At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a nursery, creating a nurturing environment for children aged 0-4.
- Company: Rotherly Day Nursery, dedicated to high-quality Early Years provision.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, free gym, childcare discounts, and bonuses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in early years education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in childcare and 5 years of nursery experience required.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
40 hours per week (working pattern to be agreed according to operational needs) 52 weeks per year. Rotherly Day Nursery is looking for an exceptional and qualified person to lead and manage the nursery in providing a high quality, Early Years provision.
Rotherly Day Nursery requires a leader who is able to create a stimulating, caring environment that is physically and emotionally secure, in accordance with all relevant legislation. The role will be working alongside the setting’s Senior Nursery Manager in leading a team of room leaders/deputy managers, practitioners and apprentices. The successful applicant will be supported by a wider team of HR, finance and site-team as well as working under the strategic leadership of the Nominated Individual/Senior Nursery Manager. Rotherly Day Nursery benefits from specialist EYFS teacher and SENDCo support provided by The Westgate School.
The successful applicant will be required to work directly across all age groups 0-4 years and should have a minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare and relevant experience of early years but with a commitment to work towards an NVQ 4 or degree qualification. The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic person who is dedicated to early years with a passion for inclusive practice, partnership with parents and carers, professional development, and making a difference to children’s outcomes.
Benefits of working at Rotherly Day Nursery:
- A working pattern of 40 hours per week with overtime where needed
- 24 days paid leave, increasing to 27 days after 5 years, as well as Bank/Public holidays
- Generous employer contribution pension scheme (17.8%)
- Free on-site gym
- Reduced rate for own childcare costs within our nursery
- HCC discount scheme; variety of discounts on retail outlets, day trips, insurance
- Optical care up to £60 per year
- Welcome bonus of £500 after 6 months and then £500 bonus after 1 year in post
- Preferential admission to The Westgate School for children in primary and/or secondary phase employed for 2.5 years or more (terms & conditions apply)
- Enhanced parental leave (maternity, paternity, adoption)
- Up to three days paid compassionate leave
- Access to 24-7 Employee Support Line
- Free on-site parking
The successful candidate will:
- Have Level 3 NVQ Childcare or equivalent qualified (essential)
- Have a minimum of 5 years of experience working in a nursery setting (essential)
- Have previous experience working at Deputy Nursery Manager level (desirable)
- Have obtained English qualifications to GCSE Grade 4, or their equivalent (essential)
- Demonstrate understanding of policies, procedures and government legislation relating to the Early Years curriculum and KCSiE (essential)
- Have previous experience of leading and managing a team (essential)
- Assert leadership skills to support and mentor colleagues and students, including appraisal process (essential)
- Have effective communication skills with a range of audiences and through a variety of approaches (essential)
The manager may be the Nominated Person/Registered Person as decided by the governing board.
Safeguarding:
Rotherly Day Nursery and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search in order to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies. Visits are welcome, please contact us to arrange.
Application Deadline: Noon, Monday 23rd February 2026
Nursery Manager in Winchester employer: Rotherly
Contact Detail:
Rotherly Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Rotherly Day Nursery and think about how your experience aligns with their values and needs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've created a stimulating environment and led a team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for early years education and inclusive practice. Share stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in children's lives – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years shine through! We want to see your dedication to creating a nurturing environment for children and how you plan to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in nursery settings. We’re looking for someone with at least 5 years of experience, so don’t be shy about showcasing your leadership skills and any previous roles that align with the Nursery Manager position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language to explain your qualifications and experiences. This will help us understand why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at Rotherly Day Nursery!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rotherly
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and relevant legislation. Brush up on your knowledge about child development and safeguarding policies, as these are crucial for the Nursery Manager role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you mentored colleagues or managed conflicts, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Engage with Parents and Carers
Be ready to discuss your approach to building partnerships with parents and carers. Share any strategies you've used to involve them in their children's learning, as this is key to creating a supportive nursery environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery’s vision and how they support professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.