Head of Nursery

Head of Nursery

Full-Time 41897 - 59000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate Nursery team and shape exceptional early years provision.
  • Company: A welcoming primary school in Hillingdon with inclusive values.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's early learning journeys in a nurturing environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and strong Early Years leadership experience.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to staff wellbeing and continuous development.

The predicted salary is between 41897 - 59000 £ per year.

Are you an inspiring Early Years leader looking to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in inclusive, high-performing settings and enjoy shaping exceptional Nursery provision? If so, this role could be your ideal opportunity.

We are seeking a Head of Nursery (Nursery Manager) to join a thriving primary school in Hillingdon. This full-time, permanent position begins in September 2026.

Position Details

  • Location: Hillingdon
  • Start Date: September 2026
  • Contract: Full Time, Permanent
  • Salary: MPS1 – UPS3 Outer London (£37,870 – £56,154) + TLR (£3,527)

About the School

This well-loved school in the Hayes area of Hillingdon is known for its welcoming atmosphere, inclusive values, and child-centred approach. The Early Years environment is bright, spacious, play-rich, and led by a highly experienced team. The school places great value on nurturing each child’s confidence, curiosity, and early learning journey.

The Role

  • Lead the Nursery team with vision, professionalism, and high expectations
  • Oversee curriculum planning, assessment, and continuous provision
  • Ensure the learning environment promotes curiosity, independence, and early excellence
  • Support, mentor, and develop Nursery practitioners and support staff
  • Uphold safeguarding practices and ensure compliance across the EYFS framework
  • Work closely with senior leadership to align the Nursery with whole-school goals

This role is ideal for an Early Years specialist with QTS, strong leadership experience, and a passion for creating outstanding Nursery provision.

We welcome applications from candidates who:

  • Hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
  • Have strong Early Years leadership experience or ambition to step into a leadership role
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of the EYFS framework and child development
  • Can lead and inspire a team to deliver consistently high-quality provision
  • Are ready to start in January and take on a full-time leadership position

What the School Offers

  • A warm, supportive, and collaborative Early Years team
  • A well-resourced Nursery with excellent indoor and outdoor learning spaces
  • A leadership team that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth
  • Opportunities for continued training and development
  • A nurturing school culture built on respect, curiosity, and high expectations

If you are an inspiring and committed Head of Nursery (Nursery Manager) with QTS, ready for a rewarding permanent opportunity in Hillingdon starting September 2026, we would love to hear from you.

Head of Nursery employer: Academics Ltd.

Join a thriving primary school in Hillingdon as the Head of Nursery, where you will be part of a warm and supportive team dedicated to nurturing children's early learning journeys. With a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and professional growth, this role offers excellent resources and opportunities for continued training in a collaborative environment that values inclusivity and high expectations. If you are passionate about leading a vibrant Nursery setting, this is an ideal opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

Academics Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Nursery

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on the perfect Head of Nursery role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the whole school community.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've inspired teams or improved nursery provision in the past. We love hearing about your successes and how you can bring that magic to our school!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in Early Years education.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Nursery

Early Years Leadership
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Curriculum Planning
Assessment
Safeguarding Practices
EYFS Framework Knowledge
Child Development Understanding
Team Leadership
Mentoring and Development
High Expectations
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Professional Growth
Nurturing Environment Creation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Early Years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about shaping exceptional Nursery provision and nurturing young minds.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that align with the Head of Nursery role. We’re looking for strong leadership experience and a deep understanding of the EYFS framework, so don’t hold back!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your achievements in Early Years settings and how you’ve inspired others to deliver high-quality provision.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!

How to prepare for a job interview at Academics Ltd.

✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement it in your nursery and share examples of how you've done this in the past.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Think about your leadership style and how it aligns with the school's values. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led a team, mentored staff, or improved nursery provision in previous roles.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Practice responding to situations like managing a challenging behaviour or implementing a new curriculum initiative.

✨Highlight Your Commitment to Inclusion

Since the school values inclusivity, be prepared to discuss how you would ensure all children feel valued and included in the nursery environment. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to creating an inclusive setting.

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