At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing nursery, ensuring top-notch childcare and development for children.
- Company: Welcoming nursery in Lightwater, Surrey, focused on collaboration and quality care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values your ideas and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 € per year.
Lead a high-quality early years setting focused on outstanding childcare, development, and a nurturing environment for children and staff.
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent – No sponsorship available for this role. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK.
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum dependent on experience + benefits
Pay & Benefits:
- Competitive salary up to £50,000 per annum
- Supportive leadership and management structure
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Career progression within a growing early years setting
- Access to continuous CPD and leadership development
- Positive and collaborative team environment
- Modern, well-resourced nursery setting
- Opportunities to shape and influence nursery operations
Working Hours & Shift Pattern:
- Full-time position 40 hours per week
- Monday to Friday
- Day shifts only
- No weekend working
- Consistent and structured working pattern
Job Description: As a Nursery Manager, you will lead a well-established early years nursery setting in Lightwater, Surrey (GU18), ensuring the highest standards of care, education, and operational excellence. This setting provides a warm, child-focused environment where learning through play is encouraged, and strong relationships with families are at the heart of everything. You will oversee daily operations, lead and develop a dedicated team, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. This role would suit a confident and experienced leader who thrives in a supportive, quality-driven environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional early years education.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the day-to-day running of the nursery setting
- Ensure full compliance with Ofsted and EYFS standards
- Support, mentor, and develop the nursery team
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health, and safety
- Build strong relationships with parents and carers
- Oversee staff performance, training, and development plans
- Manage occupancy levels and contribute to business growth
- Ensure accurate record keeping and documentation
- Create a positive, engaging, and inclusive environment for children
- Collaborate with senior leadership on operational improvements
Requirements:
- You must have the permanent right to work in the UK. No sponsorship is available for this role.
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years or above
- Proven experience in a Nursery Manager or senior leadership role
- Strong knowledge of EYFS framework and Ofsted requirements
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage nursery operations effectively
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with families and staff
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of the nursery’s performance
Also suitable for: Deputy Nursery Manager, Nursery Leader, Early Years Manager, Childcare Manager
Company Culture: As a Nursery Manager, you will be part of a welcoming and supportive team that values collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement. The setting promotes a positive working culture where staff are encouraged to grow, develop, and contribute ideas. Leadership is approachable and focused on creating a nurturing environment for both children and team members, with a strong emphasis on quality care, learning, and career progression.
Nursery Manager in Lightwater employer: Recruit by Nature
As a Nursery Manager in Lightwater, Surrey, you will join a nurturing and collaborative team dedicated to providing outstanding early years education. The company offers competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and clear pathways for career progression, all within a modern, well-resourced nursery environment that values the contributions of its staff. With a strong focus on quality care and a supportive leadership structure, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while advancing their own careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in Lightwater
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Nursery Manager position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to highlight your love for early years education and how you create nurturing environments. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children and teams in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you'd handle various scenarios in a nursery setting, like managing staff performance or building relationships with parents. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for passionate individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in Lightwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your experience in early years education and how it aligns with our values at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can contribute to our nurturing environment!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Nursery Manager, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've supported and developed your team in previous roles. We love to see confident leaders who can inspire others!
Demonstrate Your Passion:Let your passion for early years education shine through in your application. Talk about what motivates you to create a positive learning environment and how you build relationships with families. We’re all about that child-focused approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the details about the role and our amazing nursery setting. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit by Nature
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the EYFS framework and Ofsted requirements. Brush up on the latest regulations and best practices in early years education, as this will show your commitment to high standards and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you mentored staff or improved nursery operations. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire a team effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Be ready to discuss how you would foster strong relationships with parents and carers. Share your strategies for communication and engagement, as this is crucial in creating a nurturing environment for children.
✨Emphasise Continuous Development
Talk about your commitment to ongoing training and professional development. Mention any relevant courses or certifications you’ve completed, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a culture of continuous improvement within the nursery.
