At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and oversee multiple nurseries, ensuring high standards and Ofsted readiness.
- Company: Dynamic nursery group focused on child-led learning and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, paid travel expenses, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on early years education while enjoying flexible home-based work.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in early years and Level 3 Early Years qualification required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
In this role you will be supporting nurseries across a small group of nurseries in South West London, with time split between home-based planning and targeted site visits. The role focuses on maintaining strong Ofsted readiness, consistent standards, and confident leadership at setting level. The nurseries operate with a clear focus on child-led learning, creativity, and strong relationships. Outdoor learning and forest school principles are embedded into daily practice, with managers expected to protect and develop this approach.
Responsibilities
- Oversee operational and educational standards across multiple nursery settings
- Support and challenge Nursery Managers to maintain Ofsted readiness
- Lead on quality improvement plans and compliance with EYFS requirements
- Attend Ofsted inspections, leadership meetings, and staff training sessions
- Monitor performance, staffing, and safeguarding practice across the area
- Act as a senior point of contact for escalated operational or quality issues
Requirements
- Senior management experience within early years settings (Area Manager, Operations Manager or Nursery Manager) is required
- Applicants must be confident overseeing multiple nurseries and leading managers
- A Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) is essential
- Experience as a Nursery Area Manager, Regional Manager, or equivalent, or extensive experience as a Nursery Manager operating at multi-site level
- Strong working knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and inspection processes
- Ability to manage workload independently and work remotely
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across South West London
- Experience supporting multiple Ofsted inspections
Benefits
- Salary: £60,000 per year
- Hours: Full-time
- Contract: Permanent
- Location: South West London
- Working pattern: Predominantly work from home, with onsite visits as required
Why This Role Is Worth Considering
- Clear regional remit with defined nurseries rather than a national patch
- Predominantly home-based role with structured, purposeful site visits
- Direct influence over quality, inspection outcomes, and leadership practice
- Nurseries with a consistent educational approach and established teams
- Pension scheme and paid travel expenses
- Ongoing training and professional development
Nursery Area Manager employer: Willing care
Contact Detail:
Willing care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Area Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, especially those who might know about openings in South West London. A friendly chat can often lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or attend industry events, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about Ofsted frameworks and quality improvement plans. It’ll set you apart as a confident leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for site visits! If you land an interview, think about how you’d approach supporting and challenging nursery managers. Bring examples of how you’ve maintained Ofsted readiness in the past – it’ll show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and connect with the right nurseries. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on new roles that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Area Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Nursery Area Manager role. Highlight your senior management experience in early years settings and any relevant qualifications, like your Level 3 Early Years qualification.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about child-led learning and how your leadership style aligns with our values at StudySmarter. Don’t forget to mention your experience with Ofsted inspections!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to oversee multiple nurseries and lead managers effectively. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so include any improvements you've made in quality or compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willing care
✨Know Your Ofsted Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Ofsted frameworks and inspection processes. Brush up on the latest guidelines and be ready to discuss how you’ve maintained Ofsted readiness in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the standards, but that you can actively uphold them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in nursery settings. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you supported or challenged managers to improve their practices. Highlighting your leadership style and its impact on quality improvement will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Child-Led Learning
Since the role focuses on child-led learning and creativity, come prepared with ideas on how to foster these principles in multiple settings. Share any innovative strategies you’ve implemented in the past that align with this approach, as it’ll demonstrate your commitment to enhancing children’s learning experiences.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Remote Management
As this role involves a lot of home-based planning and remote management, think about how you’ve effectively managed teams from a distance. Prepare to discuss tools and techniques you use to stay connected and ensure consistent standards across nurseries, which will show your adaptability and organisational skills.