At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver high-quality early years education and care.
- Company: Combe Down Nursery, a supportive and nurturing environment for children and staff.
- Benefits: Starting salary from £38,000, 75% childcare discount, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in Early Years.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of management experience in early years settings; degree-level qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Combe Down Nursery, Bath, BA2 5HY
Salary: Starting from £38,000, depending on qualifications and experience, but negotiable for the right applicant
Hours: 36 hours per week across 4 days. Working hours fall between 7.30 am and 6.30 pm on a shift pattern, working opposite the Deputy Manager.
Following an internal promotion, we are now recruiting for a Nursery Manager at our Combe Down Nursery and would welcome CVs from experienced candidates.
Role Overview: We are seeking a highly experienced Nursery Manager with a minimum of 5 years of consistent management experience and a strong track record of leading practice within a team and maintaining high standards of early years education and care. This is a hands-on leadership role and we are specifically looking for candidates who are confident working alongside their team within the nursery environment rather than operating primarily from an office. The Nursery Manager will be responsible for the overall quality of practice within the setting and for ensuring compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework.
Key Priorities for the Role
- Leading and developing a strong, reflective staff team through coaching and professional development
- Driving high-quality, child-centred care and education across the setting
- Supporting marketing and enrolment activity to ensure sustainable business growth
- Developing strong, positive partnerships with parents and families
- Embedding a transparent safeguarding culture that is visible in everyday practice
Experience and Qualifications
While the role requires knowledge of operational aspects such as safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory compliance, the nursery has a Finance Director responsible for financial management and a senior management team, including a regional SENDCo, that supports wider operational functions. This is a hands-on leadership role. We are seeking a manager who enjoys working alongside their team in the nursery environment and supporting practitioners in delivering outstanding care and education. Ideally, a degree-level qualification in Early Childhood or a related field, although extensive relevant leadership experience within early years settings will also be considered.
Why Join Us
- Supportive team and ongoing training
- Opportunities to grow your career in Early Years
- A warm, caring environment where children and staff thrive
- 75% staff childcare discount
- Access to 24-hour confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Training opportunities available up to level 6
This post is classed as ‘Regulated Activity’ and requires an Enhanced DBS check. If you're ready to lead, inspire, and help children thrive – apply now and start the next chapter in your early years career.
Nursery Manager employer: Bath Nursery
At Combe Down Nursery, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and nurturing work environment. Our team enjoys ongoing training opportunities, a warm atmosphere where both children and staff thrive, and a generous 75% childcare discount, making it an ideal place for those passionate about early years education to grow their careers. Join us in Bath, where you can lead a dedicated team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow nurseries and early years organisations on social media. Engage with their posts and share your insights. This not only keeps you updated on job opportunities but also shows your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to nursery management. Think about how you would lead a team, ensure compliance, and drive high-quality care. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our supportive team at Combe Down Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your management experience and any relevant qualifications in early childhood education to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about early years education and how your hands-on leadership style aligns with our nursery's values. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Whether it’s improving staff performance or enhancing child-centred care, we want to see how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath Nursery
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory compliance. This will show that you’re not just a manager but a hands-on leader who understands the ins and outs of early years education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve developed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve coached staff or improved practice within your team. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can lead by example and foster a reflective, high-quality environment.
✨Engage with the Nursery Environment
Since this role is all about being present in the nursery, be ready to talk about how you interact with children and staff daily. Share experiences where you’ve worked alongside your team, highlighting your commitment to child-centred care and education.
✨Build Relationships
Discuss how you’ve developed strong partnerships with parents and families in previous roles. Be prepared to share strategies you’ve used to engage with the community and promote enrolment. This shows that you understand the importance of collaboration and communication in a nursery setting.
