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- Tasks: Lead a fun and safe nursery environment while planning engaging activities for children.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, shaping futures since 1990.
- Benefits: Enjoy a ÂŁ3000 welcome bonus, relocation support, and up to 60% childcare discount.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while enjoying a supportive and fun workplace.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and experience in managing nursery settings.
- Other info: Be part of a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 ÂŁ per year.
The successful candidate will receive a ÂŁ3000 welcome bonus! Relocation packages available!
Location: Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: ÂŁ37,000 Annum
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries? At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee—you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success. With over 30 nurseries across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children.
About the Senior / Nursery Manager Role: Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and looking for a fresh new challenge? As a Senior / Nursery Manager, you’ll help create a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children in our care. You’ll supervise, ensure safety, and organise activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. While some days might be challenging, you’ll also laugh, have fun, and make lasting memories with our children during one of the most important developmental stages of their lives!
About the Nursery: Tops Exeter Nursery is a 104‑place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Exeter, Devon. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including Cooking School, Boogie Mites, Yoga, and much more!
Why You’ll Love Working with Us: Below are some fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.
- £3000 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey with us
- Relocation support of up to ÂŁ3,000 (T&Cs apply)
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
- Health & wellbeing support—NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
- A generous holiday allowance—including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!
- …and many more exciting benefits!
What Does the Role Involve?
- Proven experience in managing nursery settings effectively
- Excellent communication with children, staff, and parents
- Creativity in planning engaging, educational activities
- Positive attitude to foster a secure, happy environment
- Interviewing potential candidates from recruitment
- Managing and maintaining the nursery budget
- Co‑ordinating marketing materials and campaigns
- Overseeing facility and equipment maintenance
- Providing updates to parents on child progress and behaviour
- Handling enrolment, payment, and policy enquiries
- Planning age‑appropriate annual events and activities
- Preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing feedback
What Are We Looking For?
- A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
- Solid knowledge of the EYFS.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.
Important Safeguarding Information: Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
- Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles—not on the Children’s Barred List.
- Successfully complete background and reference checks.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
Senior Nursery Manager/ Nursery Manager in Exeter employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nursery Manager/ Nursery Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to nursery management. Think about how you’d handle various situations with children and staff, and be ready to share your creative ideas for activities!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for early years education! During interviews, share your experiences and what drives you to work in this field. Let your enthusiasm shine through—after all, it’s all about creating a fun and safe environment for the kids.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities at Tops Day Nurseries right there, so keep an eye out for new roles that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Manager/ Nursery Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Nursery Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about early years education and how you can contribute to our nursery. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Creativity: We love creativity! When detailing your past experiences, share specific examples of fun and educational activities you’ve organised. This will help us see how you can bring joy and learning to our children.
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 all the amazing benefits we offer, including that £3000 welcome bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and safeguarding procedures. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the responsibilities that come with it.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share some engaging activity ideas that you could implement in the nursery. Think about how you can make learning fun for the children, and be ready to explain how these activities support their development.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills, as you'll need to demonstrate how you can effectively interact with children, staff, and parents. Consider examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed relationships or resolved conflicts.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about challenges you might encounter in a nursery setting and how you would handle them. This will help the interviewers see your problem-solving skills and your ability to maintain a positive environment.
