At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create a nurturing environment for children aged 0-5.
- Company: Join Staffordshire University’s Woodlands Day Nursery, rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal authenticity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while fostering family engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33482 - 38249 € per year.
Location: Nursery and Forest School, Stoke Campus
Salary: £33,482 to £38,249 Per Annum – Full Time Permanent
Release Date: Tuesday 21 April 2026
Closing Date: Tuesday 05 May 2026
Reference: COM26-26-R2
About The Role
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager to lead the day to day operation of our University nursery. You’ll provide strong leadership to our childcare team, ensuring a high quality, nurturing environment for children and a supportive, engaging experience for families. This role is central to driving continuous improvement, maintaining high standards of care and education in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements, and ensuring the nursery runs smoothly, safely, and effectively.
About The Nursery
Woodlands Day Nursery is an Ofsted‑rated “Good” nursery providing full day care for children aged 0–5 years, welcoming children of university staff, students and the local community. Located within landscaped surroundings on the University’s Stoke‑on‑Trent campus, Woodlands offers a unique nursery and forest school environment, blending high‑quality early years practice with outdoor learning and exploratory play. The nursery is supported by a highly qualified staff team, with all Early Years Educators qualified to Level 3 or above, and delivers play‑based learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children and families are at the heart of everything we do, and the nursery prides itself on providing a warm, inclusive and forward‑thinking childcare service.
Main Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily running of the nursery, ensuring compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, safeguarding and all statutory regulations.
- Lead, supervise and develop the staff team through effective performance management, training, and mentoring.
- Monitor and enhance the quality of early years provision, including observations, assessment practices, and support for children with SEND.
- Build strong relationships with parents and carers, addressing concerns and encouraging active family participation.
- Manage occupancy, waiting lists and nursery promotion, including tours, events and open days.
- Oversee financial processes such as budgeting, invoicing and fee collection.
- Support strategic planning, service improvement and contribution to Ofsted readiness.
Apply online with a copy of your CV. We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date and therefore encourage you to make an early application.
Contact For Informal Discussion
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Amanda Sherratt – Head of Childcare and Family Services: A.J.Sherratt@staffs.ac.uk
Benefits
In return for your contributions to the work of our University, you'll be based from one of our industry leading campuses, enjoying a range of benefits exclusive to members of our community and contributing to our vision, value and culture.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Staffordshire University is committed to promoting and enabling a positive culture where staff, students and visitors are confident to be their authentic selves. We focus on inclusion as a way to ensure equality of opportunity for all our people and to demonstrate our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Human Rights. We promote applications from all sections of the community, regardless of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits a diverse organisation can bring for the University. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people, who are currently under‑represented in the University workforce.
COM26-26-R2 - Nursery Manager employer: University of Staffordshire Business Engagement
At Staffordshire University, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive work environment for our Nursery Manager. Located within the picturesque Stoke-on-Trent campus, you will benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and continuous improvement, alongside competitive salaries and unique opportunities to engage with families and the local community. Join us in shaping the future of early years education while enjoying the advantages of working in a forward-thinking institution committed to equality and diversity.
Contact Detail:
University of Staffordshire Business Engagement Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land COM26-26-R2 - Nursery Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery and its values before your interview. Research Woodlands Day Nursery, understand their approach to early years education, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about their ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, managed challenges, and improved childcare quality in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that energy to our nursery.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from asking questions during your interview. Show us you're genuinely interested in the role by asking about team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and how the nursery supports families. It’s a two-way street!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We encourage you to submit your application early, as we might close the vacancy sooner than expected. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace COM26-26-R2 - Nursery Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, especially those related to EYFS and Ofsted standards. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for early years education and how you can contribute to our nursery's nurturing environment. Don’t forget to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and support a team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Nursery Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, make sure to showcase your ability to build relationships with parents and staff. We love seeing examples of how you've effectively managed concerns or encouraged family participation in the past.
Apply Early!:We encourage you to apply as soon as possible through our website. Remember, we might close the vacancy earlier than the advertised date, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Staffordshire Business Engagement
✨Know Your EYFS and Ofsted Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted requirements. Brush up on the latest guidelines and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in your previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the regulations but also committed to maintaining high-quality care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Nursery Manager, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you’ve led a team, managed performance, and supported staff development. Think about specific situations where you’ve motivated your team or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with Parents and Families
Building relationships with parents is crucial in this role. Be ready to share your strategies for engaging families and addressing their concerns. Discuss any initiatives you’ve led that encouraged family participation, as this highlights your commitment to creating a supportive community.
✨Prepare for Financial Management Questions
Since managing budgets and financial processes is part of the job, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, invoicing, and fee collection. Providing concrete examples will show you’re capable of handling the nursery’s financial responsibilities.
