Nursery Manager / Early Years Practitioner
Nursery Manager / Early Years Practitioner

Nursery Manager / Early Years Practitioner

Full-Time 35000 - 35000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
HealthJobs4U Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a nurturing nursery environment and support children's development through engaging activities.
  • Company: bambooh® is a family-owned nursery with a hands-on approach to early years education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, childcare discounts, 24/7 GP service, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team where your contributions are valued and recognised.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while enjoying a supportive and fulfilling work culture.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and a passion for child development.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 ÂŁ per year.

About bambooh® bambooh® is family-owned. Every director has been on the floor. Has worked the hours. Is still hands‑on in the settings every day. The policies, decisions, and systems shaping your day are written by people who know what your day actually is. bambooh® Hook Norton is a calm, homely, teaching‑led nursery in a beautiful village in north Oxfordshire. Our pedagogy is rooted in current developmental science. Practice here is genuinely teaching‑led, not improvised.

We want you back in the room. Back in the game. Back in the fun and play. At bambooh® Day Nurseries, our managers lead from the floor. Not from behind an office door. You are far too valuable and important to the future of our children to be buried in paperwork and admin.

Why this matters now: The NFER Early Years Workforce in England Annual Report 2026 found that early years staff report higher life satisfaction, lower anxiety, and a stronger sense that their work is worthwhile than almost any comparable group of workers in England, and the gap is widening year on year. The same report found that early years workers are more likely than similar workers to say their manager genuinely involves them in decisions (61% vs 53%). We are recruiting a manager who already reflects that finding, and protects it.

What you will actually do:

  • Lead the day‑to‑day running of the nursery from the floor, alongside your team
  • Build strong, professional, trust‑based relationships with families
  • Coach your team with warmth, clarity, and consistency
  • Hold the line on safeguarding, health and safety, hygiene, and staffing
  • Embed strong EYFS practice across every room
  • Create a calm, organised, welcoming environment children settle into easily
  • Be the visible, reliable presence the setting depends on

What we offer:

  • Pay from ÂŁ35,000, with progression linked to performance and qualification
  • A dedicated Education Lead supporting staff training and quality of practice, so you are not the only voice on pedagogy
  • Head Office support with funding, rotas, and enrolments, so your time is spent leading rather than firefighting admin
  • A confidential Employee Assistance Programme
  • A 24/7 online GP service for you and your household
  • Childcare discount
  • Employee mentoring programme
  • Free on‑site parking

Who we are looking for:

  • Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
  • Leadership or management experience in an early years setting, or a strong Senior Deputy ready to step up
  • Confident, current knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, ratios, and compliance
  • A warm, professional, calm‑under‑pressure leadership style
  • Genuinely good with people: families, staff, children, and Ofsted inspectors
  • Valid Paediatric First Aid and safeguarding training, or willingness to obtain quickly
  • Enhanced DBS, or willingness to obtain one
  • Right to work in the UK

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner:

At bambooh®, your Level 3 is treated as the professional qualification it is. You will be trusted with real practice and real responsibility from your first week, and your planning is taken care of for you.

Your role: Showtime. At bambooh®, the planning is done for you. Our dedicated Education Lead writes the curriculum, builds the activities, and hands you a developmentally sound week of practice every week. Your job is to deliver it. Brilliantly. With energy, calm, and presence.

What you will actually do:

  • Deliver the curriculum and activities prepared by our Education Lead
  • Run high‑quality care routines as the developmental moments they are
  • Support each child's emotional wellbeing and learning
  • Build warm, professional relationships with families
  • Follow safeguarding procedures and best practice with confidence
  • Be a real, contributing member of a strong team

What we offer:

  • ÂŁ13 to ÂŁ14 per hour, with progression linked to performance and qualification
  • Full‑time contracted hours (40 to 45 per week)
  • Planning written for you, so your time is spent with children
  • 30% staff childcare discount
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
  • 24/7 online GP service for you and your household
  • Paid on‑the‑job training and genuine continued professional development
  • Real internal progression routes (we promote from within wherever we can)
  • Staff days and team events
  • Free on‑site parking

Who we are looking for:

  • Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
  • Confident, current knowledge of the EYFS
  • A calm, consistent, child‑centred approach
  • Strong communication and teamwork
  • A genuine interest in child development, not just childcare
  • The presence and energy to deliver Showtime, every day
  • Valid Paediatric First Aid, or willingness to update
  • Safeguarding training
  • Enhanced DBS, or willingness to obtain one
  • Right to work in the UK

bambooh® Day Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and safer recruitment procedures.

How to apply: Send your CV and a short note about why you came into early years to careers@bambooh.education, or apply directly through Health Jobs UK. We read every application personally. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a setting visit so you can see how we work before any formal interview.

Nursery Manager / Early Years Practitioner employer: HealthJobs4U Ltd

At bambooh®, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned nursery where every director is actively involved in daily operations, ensuring that our policies are shaped by real experience. Located in the picturesque village of Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, with dedicated resources for training and a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing. Our commitment to a teaching-led approach allows our staff to focus on what truly matters: nurturing children's growth and fostering meaningful relationships with families.
HealthJobs4U Ltd

Contact Detail:

HealthJobs4U Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager / Early Years Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, visit bambooh® and soak in the atmosphere. Chat with staff and families if you can. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you tailor your approach during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for early years education! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's development. We want to see that spark and commitment to nurturing young minds.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to discuss your leadership style! At bambooh®, we value hands-on management. Talk about how you lead from the floor, support your team, and create a warm, welcoming environment for both children and staff.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Show us you’re engaged by asking about our pedagogy, team dynamics, or how we support professional development. It’s a two-way street, and we want to ensure it’s the right fit for you too!

We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager / Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Early Years qualification
Leadership experience in an early years setting
Knowledge of EYFS
Safeguarding procedures
Health and safety compliance
Strong communication skills
Teamwork
Child development knowledge
Paediatric First Aid
Calm and consistent approach
Relationship building with families
Organisational skills
Ability to work under pressure
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for early years education and what makes you tick.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications that match what we’re looking for. Show us how your skills can contribute to our calm, teaching-led environment.

Craft a Personal Note: Along with your CV, include a short note about why you chose to work in early years. This is your chance to connect with us on a personal level and show your enthusiasm for the role!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, we read every application personally!

How to prepare for a job interview at HealthJobs4U Ltd

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the EYFS framework and current safeguarding practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely passionate about early years education.

✨Show Your Leadership Style

Since bambooh® values a hands-on approach, be prepared to share examples of how you've led a team in the past. Highlight your ability to coach with warmth and clarity, and how you’ve built trust-based relationships with families and staff.

✨Bring the Energy

Remember, this role is all about creating a vibrant, engaging environment for children. During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through! Share stories that demonstrate your energy and presence in previous roles, especially those 'Showtime' moments.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about bambooh®’s pedagogy and how they support their staff. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also in contributing to their unique culture and values.

Nursery Manager / Early Years Practitioner
HealthJobs4U Ltd

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