Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager

Full-Time 16000 - 20000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant nursery, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children.
  • Company: A warm, family-centred nursery dedicated to growth and support.
  • Benefits: Part-time hours, professional development, health programmes, and free snacks.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of early years education and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and management experience required.
  • Other info: Flexible hours, employee bonuses, and a chance to innovate.

The predicted salary is between 16000 - 20000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced early years leader ready to make a real difference in a vibrant, nurturing nursery? We are seeking a passionate, motivated nursery manager to join our team and help us shape and grow our setting together.

About us: We are a warm, family-centered nursery committed to creating a supportive, respectful, and reflective environment for children, families, and staff. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and build a nursery where everyone thrives, children feel safe and valued, staff feel supported and inspired, and parents trust us as partners.

The Role: As our Nursery Manager, you will:

  • Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where children flourish.
  • Act as a hands-on leader: support, motivate, and mentor our staff team to grow professionally, feel valued, and deliver excellent practice.
  • Drive quality, compliance, and continuous improvement, ensuring full alignment with Ofsted standards, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding requirements, and all other required legislation.
  • Assist with occupancy, waiting lists, and business growth.
  • Build strong relationships with parents, children, and the wider community, championing open communication and excellence in customer care.
  • Support operational areas including budgets, staffing schedules, resources, audits, student mentoring, and liaison with external agencies.

What we are looking for:

  • A minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (Level 5 or above preferred).
  • At least 2 years' experience in a management role within an early years setting, ideally with experience in Ofsted inspections.
  • Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, Ofsted frameworks, and best-practice early years pedagogy.
  • Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop a team.
  • Someone who leads by example and is caring and nurturing to both children and staff.
  • Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits:

  • A part-time role (around 25 hours/week), with the potential for more hours.
  • The freedom to lead and grow: this is your chance to shape the role and use your vision to build something special.
  • Additional leave and company pension.
  • Access to health and well-being programs, with support for your continued professional development.
  • Parking space.
  • Free staff snacks and refreshments in staff area.
  • Birthday off.
  • Flexibility in hours when needed.
  • Annual Christmas celebration.
  • Termly team events.
  • Employee bonus structure.

Salary: £20,000-£25,000 pro rata (based on 25 hours/week), with the potential for increased hours.

Why join us? This is more than just a job; it is a leadership opportunity. If you are someone who thrives in an environment where you can lead, innovate, nurture, and grow, then we would love to hear from you. You will have the chance to work closely with the nursery owners, bring your ideas to life, help the business reach its full potential, and make a meaningful difference every day.

How to apply: Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your leadership experience in early years settings and how you would like to help us grow our nursery. We look forward to hearing from you!

Nursery Manager employer: The Playroom

Join our warm, family-centered nursery as a Nursery Manager and experience a supportive work culture that prioritises the growth and well-being of both staff and children. With flexible hours, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to excellence, you'll be empowered to lead and innovate in a nurturing environment where your contributions truly matter. Enjoy additional benefits such as health and well-being programs, team events, and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.
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Contact Detail:

The Playroom Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager

✨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 lookout for a Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Get social! Follow nurseries and early years organisations on social media. Engage with their posts and share your insights. This not only keeps you in the loop but also showcases your passion and expertise in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to nursery management. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership style and commitment to creating a nurturing environment. We want you to shine!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in our nursery.

We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager

Leadership Skills
Early Years Qualification (Level 3 or above)
Management Experience in Early Years Setting
Knowledge of EYFS
Understanding of Safeguarding Requirements
Familiarity with Ofsted Frameworks
Excellent Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Development and Mentoring
Customer Care Excellence
Ability to Build Relationships
Proactive Change Management
Business Growth Strategies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Personalised Cover Letter: When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Share your passion for early years education and how your experience aligns with our nursery's values. We want to see your personality shine through!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your CV, highlight your leadership experience in early years settings. Use specific examples of how you've motivated and supported your team. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so let us know how you’ve done that!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and ensure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Playroom

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted standards. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can lead a nursery in line with best practices.

✨Show Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve inspired staff or improved practices. This will help demonstrate your ability to be a hands-on leader who nurtures both children and staff.

✨Build Relationships

Think about how you would foster strong relationships with parents and the community. Be ready to share your ideas on open communication and customer care, as this is key to building trust and a positive environment in the nursery.

✨Be Ready to Innovate

Come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to the nursery's growth and reputation. Whether it’s through new programmes, community engagement, or improving occupancy rates, showing that you’re proactive and forward-thinking will set you apart.

Nursery Manager
The Playroom
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