At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening and daily operations of a new nursery, ensuring high standards of care and education.
- Company: Join Lampstand Learning, a nurturing nursery focused on outdoor experiences and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, childcare discounts, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for future progression as the nursery grows and develops.
- Why this job: Be part of the founding team and shape a positive culture from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and at least two years of management experience.
The predicted salary is between 25688 - 30000 £ per year.
Lampstand Learning is a new nursery opening in Golders Green in Autumn 2026. Our vision is to create a nurturing, high-quality early years environment where children feel secure, confident, and inspired to learn. Guided by our values of Nature, Nourish, Nurture, and Flourish, we combine exceptional care with meaningful outdoor experiences, strong parent partnerships, and a curriculum that supports children's curiosity, wellbeing, and development.
The nursery has been thoughtfully designed to provide calm, welcoming spaces, nutritious food, enriching learning opportunities, and a strong sense of community for children, families, and educators alike. As we prepare to open our doors, we are seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to play a leading role in establishing the nursery and shaping its future success.
Role Summary
This is an opportunity to join Lampstand Learning before opening and help establish the culture, standards, systems, and team that will underpin the nursery's long-term success. Working closely with the founders, the Nursery Manager will oversee the nursery's registration, launch, daily operations, safeguarding, compliance, occupancy growth, quality assurance, and team development.
The successful candidate will be an experienced early years leader with a strong understanding of EYFS, safeguarding, Ofsted requirements, and nursery operations. Equally important will be the ability to build positive relationships with families, develop high-performing teams, and create an environment where children and educators can thrive.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- Childcare discount
- Company pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Ongoing professional development and leadership training
- The opportunity to recruit and develop your own team
- Meaningful input into nursery systems, policies, procedures, and culture
- Influence over staff wellbeing initiatives and future employee benefits
- Future progression opportunities as Lampstand Learning grows
- Be part of the founding leadership team of a new nursery
- Help shape the culture, systems, and standards from the outset
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the successful opening and ongoing operation of the nursery
- Recruit, develop, support, and manage a high-performing early years team
- Establish a positive, inclusive, and professional culture across the setting
- Ensure compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain high standards of care, education, and child development
- Develop and implement nursery policies, procedures, and operational systems
- Build strong and trusted relationships with children, families, and external professionals
- Monitor occupancy, staffing, budgets, and nursery performance
- Support continuous quality improvement and prepare the nursery for Ofsted inspection
- Promote outdoor learning, child-led exploration, and meaningful learning experiences
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, as appropriate
- Represent Lampstand Learning professionally within the local community
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- A full and relevant Early Years qualification (Level 3 or above)
- A minimum of two years' Nursery Manager experience
- Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements
- Experience leading teams and supporting professional development
- Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Experience managing nursery operations, staffing, and compliance
- A commitment to high-quality, child-centred early years practice
- The ability to build positive and lasting relationships with families and colleagues
Desirable
- Experience supporting a nursery opening or significant period of growth
- Experience contributing to Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes
- Interest in outdoor learning, forest school, or nature-based education
- Commercial awareness, including occupancy management and budget oversight
- Experience developing policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives
Safeguarding Statement
Lampstand Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and safer recruitment procedures.
Application Process
To apply, please send your CV and a brief covering statement to:
Nursery Manager in Slough employer: Lampstand Learning
Lampstand Learning is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of the founding leadership team of a new nursery in Golders Green. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a nurturing work culture, employees can expect meaningful input into shaping the nursery's systems and standards while enjoying generous benefits and future progression opportunities as the nursery grows. Join us in creating a high-quality early years environment where both children and educators can thrive.
