At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing nursery environment and support children's development.
- Company: Respected nursery with a focus on child well-being and quality education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and at least two years in a senior role.
- Other info: No financial admin duties, allowing you to focus on leadership and quality care.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Leading Early Years Setting
Our client is looking for a warm, knowledgeable and inspiring Nursery Manager to lead one of their well-established nursery settings. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced early years professional to champion high-quality practice, drive positive outcomes, and create a nurturing inclusive environment for children aged 0-5.
This role focuses entirely on the day-to-day running of the nursery with no budgeting, purchase orders or financial administration required. The successful applicant will concentrate solely on what matters most: leading their team, supporting families, and ensuring outstanding care and education.
Essential Skills & Qualifications- Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5 or above desirable).
- At least two years experience in a senior nursery role (Nursery Manager, Deputy Nursery Manager).
- Strong up-to-date knowledge of EYFS 2025, safeguarding, SEND and inclusive practice.
- Paediatric First Aid and DSL training (or willingness to update).
- Confident user of Famly or similar nursery management software.
- Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- A genuine passion for early years education and helping children thrive.
- Competitive salary dependent on experience and qualifications.
- Opportunity to lead a respected, well-resourced nursery where children's well-being is the heart of practice.
- Supportive senior leadership and dedicated Nursery Services Manager.
- Clear focus on quality, inclusion and professional development.
- A warm, collaborative team culture with strong values and a child-centred approach.
- No financial administration responsibilities allowing full focus on leadership, pedagogy and quality of care.
- Access to ongoing training and opportunities for career progression.
- Create a safe, nurturing, stimulating environment for children 0-5.
- Deliver high-quality play-based learning aligned with EYFS 2025.
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Support children's emotional well-being with trauma-informed practice.
- Work with the SENCO to ensure inclusive SEND support.
- Support EAL learners and promote cultural diversity.
- Build strong partnerships with parents and professionals.
- Oversee planning, observations, assessments and Progress Check at 2.
- Use Famly for learning journals, communication and assessments.
- Lead and support staff through supervision, training and ratios.
- Ensure compliance with Ofsted, H&S, COSHH and statutory requirements.
- Maintain accurate records and support parent engagement and events.
Nursery Manager employer: Willingcare
Contact Detail:
Willingcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow nurseries and early years organisations on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. Engage with their posts, share your insights, and show off your passion for early years education. This can help you get noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and child development. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills and passion. We want you to shine when it comes to discussing your approach to creating a nurturing environment!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in early years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a nurturing environment for children and supporting their development.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in early years settings, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements and skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key skills and experiences stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to lead a dedicated nursery team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willingcare
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2025 guidelines. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your nursery setting, as well as any recent updates or changes. This shows that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about providing high-quality education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you support your team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to create a nurturing environment for both staff and children.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Early Years Education
Be genuine about your love for early years education. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight why you chose this career path. This will resonate with the interviewers and show them that you truly care about the children's well-being and development.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Famly Software
Since being a confident user of Famly or similar nursery management software is essential, make sure you know the basics. If you have experience with it, be prepared to discuss how you've used it to enhance communication and record-keeping in your previous roles.