Early Years manager

About Early Years Ltd.; Gloucester; Remote; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time 39 weeks

37-hour week

Leadership team

CPD & training

Health & wellbeing support

Career progression

Supportive environment

Make a difference

Job summary

Thrive Education is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager in Gloucester to lead day-to-day nursery operations for children aged 2–4, working with two Deputy Managers to ensure exceptional care and education.

The role is 37 hours per week, term-time (39 weeks) plus INSET days, with a starting salary of £29,382 per annum. You’ll lead staff development, uphold safeguarding, and cultivate a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above required.
• Maths qualification required.
• At least 2 years' experience in an Early Years setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and motivate a team of Early Years Practitioners.
• Oversee daily operations with two Deputy Managers to maintain high standards.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment for children aged 2–4.
• Ensure high-quality education in line with the EYFS framework.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Maths qualification

Job description

EARLY YEARS MANAGER

Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire

Salary: Starting from £29,382 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week | 39 weeks per year (Term Time + INSET Days)

Contract: Full-Time

Start Date: November

Are you an experienced Early Years professional ready to take the next step in your career?

Are you currently a Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager or experienced Room Leader looking for an exciting new opportunity?

Thrive Education is recruiting for a passionate and dedicated Nursery Manager to join a welcoming and supportive early years setting in Gloucester, working with children aged 2–4 years.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves working with children but is also ready to take on the responsibility of leading a team, developing staff and helping shape the future of an early years provision.

Even better, this is a term-time position, offering a fantastic work-life balance without the usual 52-week nursery working year!

What Will You Be Doing?

As Nursery Manager, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring children receive the highest standard of care, education and support.

You’ll also be working closely alongside two Deputy Managers, giving you a strong leadership team to share ideas, responsibilities and support the smooth running of the setting. Together, you’ll help develop the nursery, support your practitioners and create a positive environment where both children and staff can thrive.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a leadership role knowing you have an established team around you, rather than managing everything on your own.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, supporting and motivating a team of Early Years Practitioners.
• Working collaboratively with two Deputy Managers to oversee daily operations, support staff development and maintain high standards across the nursery.
• Creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment for children aged 2–4.
• Ensuring the nursery delivers high-quality education in line with the EYFS framework.
• Maintaining safeguarding, Ofsted and health & safety standards.
• Building strong relationships with parents, carers and other professionals.
• Supporting staff development, training and continuous improvement.
• Overseeing the smooth day-to-day running of the setting.
• 2.5 hours per day within the nursery itself covering lunches

What Are We Looking For?

We're looking for someone who genuinely cares about early years education and has the confidence to lead a team.

Essential Requirements:

• A recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification or above, suitable for EYFS ratios.
• A suitable Maths qualification.
• At least 2 years' experience working within an Early Years setting.
• Previous leadership experience, ideally as a Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager or in a similar responsible role.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is passionate about helping children thrive and supporting the practitioners around them.

What's on Offer?

• Starting salary of £29,382 per annum.
• Term-time working – 39 weeks per year, including INSET days.
• 37-hour working week.
• An established leadership team, including two Deputy Managers.
• Supportive and welcoming working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to high-quality CPD and training.
• Employee health and wellbeing support.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to children and staff.

Why Apply Through Thrive Education?

At Thrive Education, we specialise in supporting Early Years professionals across Gloucestershire, helping them find opportunities that suit their experience, ambitions and career goals.

We understand that finding the right setting is just as important as finding the right role, which is why we'll take the time to get to know you and support you throughout the recruitment process.