Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager

Haywards Heath Full-Time 34000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage a nursery, ensuring exceptional care and education for children.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team focused on nurturing young minds and building strong family relationships.
  • Benefits: Enjoy perks like childcare support, company events, discounts, and a health programme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in early years education while leading a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: Must have proven nursery management experience and a Level 3 qualification in Childcare.
  • Other info: Full-time role with a salary up to £45,000; apply with your CV!

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 50000 £ per year.

Overview

We are seeking a nursery manager to work full time for 52 weeks per year all year round.

The Role

As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the full leadership, development, and day‑to‑day management of the nursery, from pre‑opening stages through to ongoing operations. Your focus will be on delivering exceptional care and education, building a strong and happy team, and ensuring the nursery thrives both in quality and performance.

As Nursery Manager, you’ll take the lead in creating a warm, nurturing, and high‑performing environment for children, families, and your team. You’ll work closely with our Head Office team to oversee the pre‑opening and launch of the nursery and then continue to ensure exceptional standards and outcomes for years to come.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the full nursery set‑up process, including registration, recruitment, and resourcing.
  • Ensure the nursery meets and exceeds all EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding requirements.
  • Recruit, manage, and motivate a high‑performing team.
  • Drive occupancy and maintain excellent relationships with families.
  • Ensure outstanding standards of care, teaching, and learning across the setting.
  • Manage budgets, staffing, compliance, and all operational aspects.

Essential Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Nursery Manager in an Ofsted‑registered setting.
  • Experience managing large nurseries.
  • Previous Area Manager experience or Senior Manager roles in larger settings would be ideal.
  • Minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare.
  • Strong knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted frameworks, and safeguarding.
  • A confident leader with the ability to build and lead an exceptional team.
  • Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Passion for early years education and a child‑centred approach to leadership.

Benefits

  • Childcare
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Employee discount
  • Free parking
  • Health & wellbeing programme
  • On‑site parking
  • Sick pay
  • Store discount

Job Details

Job Types: Full‑time, Permanent

Pay: £40,000.00‑£45,000.00 per year

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Licence/Certification: Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Please apply using your CV and we will aim to respond within 3 working days.

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Nursery Manager employer: Happy Nurses

As a Nursery Manager with us, you will thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment that prioritises exceptional care and education for children. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a strong focus on team development, ensuring you can lead with confidence and passion. Located in a vibrant community, we offer competitive benefits including childcare support, health programmes, and a collaborative work culture that values your contributions.
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Contact Detail:

Happy Nurses Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the EYFS and Ofsted frameworks, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've met these standards in your previous roles will show your expertise.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully built and motivated teams in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to create a nurturing environment for both staff and children.

✨Tip Number 3

Research our company culture and values to align your approach with what we stand for. Showing that you understand and resonate with our mission can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with nursery setup and management, especially in relation to compliance and operational aspects. Being able to articulate your strategic vision for a nursery will impress us.

We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Childcare Knowledge
EYFS Framework Understanding
Ofsted Compliance
Safeguarding Awareness
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Budget Management
Recruitment and Staffing
Operational Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Passion for Early Years Education

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Nursery Manager, particularly in Ofsted-registered settings. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage large teams and nurseries.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early years education and your child-centred approach to leadership. Mention specific examples of how you've driven occupancy and maintained excellent relationships with families in past roles.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your Level 3 qualification in Childcare. If you have any additional certifications related to EYFS or safeguarding, make sure to include those as well.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a managerial role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Happy Nurses

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Nursery Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your leadership style and how you motivate others.

✨Know the EYFS and Ofsted Requirements

Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain high standards in your previous roles, as this will be crucial for the nursery's success.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous positions and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to childcare and team management.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Early Years Education

Your passion for early years education should shine through during the interview. Share your vision for creating a nurturing environment and how you plan to engage with children and families to foster a positive atmosphere.

Nursery Manager
Happy Nurses
Location: Haywards Heath
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