At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing nursery, ensuring high-quality care and education for young children.
- Company: Join a community-focused, not-for-profit nursery dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, subsidised childcare, free meals, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Autonomy in decision-making and a supportive management committee awaits you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in early years education while shaping the nursery's future.
- Qualifications: Must have early years qualifications and leadership experience in a nursery setting.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our client is looking to appoint a passionate and dedicated Head of Nursery for their warm, welcoming nursery. This role offers an unusual opportunity to take a senior leadership role at a not-for-profit charitable trust which is run for the benefit of its children and members. The Head of Nursery is accountable to the Management Committee and responsible for the smooth running of all aspects of the business. The Management Committee is predominantly made up of current parents, supporting the nursery and the Head with a range of expertise and experience.
The Role
As Head of Nursery, you will be responsible to the Management Committee for the overall leadership, performance, and development of the setting. You should nurture an inclusive and 'family-like' culture, whilst making operational, financial and administrative decisions to ensure the enduring success of the nursery setting.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic and operational leadership across all areas of the nursery
- Ensuring full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements
- Leading, developing, and inspiring a team of early years practitioners
- Building strong relationships with parents, staff, and external stakeholders
- Managing occupancy, staffing, and financial performance in collaboration with the Management Committee
As Head of Nursery you will, at times, be included in the child-staff ratio. This is to support staff, model best practice and build relationships with the children.
About You
Our client is seeking an experienced and committed leader who can combine strong operational discipline with a passion for early years education. They are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about early childhood education and innovative in approach
- Resilient, tenacious and steadfast in the face of challenges
- Truly dedicated to providing high quality care and learning for young children
- A brilliant communicator with children, parents, staff and external stakeholders
And has:
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
Essential requirements
- Recognised qualifications in early years education (minimum Early Years Educator Level 3) and management.
- Proven experience in a leadership role within an early years setting (minimum of 3 years as Nursery Manager, Deputy, 3rd in charge).
- In-depth knowledge of early years legislation, including in-depth knowledge of safeguarding and child protection with relevant training or certification.
- Comprehensive understanding of the EYFS and experience with OFSTED inspections or equivalent regulatory bodies.
- Strong skills in parent engagement and communication.
- Extensive experience in staff mentoring and career development.
- Basic IT skills specifically in Excel and PowerPoint.
Desirable
- Advanced qualifications in childcare, education, or management.
- Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or equivalent.
- Experience and qualification in delivering STEM curriculum.
What's On Offer
- The opportunity to lead a values-driven, community-focused nursery.
- A high level of autonomy to shape the nursery's direction.
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (increasing by one day for each year of service to a maximum of 30 days).
- An extra day off for your birthday.
- Highly subsidised childcare within the nursery (up to a free place – age dependent).
- Opportunity to join the company pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Free home-cooked meals.
- On-site parking.
- Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free travel loan.
Safeguarding Statement
Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and appropriate safeguarding checks.
Apply
If you are an experienced early years leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date: Friday 5 June 2026
Head of Nursery: Visionary Early Years Leader in Cambridge employer: About Early Years Ltd.
Join a nurturing and community-focused nursery where you can lead with passion and purpose as the Head of Nursery. This not-for-profit charitable trust offers a supportive work culture, competitive benefits including 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, highly subsidised childcare, and ongoing professional development opportunities. With a strong emphasis on family values and collaboration with parents, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in early years education while enjoying a high level of autonomy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Nursery: Visionary Early Years Leader in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years education sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for early childhood education shine through. Share your ideas on how to create an inclusive and nurturing environment – they’ll love hearing your vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the nursery's values and community involvement. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who truly understands and cares about their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate leaders like you to join our community-focused nurseries. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Nursery: Visionary Early Years Leader in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early childhood education shine through. We want to see how dedicated you are to nurturing young minds and creating a warm, welcoming environment.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in early years settings. We’re looking for someone with strong leadership skills, so share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed operations effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the best candidate.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to lead our nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at About Early Years Ltd.
✨Know Your Nursery Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research the nursery's values, mission, and any recent news. Understanding their approach to early years education will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with nurturing a 'family-like' culture. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in previous roles, as this will highlight your capability to lead effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing staff conflicts or ensuring compliance with safeguarding regulations. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and commitment to high-quality care.
✨Engage with the Management Committee
Since the Management Committee is made up of parents, think about how you can build strong relationships with them. Prepare to discuss your strategies for parent engagement and communication, showcasing your ability to foster a collaborative environment.
