Head of Nursery

Head of Nursery

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage a nurturing Nursery environment for children aged 9 months to 4 years.
  • Company: St Andrew’s Prep, a school dedicated to child welfare and development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous holiday, and free meals during term time.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: Early Years qualification and proven experience in managing a Nursery setting.
  • Other info: Join a supportive community with a commitment to safeguarding and diversity.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

St Andrew’s Prep is looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Nursery to be responsible for the leadership and management of the Nursery providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children 9 months – 4 years of age.

The successful candidate will ideally have an appropriate Early Years qualification with previous experience of managing a Nursery setting and a proven track record of leading and managing a team of staff. We expect to appoint a person of great energy, enthusiasm, ambition and vision who possesses strong leadership, integrity, communication and interpersonal skills.

Job Summary

  • To be responsible for the leadership and management of the Nursery providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children 9 months to 4 years of age.
  • To work in partnership with parents, carers and professionals to promote the well-being of the children.
  • To develop, implement and review the policies, procedures and practices within the Nursery.
  • To promote the vision and aims of the school.

Person Specification

  • A proven track record of leading and managing a Nursery setting.
  • Appropriate Early Years Qualification or equivalent.
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of the EYFS Framework.
  • Strong leadership, integrity, communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
  • A high regard for the need of confidentiality at all times.
  • A good sense of humour.
  • Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work to targets and deadlines.
  • Knowledge and experience of inspections by Ofsted and by the Independent School’s Inspectorate inspections would be beneficial.

Terms and Conditions

  • Hours of Work: Those hours necessary to fulfil the requirements of the job but unlikely to be less than 40 hours a week, all year round.
  • Pension: After three months’ service you may be automatically enrolled into the Eastbourne College WorkSave Pension Scheme, depending on your level of earnings. The College will contribute 5% of your gross salary and you will be expected to contribute 3%. You may choose to opt out of the pension scheme.
  • Holiday: Six weeks paid annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
  • Other Benefits: Life Assurance, Free meal during normal working hours (term time only), Free use of Charity facilities including pool and gym, Free tickets to College productions.

Application Process

To apply, please visit this link and click the ‘Apply Now’ button to complete the mandatory application form. A letter of application addressed to the Headmaster and an up-to-date CV should be uploaded with this online application form. Closing Date: Applications should be received by 5pm on 05 February 2026. Early applications are encouraged. Applications will be considered upon receipt, and we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy.

For further information please contact Human Resources Department on hr@eastbourne-college.co.uk or tel: 01323 452288.

Safeguarding Statement

St Andrew’s Prep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment is subject to appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS. All post holders will be engaging in regulated activity. All posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Charity is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children. St Andrew’s Prep welcomes applications from all sectors of the community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our pupil intake. We consider the most important factor to be the right skills, abilities and attitude for the job which will ultimately improve the well-being and education of the pupils.

Head of Nursery employer: HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)

St Andrew’s Prep is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and dynamic work environment for the Head of Nursery role. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the school provides generous benefits including a competitive pension scheme, six weeks of paid annual leave, and access to on-site facilities such as a pool and gym. The culture fosters professional growth and collaboration, ensuring that staff are supported in their development while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young children.
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Contact Detail:

HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Nursery

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who have experience with nurseries. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for nursery management roles. Think about how your leadership style aligns with the values of St Andrew’s Prep and be ready to share examples from your past experiences.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for early years education! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for creating a safe and stimulating environment for children. Share your vision for the nursery and how you plan to implement it.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at St Andrew’s Prep.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Nursery

Early Years Qualification
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of EYFS Framework
Experience with Ofsted Inspections
Commitment to Confidentiality
Ability to Work to Targets and Deadlines
Team Management
Vision and Ambition
Safeguarding Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. We want to see your genuine love for working with children and how you can create a nurturing environment.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in nursery management and leadership. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in similar roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Nursery role. Be sure to address it to the Headmaster and include your vision for the nursery and how you plan to implement it.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Just click the ‘Apply Now’ button and upload your CV and cover letter as instructed.

How to prepare for a job interview at HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)

✨Know Your EYFS Framework

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented it in previous roles and how it shapes your approach to creating a stimulating environment for children.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Nursery, strong leadership is key. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team, managed conflicts, or inspired staff. Highlight your communication style and how you foster a positive team culture.

✨Engage with Parents and Carers

Demonstrate your commitment to working in partnership with parents and carers. Prepare to share strategies you've used to involve them in their children's learning and well-being, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Prepare for Ofsted Questions

Brush up on your knowledge of Ofsted inspections and be ready to discuss your experience with them. Think about how you've prepared for inspections in the past and what steps you've taken to ensure compliance and excellence in your nursery setting.

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