Job Description
Nursery Manager – Level 3+
£48,000 per Annum | 40 Hours per Week
Child-Led Learning | Beautiful Outdoor Spaces | Excellent Benefits Package
Creating a nursery where children feel confident, curious and excited to learn starts with strong, passionate leadership. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a welcoming Early Years setting that places children's individual interests, development and wellbeing at the heart of everything it does.
With thoughtfully designed, age-specific rooms and carefully selected resources, each environment supports children through the different stages of their development.
Outside, children have access to lovely garden areas with plenty of space, toys and opportunities for exploration. From getting creative in the mud kitchen to discovering how things grow in the nursery's vegetable patch, outdoor learning is an important part of everyday nursery life.
We're looking for an established Nursery Manager who can provide confident leadership, inspire their team and maintain high standards of care and education while creating a positive environment for children, families and staff.
What We're Looking For
- A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above – essential
- Previous experience working as a Nursery Manager – essential
- Strong understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, safeguarding and Early Years regulations
- Proven experience leading, motivating and developing a nursery team
- A genuine passion for child-led learning and play-based education
- Experience managing nursery operations, including staffing, occupancy and budgets
- Confidence maintaining high standards of care, education and regulatory compliance
- A supportive, approachable and hands-on leadership style
- Commitment to creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child can thrive
What's On Offer
- Discounted childcare
- Day off for your birthday
- Company pension scheme
- Sick pay
- Training and development opportunities
- Staff recognition initiatives
- Annual leave increasing with length of service
Leading the Nursery
- Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and successful operation of the nursery
- Lead, motivate and support the Early Years team, encouraging professional development and high standards of practice
- Ensure the nursery delivers high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS
- Maintain excellent standards of safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance
- Oversee staffing, recruitment, supervision and performance management
- Manage nursery occupancy, budgets and operational performance
- Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers, ensuring excellent communication and family engagement
- Monitor the quality of teaching and learning, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
- Lead Ofsted preparation and ensure the nursery remains inspection-ready
- Create a positive team culture where staff feel supported, recognised and motivated
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.
Reference: WILL268363/DN
INDMW
Nursery Manager in Hitchin employer: Willingcare
As a Nursery Manager with us, you'll be part of a nurturing and dynamic environment that prioritises both child development and employee wellbeing. We offer competitive salaries, a performance-related bonus scheme, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while working in spacious, well-resourced settings across Hampshire and Surrey. Join our supportive team where your leadership will directly impact the growth of young minds and your career progression.
