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- Tasks: Create a fun and safe environment for children while managing nursery operations.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £700 welcome bonus, relocation support, and up to 60% childcare discount.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and strong knowledge of EYFS required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and wellbeing support.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £35,000 Annum
Relocation packages available.
About Tops Day Nurseries
We’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, we value people and offer opportunities to grow, with a voice and a share in our success. With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).
About The Nursery Manager Role
Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and are looking for a fresh challenge? You’ll help create a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children in our care. You’ll supervise children, ensure their safety, and organize activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks.
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
- Coordinating 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 safeguarding procedures knowledge
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.
Benefits and Why You’ll Love Working Here
- £700 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey
- Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply)
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform
- Health & wellbeing support
- A generous holiday allowance, including your birthday off and a wellbeing day
Apply now to join Tops Day Nurseries.
Senior Nursery Manager in Portsmouth 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 in Portsmouth
✨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 related to nursery management. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role at Tops Day Nurseries. We want to see your passion for creating a fun and safe environment for children!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Bring along examples of engaging activities you've planned in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to create educational experiences that keep children excited and learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Tops Day Nurseries family.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Manager in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for early years education! Share your experiences and what drives you to create a fun and safe environment for children. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any creative activities you've planned in previous roles. We want to see how you fit into our nursery culture!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Nursery Manager role. Be sure to mention your understanding of the EYFS and your approach to safeguarding. Keep it engaging and professional!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for all the amazing benefits we offer. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
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 align with educational goals.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills, as this role involves interacting with children, staff, and parents. Be prepared to demonstrate how you would handle different scenarios, such as discussing a child's progress with parents or resolving conflicts among staff.
✨Be Ready for Questions
Anticipate questions about managing budgets, coordinating marketing materials, and preparing for Ofsted inspections. Have examples from your past experience ready to illustrate how you've successfully handled similar tasks.
