Nursery Manager in Maidstone

The nursery is part of a warm, inclusive, and community-focused primary school located in Kent. The school is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Early Years provision is a key part of the school's vision, with a strong emphasis on play-based learning, outdoor exploration, and building positive relationships with families. The school prides itself on:

• A child-centred ethos that celebrates individuality and encourages curiosity
• A supportive and collaborative staff team who work closely across year groups
• A well-resourced Early Years environment, including dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and high-quality early education
• Positive partnerships with parents and the wider community

The Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and day-to-day management of the nursery provision within a primary school in Kent. The role ensures that children aged 3-4 receive a safe, nurturing, and stimulating early years experience aligned with the EYFS framework. The manager leads the nursery team, oversees curriculum delivery, ensures compliance with statutory requirements, and builds strong relationships with parents and the wider school community.

Key responsibilities

• Leadership & Management - Lead, motivate, and support nursery practitioners to deliver high-quality early years education.
• Curriculum & Pedagogy - Plan, implement, and evaluate a rich EYFS curriculum that supports children's learning, development, and school readiness.
• Safeguarding & Welfare - Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or deputy), ensuring all safeguarding policies are followed and children's welfare is prioritised.
• Operational Management - Oversee daily operations including staffing, rotas, room organisation, resources, and health & safety compliance.
• Assessment & Record-Keeping - Monitor children's progress, maintain accurate records, and ensure high-quality observations and assessments.
• Parent & Community Partnerships - Build positive relationships with families, provide regular communication, and support transitions into Reception.
• Quality Assurance - Lead continuous improvement, prepare for Ofsted inspections, and ensure the nursery meets all statutory and school-based standards.
• Inclusion & SEND Support - Work closely with the SENCO to ensure inclusive practice and tailored support for children with additional needs.
• Budget & Resource Management - Manage nursery resources effectively and contribute to budget planning.

What you'll need to succeed

Essential

• Level 3+ Early Years Qualification (Level 6 desirable)
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, child development, and early years pedagogy
• Experience leading or supervising staff in an early years setting
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding, health & safety, and statutory requirements
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues

Desirable

• Experience working within a school-based nursery
• Paediatric First Aid qualification
• DSL training
• Experience supporting children with SEND

What you'll get in return

• Supportive Leadership - A welcoming Senior Leadership Team committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth.
• Professional Development - Access to high-quality CPD, including EYFS training, safeguarding updates, and leadership development pathways.
• Collaborative Team Culture - Work alongside a friendly, experienced Early Years team who share ideas, resources, and best practice.
• Well-Resourced Environment - A thoughtfully designed nursery space with excellent indoor and outdoor learning areas.
• Opportunities to Shape Provision - Freedom to lead, innovate, and develop the nursery's vision and curriculum.
• Family-Friendly Policies - Supportive policies around work-life balance, including term-time working patterns depending on the contract.
• Community Impact - The chance to make a meaningful difference to children and families at a crucial stage in their development.
• Pension & Holiday Entitlement - Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and generous holiday allowances (contract-dependent).

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.