Early Years Centre Director (Forest Hill). Job in London Education & Training Jobs

N.Family Club; Greater London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative early-years education provider in Greater London seeks a Nursery Manager to lead nursery operations. Responsibilities include managing teams, implementing the play-based curriculum, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience and a passion for early years education. This role offers a competitive salary from £44,720 to £63,440, a performance bonus, and generous benefits including flexible working and 40% childcare discount.

Benefits

Performance bonus up to 25%

Up to 35 days holiday

Annual learning fund

Childcare discount

Qualifications

• 2+ years of leadership experience within early years education.
• Up-to-date safeguarding knowledge or willingness to refresh.
• Ability to lead by example with positivity and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage nursery operations including budgets and compliance.
• Drive the delivery of the N Curriculum ensuring every child thrives.
• Manage recruitment, inductions, and team retention.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication

Empathy

Education

Level 3 or above Early Years qualification

Paediatric First Aid certification

Job description

Welcome Bonus

Join us and enjoy a £1,000* Welcome Bonus with this role! (T&C apply)

Apply promptly! A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.

We're more than just a nursery group. We're the UK's most innovative early-years education provider, proudly certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked the 30th Best Workplace in the UK.

At N Family Club, we dreamed of reimagining early years education. Becoming a place that fosters creativity, embraces a curriculum-led approach, and prepares children for the modern world. We’re proudly making our dream a reality – and we want you to be a part of it!

What you'll be doing

• Leading and managing all aspects of nursery operations, including team deployment/rotas, budgets, and compliance
• Driving the delivery of our play-based N Curriculum, ensuring every child thrives
• Developing and inspiring your team through coaching, training, and performance management
• Building strong partnerships with families and the local community
• Ensuring the highest standards of health, safety, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements are met
• Overseeing smooth daily routines and an engaging, safe learning environment
• Managing recruitment, inductions, and team retention
• Monitoring quality and implementing continuous improvement plans
• Reporting to senior leadership and contributing to wider organisational goals

Our Nursery Managers should have

• Proven leadership experience within early years education, ideally in a managerial role (2 years)
• Level 3 or above Early Years qualification (full & relevant)
• Paediatric First Aid certification (12 hours) and a commitment to maintain it
• Up-to-date safeguarding knowledge (or willingness to refresh)
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• A genuine passion for early years education and team development
• Ability to lead by example with positivity, empathy, and professionalism
• Confidence in managing budgets, team, and operational procedures

The N Advantage

• Competitive salary - £44,720 - £63,440, based on experience and dedication
• Performance bonus of up to 25% of base salary, plus £1,000 for Ofsted Outstanding
• Flexible working - choose 4-5 days a week for work‑life balance
• Up to 35 days holiday - including a personal “Me” day and Christmas closure
• £100 annual learning fund, plus access to N Academy (level 3, Early Years degrees, Forest School & more)
• £100 clothing allowance for style freedom!
• Enhanced family leave for parents, carers, and more
• 40% childcare discount, plus 6 emergency days annually

And that's not all!

• 5‑year loyalty bonus - around‑the‑world trip + 2 bonus weeks off
• 10‑year loyalty bonus - Out of this world experience + 2 extra weeks off
• Referral bonus - earn up to £1,000 per successful hire
• Amazing discounts - save on groceries, shopping, fitness and more
• Travel support - season ticket loans and cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Socials & wellbeing - annual parties, team events, gym discounts, and online fitness

Why N Forest Hill?

Join our vibrant team at this 92‑place nursery in Forest Hill, South East London.

Getting here is a breeze! We're just a short walk from Forest Hill station with direct Overground and National Rail links, plus excellent local bus routes.

Making an impact

At N Family Club, we do things differently. We support and celebrate individuality, champion diversity, and give every team member a voice. Our culture is rooted in respect, collaboration and a shared passion for early years education.

We invest heavily in your growth – from career progression and in‑house training to mentorship and personal development. With innovative environments, top‑tier benefits, and a focus on wellbeing, we're building a workplace where educators thrive, and children soar.

Join N Family Club today and help us reshape early education for the better.

What's next?

If you think you got what it takes, click apply and fill in our super quick (1 min) application form!

If you want to read more about N, our benefits and work culture, visit our Careers website or our Glassdoor Page.

About N Family Club

We began with a dream. To be the highest quality, and most loved, early years education group in the UK. We imagined a future of early years education that was different. Where a focused, curriculum‑led approach would inspire big dreamers and big career movers. Where children are prepared for this ever‑changing, modern world and where people come to life when they come to work!

Our Commitment To Safeguarding

At N, we have a commitment to safeguarding our children and thoughtfully prioritise the safety and well‑being of everyone in our nurseries. As part of our commitment to ensuring a secure environment, we diligently adhere to the guidance provided by regulatory bodies. Our dedication to safer recruitment practices is underscored by our compliance with key legislation designed to protect vulnerable individuals.

By embracing these laws and legislation (DBS Code of Practice; DBS Referral Guidance; Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and Regulated Activity), we uphold the highest standards of safety and accountability, fostering a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.

Click here for more information on our commitments.

In line with Safer Recruitment and Keeping Everyone Safe, N Family Club will carry out online searches for all shortlisted candidates including a Google and Social Media search. Any information found from the online searches, may be discussed at the interview stage.