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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.
Senior Nursery Manager – Tops Day Nurseries
Base Pay Range
- £700 Welcome Bonus
- Relocation support up to £3,000 (T&C apply)
- Salary: £40,000 per annum
Location: Wimborne, Dorset, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?
At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we value people, offering a share‑ownership model, opportunities for growth and a substantial contribution to our success.
With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. The group is proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and a Top 10 Apprenticeship Employer in the UK (2024).
About the Senior Nursery Manager Role
Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and are looking for a fresh new challenge? As a Senior Nursery Manager, you’ll help create a safe, educational, and fun environment. You’ll supervise children, ensure safety, and organise activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks.
What Does the Role Involve?
- Proven experience in managing nursery settings effectively
- Excellent communication with children, staff, and parents
- Creativity in planning engaging, educational activities
- Positive attitude to foster a secure, happy environment
- Interviewing potential candidates from recruitment
- Managing and maintaining the nursery budget
- Coordinating marketing materials and campaigns
- Overseeing facility and equipment maintenance
- Providing updates to parents on child progress and behaviour
- Handling enrolment, payment, and policy enquiries
- Planning age‑appropriate annual events and activities
- Preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing feedback
What Are We Looking For?
- A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification
- Solid knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures
Important Safeguarding Information
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
- Hold (or be willing to obtain) an Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles (not on the Children’s Barred List)
- Successfully complete background and reference checks
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- £700 Welcome Bonus
- Relocation support up to £3,000 (T&C apply)
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform
- Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care, and dental treatment
- Generous holiday allowance – including birthday off & a wellbeing day
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Apply Now
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
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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.
