are crucial for the role.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about common interview questions related to nursery management and child care. Prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your experience and approach to creating a positive learning environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Nursery Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, highlighting your ability to motivate and inspire staff while creating a positive environment for children.
✨Know the EYFS Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you would implement it in the nursery setting, ensuring that children receive a balanced and enriching educational experience.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to safeguarding. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would handle them, particularly regarding child safety and staff management.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, engage actively with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the nursery's culture, values, and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
