At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing nursery environment and inspire your team to deliver outstanding childcare.
- Company: Join a supportive and forward-thinking organisation with a strong community presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, childcare discounts, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options and ongoing training for your professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while advancing your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced Early Years Manager to lead our Thornbury Nursery, located North of Bristol. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact by shaping a high-quality, nurturing environment where children can thrive, while building a rewarding leadership career within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation at an exciting time of growth.
We offer a supportive and flexible working environment designed to help you succeed in your role while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a leader within the nursery, you’ll be empowered to shape both your team’s success and your own professional journey. You’ll lead the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care and education. By inspiring your team and fostering strong relationships with families, you’ll create a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment where every child can flourish.
Thornbury Nursery is a well-established setting with a strong community presence, ideally located between Bristol and Gloucester. Led by an experienced and supportive team, the nursery offers a welcoming and stable environment where both children and staff are encouraged to thrive. This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a growing setting. With continued development plans and a strong reputation in the local community, you’ll play a central role in shaping the nursery’s future and making a lasting difference. We invest in you as much as you invest in the children and your team. You’ll benefit from structured training, leadership mentoring, and clear progression pathways, supporting your continued growth and career advancement.
What you’ll do:
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery in line with EYFS and Ofsted standards
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of practitioners to deliver outstanding childcare
- Manage budgets, staffing, and resources effectively
- Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the local community
- Drive continuous improvement and maintain a safe, nurturing environment
What we’re looking for:
- Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years/Childcare
- Proven leadership experience in an early years setting
- Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
- Excellent organisational, communication, and people management skills
- A proactive, approachable leadership style and passion for high-quality care
What you’ll get:
- 50% childcare discount
- Fully funded Blue Light Card
- Life assurance
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Up to 4 extra days off at Christmas
- Health and wellbeing support (SPARK app)
- Ongoing training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities
- Joining a team where you’re valued, supported, and empowered to lead with confidence and purpose
Safeguarding commitment: Happy Days Nurseries is committed to safeguarding children. All roles are subject to appropriate checks.
Early Years Manager in Thornbury employer: Happy Days Nurseries
Happy Days Nurseries is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for Early Years Managers at our Thornbury Nursery, located just north of Bristol. With a strong community presence and a commitment to professional development, we empower our leaders to shape their teams and the future of childcare while enjoying a flexible work-life balance and a range of benefits, including generous annual leave and ongoing training opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Manager in Thornbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 researching the nursery's values and community involvement. Show us how your leadership style aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to creating that nurturing environment they’re after.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to nurseries you admire. Express your interest in potential roles and share what you can bring to their team. We love seeing enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll get all the latest updates on new opportunities. Let’s make sure your application stands out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Manager in Thornbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Early Years Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and knowledge of EYFS, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our nursery.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see your commitment to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your information well, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches us quickly and you’ll have access to all the latest updates about the role and our nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Happy Days Nurseries
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in previous roles and how you plan to maintain them at Thornbury Nursery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you motivated your team or improved practices. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can inspire others and create a nurturing environment for both staff and children.
✨Build Relationships with Families
Be ready to talk about how you’ve successfully built relationships with parents and the local community in the past. Share specific strategies you’ve used to engage families and how you plan to foster those connections at Thornbury Nursery.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your approach to driving continuous improvement within an early years setting. Bring examples of how you’ve identified areas for development and implemented changes that have positively impacted the nursery environment and child outcomes.
