Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create a nurturing environment for children's growth and development.
  • Company: SRC Community Nursery, a non-profit dedicated to affordable, high-quality childcare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, childcare discounts, and generous annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and 3 years of leadership experience required.
  • Other info: Join a friendly community with excellent career progression opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.

SRC Community Nursery is currently looking for a committed, confident, driven and enthusiastic Nursery Manager to lead their professional and friendly Nursery Team to ensure the highest possible outcomes for children in their care. A rewarding role awaits with a good remuneration package, including free lunches, childcare discounts and team-building events.

SRC Community Nursery is an independent non-profit community nursery in the heart of Kennington, set up by parents 42 years ago. The vision and the setup is inspiring - to create affordable high-quality childcare and education - and their setup enables them to re-invest any profit to help them achieve their purpose. As an independent nursery, the Manager is supported by the Management Team made up of dedicated parents with a wealth of experience and skills. The Nursery is a warm and friendly setting that provides a positive, safe, happy, and nurturing approach to childcare and education. The children in their care are regularly introduced to new fun and interactive experiences that encourage them to develop a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. Children are supported to learn through what interests them, and there is a developing focus on learning beyond the nursery walls. Their ethos is to demonstrate a play-based approach to learning through positive experiences. In 2024, the Nursery received a ‘Good’ OFSTED rating and recent parental surveys also show parents are happy with the provision.

Staff Benefits:

  • 3% pension scheme
  • Time off in lieu
  • 25 days paid annual leave rising to 30 days with length of service
  • 30% childcare discount for your own child
  • Staff Christmas event complimentary of the company
  • Free lunches made on site

Job Duties Summary:

  • Lead and manage staff, providing guidance, mentoring, and training
  • Ensure full nursery management coverage, including opening and closing
  • Collaborate with the management committee to set nursery policies
  • Act as designated safeguarding lead, ensuring child protection
  • Support children with SEND, liaise with external agencies, and maintain inclusive practices
  • Oversee enrolment, transitions, and additional hours for new children
  • Maintain GDPR‑compliant child records and adhere to Health and Safety policies
  • Work closely with parents, conduct staff supervisions, and facilitate effective communication
  • Organise recruitment, training, and staff development initiatives
  • Chair and participate in team meetings, demonstrating effective leadership
  • Engage in regular listening exercises to ensure all staff feel valued and heard

The successful candidate will:

  • Hold a Level 3 qualification or above in childcare (or equivalent)
  • Hold 3 years post‑qualifying experience in a leadership role in a Nursery setting
  • Have strong numeracy skills
  • Have experience of managing budgets and invoicing/billing
  • Have strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, child protection and Prevent Duty
  • Work 37.5 hours a week
  • Work shift patterns between the hours of 8am–6pm

How to apply for the role:

If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to tailor your application and provide a cover letter or any supporting documents. If your CV is shortlisted, someone from Flat Fee Recruiter will be in touch by phone on behalf of SRC to discuss your experience and the role in more detail. You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.

Close date: 16 January 2026

First‑round Interviews: w/c 26 January 2026

Nursery Manager employer: Flat Fee Recruiter

SRC Community Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for its staff in the heart of Kennington. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including free lunches and childcare discounts, and a collaborative management team made up of dedicated parents, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. The nursery's ethos of play-based learning and community involvement creates a rewarding atmosphere that fosters growth and satisfaction.
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Contact Detail:

Flat Fee Recruiter Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager

Tip Number 1

Get to know the nursery's ethos and values before your interview. We want to see how you can align with our mission of providing high-quality childcare. Researching us will help you answer questions more confidently and show your genuine interest.

Tip Number 2

Prepare some examples of your leadership experience in a nursery setting. We love hearing about how you've managed teams, supported staff development, or improved child outcomes. Real-life stories make you memorable!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! We appreciate candidates who are curious about our practices and policies. It shows you're engaged and ready to contribute to our community nursery.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for a smoother process. We’ll keep you updated on your application status, and it’s a great way to ensure your CV gets directly into our hands. Let’s make this happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager

Leadership Skills
Childcare Management
Safeguarding Knowledge
EYFS Knowledge
Budget Management
Numeracy Skills
Communication Skills
Staff Development
Inclusive Practices
Team Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Mentoring Skills
Health and Safety Compliance
GDPR Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, especially those related to childcare and management. We want to see how your skills align with our vision!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for early years education and how you can contribute to our friendly nursery team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to high-quality childcare.

Showcase Your Values: At SRC Community Nursery, we value a nurturing approach to education. In your application, reflect on how your personal values align with ours. Share examples of how you've created positive learning environments in the past!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll receive all the necessary information about tailoring your application and what to expect next. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!

How to prepare for a job interview at Flat Fee Recruiter

Know Your Nursery Ethos

Before the interview, make sure you understand SRC Community Nursery's vision and ethos. Familiarise yourself with their play-based approach to learning and how they support children’s development. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate that you're a great fit for their team.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Nursery Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Think of specific examples where you've successfully mentored staff or improved team dynamics. Highlighting your experience in managing budgets and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies will also show that you’re ready for the role.

Engage with the Interviewers

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the nursery's current challenges or future plans. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into whether this is the right environment for you. Engaging with the interviewers can leave a lasting impression.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various situations in a nursery setting. Think about past experiences where you dealt with challenging behaviours or implemented new policies. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently during the interview.

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