Nursery Manager in Chesham

Level 3 qualified Nursery Manager, Nursery Room Manager or Early Years Manager wanted. Lead your nursery room or unit, inspire your team and deliver outstanding EYFS care and education in a warm, nurturing environment.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, passionate and highly motivated Level 3 qualified Nursery Manager, Nursery Room Manager or Early Years Manager to join our nursery team and take responsibility for the effective day-to-day running of a designated nursery room or unit. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Nursery Practitioner or Early Years Practitioner looking to progress into a leadership position. We also welcome applications from experienced Room Leaders, Nursery Unit Managers, Early Years Room Leaders, Nursery Team Leaders and Deputy Nursery Managers looking for their next career opportunity.

You will be a confident early years professional who can lead by example, motivate colleagues and create a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive. Working closely with the wider nursery leadership team, you will help maintain consistently high standards of care, safeguarding, teaching and learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the effective day-to-day running of your designated nursery room or unit.
• Lead, motivate and support Early Years Practitioners and support staff.
• Allocate responsibilities effectively and maintain high standards of practice.
• Mentor and support less experienced practitioners, apprentices and new team members.
• Deliver high-quality care, learning and development in line with the EYFS.
• Create stimulating and age-appropriate activities based on children's needs and interests.
• Monitor children's development and maintain accurate observations, assessments, planning and next steps.
• Promote children's independence, confidence, communication and social development.
• Support children with additional needs and SEND, working with parents, carers and relevant professionals.
• Ensure safeguarding and child protection procedures are consistently followed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming and well-organised environment.
• Complete risk assessments and maintain accurate records, including accidents, incidents and medication.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, health and safety and ensure nursery policies are followed.
• Contribute to quality improvement, self-evaluation and preparation for Ofsted inspections.
• Build positive relationships with parents and carers and communicate effectively about children's care and development.
• Support staff development and work collaboratively with the wider nursery leadership team.
• Take ownership of your room or unit, make confident decisions and delegate responsibilities effectively.
• Remain calm, professional and proactive when working under pressure.
• Support across the nursery when required and contribute to the continued improvement of nursery standards.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare or an equivalent recognised qualification is essential, along with previous experience working within an early years or nursery setting.
• We are particularly interested in candidates with experience as a Nursery Room Manager, Room Leader, Nursery Unit Manager, Early Years Room Leader, Nursery Team Leader or Senior Nursery Practitioner, or those who can demonstrate strong potential to progress into a leadership role.
• You will need a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding and child protection, together with a good understanding of children's development from birth to five years.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to lead, motivate and support colleagues effectively.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager, Nursery Room Manager, Early Years Manager, Nursery Unit Manager, Room Leader, Deputy Nursery Manager, Early Years Room Leader, Nursery Team Leader or Senior Early Years Practitioner would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting children with SEND, mentoring junior staff, preparing for Ofsted inspections, using nursery management systems and contributing to quality improvement would also be beneficial.
• Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding or DSL and Food Hygiene qualifications are desirable.

About You

We are looking for someone who is warm, caring, nurturing and genuinely passionate about early years education. You may currently be working as a Nursery Room Manager, Room Leader, Nursery Unit Manager, Early Years Room Leader, Nursery Team Leader, Senior Nursery Practitioner or Deputy Nursery Manager and be ready to take the next step in your career. Alternatively, you may already be working as a Nursery Manager or Early Years Manager and be looking for a new opportunity.

You will be a confident and positive leader who is approachable, organised and reliable. You should be comfortable taking ownership of your nursery room or unit, making decisions, delegating responsibilities and supporting colleagues while working collaboratively with the wider management team. The successful candidate will maintain a safe and high-quality environment, ensure the EYFS is implemented effectively, maintain accurate children's records, support staff development and build excellent relationships with families. Flexibility is important, and you should be willing to support across the nursery when required.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check where applicable, qualification verification, references and any other required pre-employment checks. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory completion of these checks.