At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create engaging learning experiences for children.
- Company: Join the outstanding Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery, part of Family First Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, childcare discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and over a year of Early Years experience required.
The predicted salary is between 29245 - 29245 £ per year.
Ready to take the next step in your early years career? We’re recruiting an experienced Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader at Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
Full time - 36 hours £29,245 per annum. Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is a beautiful converted house nursery, rated Outstanding by Ofsted (November 2022). We provide a warm, home‑from‑home environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to thrive. The nursery is located on Hawthorn Avenue via Acacia Avenue, based on the school grounds of Colchester Academy, offering a well‑established setting at the heart of the local community.
Why Join Us?
- Generous Annual Leave: 24 days to start, plus bank holidays and your birthday off – paid!
- Childcare Discount: 75% off nursery fees for your little ones
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Confidential employee assistance helpline
- Career Growth: Personalised learning and development opportunities
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to £750 with our referral scheme*
Room Leader duties and responsibilities:
- Lead the room to deliver engaging, age‑appropriate learning experiences
- Support children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development
- Role model best practice and support staff development and consistency
- Oversee high‑quality learning records and systems (EyLog/EyMan)
- Ensure the safety, wellbeing and EYFS compliance at all times
Room Leader requirement and skills:
- Full and relevant Level 3 in Childcare qualification - Essential
- Over 1 year’s experience working in Early Years - Essential
- Sound knowledge of Ofsted expectations to achieve a Good or Outstanding rating - Desirable
- Knowledge of the statutory framework for the EYFS and regulatory requirements - Essential
- Fluent in written and spoken English - Essential
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.
Locations
Nursery Manager in Colchester, Essex employer: Family First Nursery Group
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its team members. With a warm, supportive work culture, generous annual leave, and significant childcare discounts, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of the community, this nursery offers unique opportunities for career development in a nurturing environment dedicated to safeguarding and equality.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in Colchester, Essex
✨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 lookout 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 your game face on for interviews! Research common interview questions for nursery management roles and practice your responses. Show off your knowledge of Ofsted expectations and how you can lead a team to deliver outstanding care and education.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities at Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to spot your application!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making a lasting impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and gives you another chance to highlight why you’d be a great fit for the nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in Colchester, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, especially your Level 3 in Childcare. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the responsibilities of the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for early years education and why you’re excited about joining Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery. Let us know how you can contribute to our warm, home-from-home environment.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Ofsted:Since we’re rated Outstanding by Ofsted, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of their expectations. Mention any relevant experiences or strategies you've used to achieve high standards in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about quality!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Family First!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations. Brush up on the latest guidelines and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied them in your previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Nursery Manager, you’ll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed staff or led a room before. Think about specific situations where you’ve modelled best practices or supported staff development – this will highlight your capability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation! Ask thoughtful questions about their approach to childcare and how they support staff. This shows your genuine interest in the nursery and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your passion for early years education shine through. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to child development and creating a nurturing environment. This personal touch can make a lasting impression and set you apart from other candidates.
