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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch of a new nursery and build a high-performing team.
- Company: Ambitious childcare provider with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Salary up to £50,000, career progression, and a chance to shape early years education.
- Other info: Dynamic role with clear pathways for career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of something special from day one and grow with the organisation.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and strong Ofsted experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our client is an ambitious, growing childcare provider preparing to open a brand new nursery, and they are looking for an exceptional Nursery Manager to be there from day one - setting the standard, building the team, and making this new setting everything it has the potential to be.
But the opportunity doesn't stop there. Our client has clear expansion plans, and as a second nursery opens, this role will evolve into a Dual Manager position - with a salary rising to £50,000 to reflect the increased responsibility. For the right person, this is a genuine career-defining opportunity.
What Our Client Is Looking For
- Level 3 Early Years qualification or above - essential
- Proven, strong track record with Ofsted - essential
- Experience as a Nursery Manager, ideally including opening or significantly developing a setting
- Confident leading Ofsted inspections and maintaining inspection-ready standards
- A natural leader with the ability to recruit, inspire, and develop a team from scratch
- Highly organised, commercially aware, and passionate about delivering exceptional early years education
- Ambitious, forward-thinking, and excited by the prospect of growing alongside an expanding organisation
Why This Role
- Up to £50,000 per annum Salary increase upon transition to Dual Manager role
- Be part of an exciting new opening from day one
- Clear, structured progression pathway
- Work with an ambitious, growth-focused organisation
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the setup and launch of a brand new nursery, establishing strong foundations from the outset
- Building, recruiting, and developing a high-performing nursery team from the ground up
- Embedding outstanding early years practice, ensuring the setting is Ofsted-ready from day one
- Managing the day-to-day operations of the nursery, including staffing, planning, and compliance
- Driving occupancy, building relationships with families, and establishing the nursery's reputation in the local community
- Preparing for and managing Ofsted inspections, with a clear focus on achieving and maintaining a Good or Outstanding rating
- Supporting the transition into a Dual Manager role as the organisation grows, overseeing two settings with the backing of senior leadership
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Nursery Manager with a strong Ofsted track record and the drive to be part of something exciting from the very beginning, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply with your up-to-date CV and a member of our team will be in touch confidentially.
All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and right-to-work verification.
Nursery Manager in Ilford employer: Willingcare
Contact Detail:
Willingcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow potential employers on social media and engage with their content. This shows your interest and can help you stand out when they see your name pop up regularly.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent news. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around Ofsted standards and team building.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in early years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience as a Nursery Manager, especially if you've opened or developed a setting before. We want to see your proven track record with Ofsted, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to match the job description. Use keywords from the listing, like 'leadership', 'Ofsted inspections', and 'early years education'. This helps us see how you fit into our vision right away!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for early years education and why you're excited about this new nursery opportunity. We love hearing about your ambitions and how you plan to grow with us.
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 this exciting role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willingcare
✨Know Your Ofsted Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Ofsted knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with inspections and how you've maintained high standards in previous settings. This will show that you're not just familiar with the process, but that you can lead a nursery to achieve great ratings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Nursery Manager, you'll need to inspire and develop your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your natural leadership abilities.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Growth Plans
Since this role involves setting up a new nursery and potentially transitioning to a Dual Manager position, be prepared to talk about your vision for growth. Share your ideas on how to drive occupancy and build relationships with families in the community. This shows you're ambitious and forward-thinking, just like the organisation.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about their expansion plans, the support they provide for new managers, or how they envision the nursery's culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.