At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a nursery, ensuring high-quality early learning and childcare.
- Company: Join Dumfries and Galloway Council, committed to equality and community excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, pension scheme, and support for health and wellbeing.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity in a state-of-the-art school with career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: BA in Childhood Practice or equivalent qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 38400 - 41100 £ per year.
We are seeking to recruit an experienced, dedicated, enthusiastic and highly motivated Nursery Manager to work within North West Community Campus Nursery from August 2026. You will be required to work 36 hours per week, 39 weeks per year.
You will be responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring that all children are provided with the highest quality early learning and childcare. Candidates should have a passion for working in early years and have experience, knowledge and understanding of learning through play. Knowledge and understanding of current documentation, in particular Realising the Ambition, Curriculum for Excellence - Early Level, My World Outdoors and Funding Follows the Child and the National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare providers, would be advantageous.
You will be supported to inspire the learning of the children in our setting. You will be required to lead self-evaluation in the nursery and develop and lead improvement and curricular planning. As part of the extended management of the school you will also contribute to overall improvements. You will lead and manage staff and liaise with parents and multi-agency teams to plan for children's learning and development.
We are looking for individuals who enjoy working collegiately with colleagues, and who have a firm commitment to improving the outcomes for children. You will be a values-led, highly-skilled and committed professional who is passionate about improving outcomes for all young people through equity and excellence.
North West Community Campus is a state of the art school, serving a community committed to the highest standards in all that we do. This is a rare opportunity to become a key part of a fantastic staff team in an improving school. The school is situated close to the centre of Dumfries, making it accessible to all the local facilities. Being at a point where the A75 and A76 meet, travel to the new campus is straightforward.
Candidates are required to hold a BA in Childhood Practice, or other relevant childcare qualification equivalent to SCQF level 9. For example, candidates who have gained a BA in Childhood Studies before the end of Dec 2010 and hold a relevant practice qualification such as HNC Childhood Practice or SCQF Level 7 Social Services, Children and Young People may also apply. The qualification/s will enable candidates to register with Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) as a Manager of a Day-Care of Children's Service without conditions. A list of qualifications can be found on the SSSC Website. Candidates should, on an individual basis, ensure they are able to register with the SSSC without conditions prior to applying for the post. Candidates will be responsible for their own registration fees.
This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council. Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.
With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.
Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.
For further queries please contact: Bradey Maxwell-Grierson, Headteacher on 01387 245100 or email: gw17maxwellbradey@
Senior Nursery Manager, Early Years Leadership in Thurso employer: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With access to a comprehensive benefits package, including discounts on everyday essentials, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for career advancement, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to improving outcomes for children in a state-of-the-art facility. Located conveniently in Dumfries, the council fosters a culture of equality and diversity, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in their careers.
Contact Details:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nursery Manager, Early Years Leadership in Thurso
✨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 Senior 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
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current early years documentation, like Realising the Ambition and Curriculum for Excellence. Show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed about the latest trends and standards in childcare.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved outcomes for children in your previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Manager, Early Years Leadership in Thurso
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for working with children and how you can inspire their learning through play.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications in your application. We’re looking for candidates who understand the current documentation and can lead self-evaluation and improvement planning in the nursery.
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 why you’re a great fit for the role of Nursery Manager.
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 at North West Community Campus.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dumfries and Galloway Council
✨Know Your Early Years Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key documents like 'Realising the Ambition' and 'Curriculum for Excellence - Early Level'. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show your understanding of early years education and your commitment to high-quality childcare.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed a nursery in the past. Highlight your experience in self-evaluation and improvement planning, as this role requires strong leadership to inspire both staff and children.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your passion for community involvement by discussing how you’ve previously liaised with parents and multi-agency teams. This shows that you value collaboration and are committed to improving outcomes for children through teamwork.
✨Be Values-Led
Reflect on your personal values and how they align with those of Dumfries and Galloway Council. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of equality, diversity, and respect within the nursery setting.
