Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager £38,000-£40,000pa Southend, Essex An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and enthusiastic individual to manage an established nursery and pre-school in Southend, supporting children aged 0–4 years old. This full-time leadership role offers a chance to shape the setting from its very first days and nurture a team committed to high-quality early years education. Salary: £38,000–£40,000 depending on experience and working pattern (4 or 5 days per week). Benefits: Work within a Montessori-inspired, child-led environment Join a supportive team with hands-on leadership involvement Access to a secure garden and forest school to support outdoor learning all year round Contribute to a setting with strong links to the local community and established pre-schools Responsibilities: Oversee the daily running of the nursery, ensuring smooth operations and regulatory compliance Lead and support a team of early years practitioners, promoting professional development and collaboration Provide high-quality care for children aged 0–4 Ensure effective planning and record-keeping in line with EYFS and Montessori frameworks Maintain a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for all children Foster positive relationships with parents, staff, and external agencies Requirements: Minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare or Equivalent Proven leadership experience in a nursery or early years setting Strong understanding of the EYFS and ideally experience with Montessori principles Confident communicator with excellent organisational and administrative skills Skilled in record-keeping and tracking children\’s progress and development Experience managing staff and supporting a cohesive team Passionate about delivering outstanding childcare and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment If you\’re ready to play a key role in developing a new and inspiring early years setting, we\’d love to hear from you