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- Tasks: Lead a nurturing nursery environment, ensuring high standards and quality improvement.
- Company: Little Peanuts Day Nursery & Forest School, focused on child-centred learning.
- Benefits: Supportive management, ongoing professional development, and a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Other info: Join a values-driven culture with opportunities for long-term impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years leadership and a Level 3 qualification or above.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
A Senior Leadership Role with Safeguarding, Quality Improvement and Daily Nursery Oversight.
At Little Peanuts, we believe early childhood is not simply preparation for school; it is a crucial stage of life in its own right. This is an opportunity for an experienced early years professional who thrives on maintaining exceptionally high standards, leading colleagues with warmth and clarity, and ensuring that every aspect of nursery life runs smoothly, safely and purposefully. Our children deserve an environment where they feel secure, listened to, inspired and deeply cared for. Our staff deserve a leader who will support, mentor and challenge them to deliver their very best every single day.
Little Peanuts Day Nursery & Forest School is a unique, child-centred early years setting built around our core values of:
- Nurture
- Play
- Communication
Set within two acres of outdoor space with daily Forest School opportunities, our practice is shaped by:
- The Curiosity Approachâ„¢
- In The Moment Planning
- Attachment-led and nurturing care
- Communication-rich environments
- Deep partnerships with families
- A strong commitment to staff well-being and professional growth
This role has two equally important dimensions:
- Strategic Leadership and Quality Improvement
You will work closely with the nursery director to drive continuous improvement, safeguard quality and support the professional growth of the whole nursery team. This includes:
- Acting as one of the nursery’s Designated Safeguarding Leads, investigating concerns and liaising with external agencies where appropriate
- Leading on Health & Safety and Fire Safety compliance
- Overseeing staff training reviews and professional development pathways
- Conducting staff supervisions, mentoring and coaching
- Supporting and monitoring children’s room transitions
- Leading quality improvement processes, including observations, room evaluations and action planning
- Overseeing family communication standards
- Delivering team teaching and modelling best practice
- Ensuring nursery policies and safeguarding procedures are fully embedded and consistently followed
- Day-to-Day Nursery Operations
You will be highly visible in the daily life of the nursery, ensuring smooth operations, strong organisation and excellent standards across every room. This includes responsibility for ensuring:
- The Little Peanuts curriculum is consistently embedded in daily practice
- A warm, nurturing and emotionally secure environment is maintained for both children and colleagues
- Forest School sessions are delivered consistently and meaningfully
- Outstanding interactions are modelled and replicated by the team
- Staff effectively extend children’s play, learning and communication
- All child development paperwork is accurate, complete and up to date
- Staff are effectively deployed
- Staff cover is organised for operational demands
- Rooms remain safe and well maintained throughout the day
- Action is taken in the moment to address falling standards
- Daily routines run calmly, purposefully and in line with Little Peanuts expectations
This is not a desk-only management role. We are looking for a leader to step into rooms, coach staff, notice the details and solve problems quickly. We are seeking someone who:
- Is an experienced Early Years leader (Deputy Manager, Room Leader, Third in Charge or Manager level)
- Holds a full and relevant Level 3 qualification or above in Early Years
- Has excellent knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted expectations
- Will be confident in supporting an Ofsted inspection
- Has experience as a DSL or is willing to undertake DSL training
- Understands how to build a truly nurturing culture for children and staff
- Has strong organisational and operational management skills
- Is confident holding staff accountable while remaining warm, approachable and supportive
- Can mentor others and raise standards through modelling, not simply instruction
- Understands curriculum implementation beyond paperwork
- Is passionate about outdoor learning and child-led play
- Has high expectations and notices the little things that make a big difference
- Can remain calm, solutions-focused and positive in a busy nursery environment
This role would suit someone who:
- Notices what needs doing before being asked
- Takes pride in exceptionally high standards
- Can coach colleagues in the moment
- Sees safeguarding and well-being as part of every interaction
- Balances paperwork with people leadership
- Believes that outstanding nursery practice is built through consistency, relationships and attention to detail
What We Offer
- A leadership role with a strong influence on nursery development
- A highly supportive senior management team
- Ongoing CPD and leadership development
- Regular supervision and reflective practice support
- A beautiful Curiosity Approach inspired environment
- Strong safeguarding and quality systems
- A warm, values-driven workplace culture
- Opportunities to shape staff practice and nursery improvement long term
Safeguarding Statement
Little Peanuts Day Nursery & Forest School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and suitable safeguarding vetting.
Nursery Manager in Brighton employer: Little Peanuts Day Nursery Limited
Contact Detail:
Little Peanuts Day Nursery Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and approach before your interview. Little Peanuts is all about nurturing, play, and communication, so think about how you can demonstrate these in your answers and examples.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share specific instances where you've led a team or improved quality in a nursery setting. We want to see how you can inspire and support others while maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that focus on safeguarding and operational challenges. Think through how you'd handle various scenarios, as this role requires quick problem-solving and a calm approach in busy environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest in the nursery by asking about their current initiatives or how they support staff development. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely invested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years: When writing your application, let your love for early childhood shine through! Share specific examples of how you've nurtured children's development and created a warm, engaging environment. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference in their lives.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Nursery Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored colleagues, driven quality improvements, or handled challenges in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support others!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this role. In your application, mention how you ensure high standards in daily operations and compliance with policies. We appreciate candidates who notice the little things that make a big difference in nursery life.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our amazing team at Little Peanuts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Little Peanuts Day Nursery Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and safeguarding practices. Brush up on the Curiosity Approach™ and how it shapes nursery life, as well as any recent Ofsted expectations. This knowledge will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate professional ready to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve mentored colleagues or improved quality standards. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating a nurturing environment and how you balance accountability with warmth.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life nursery situations. For instance, how would you handle a safeguarding concern or a staff conflict? Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, as this will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet.
✨Engage with Their Values
Little Peanuts has a strong focus on nurturing and communication. During the interview, reflect their values back to them by discussing how you prioritise these in your practice. Share specific examples of how you’ve fostered relationships with children, families, and staff to create a supportive community.