Nursery Area Manager

LET Recruitment; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run childcare organization seeks a Nursery Area Manager in Plymouth to oversee operations across two nurseries. This role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification and strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted standards. The successful candidate will have proven experience in managing teams, ensuring compliance, and supporting leadership development. Passion for early childhood education and strong leadership are essential. The position offers a four-day work week with 38 hours.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Proven experience managing multiple settings or large teams.
• Excellent organizational and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations across 2 nurseries.
• Conduct regular quality inspections.
• Support Nursery Managers with action plans.
• Ensure compliance with local authority standards.
• Monitor budgets and support managers in achieving targets.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Operational excellence

Compliance knowledge

Financial oversight

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5+ Early Years qualification

Job description

We are recruiting for a Nursery Area Manager URGENTLY

About The Nursery

we are a family. Founded with a deep

love for nurturing young children, our family-run business has grown alongside our own

children, expanding to five thriving locations across Dorset and Devon.

We believe a child’s early years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and

happiness. That’s why we create warm, loving environments where every child feels

safe, valued and encouraged to explore the world around them.

Summary

We are seeking an Area Manager to join our management team in Plymouth. The Area

Manager will oversee the operational excellence, compliance, and leadership of a group

This role ensures that each setting upholds the highest

standards of education, care, and practice while meeting regulatory and business

performance goals. For this role, we are ideally seeking a candidate looking for 4 days,

38 hours a week.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership :

• Oversee day-to-day operations across 2 nurseries initially, ensuring smooth and

compliant delivery of the EYFS.

• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and inspections to monitor quality, staffing,

and compliance.

• Support Nursery Managers with action plans following internal reviews, Ofsted

inspections, or funding audits.

• Ensure occupancy levels, staff ratios, and resources are managed efficiently.

People Management :

• Line manage and mentor Nursery Managers, supporting leadership development

and effective team performance.

• Oversee recruitment and retention strategies in collaboration with HR.
• Lead on performance management, including appraisals, supervision, and

capability processes where needed.

• Promote a positive, inclusive, and motivated culture across all settings.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all nurseries meet or exceed Ofsted and local authority standards.
• Monitor health & safety, safeguarding, and statutory requirements, maintaining

up-to-date records and reporting systems.

• Liaise with external agencies, local authorities, and parents when required.
• Maintain high-quality environments reflective of our ethos and principles.

Financial & Business Oversight

• Work with the Directors and Finance team to monitor budgets, fee income, and

expenditure across sites.

• Contribute to setting occupancy and revenue targets and support managers in

achieving them.

• Monitor staff scheduling and resource allocation for cost efficiency.

Communication & Reporting

• Attend termly Director meetings to provide operational updates and

improvement plans.

• Cascade company communications effectively to all managers and staff.
• Collaborate with Marketing, HR, and Training teams to support growth and

development across the business.

Person Specification

Essential :

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable).
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Proven experience managing multiple settings or large teams within Early Years.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and people management skills.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and compliance.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel between settings / cover in the

absence of a manager.

Desirable :

• Experience working in a family-run or growing multi-site organisation.
• Strong business acumen with confidence in budgets, occupancy, and

recruitment planning.

Values & Culture Fit :

• Passionate about early childcare and education and nurturing environments for

children and staff.

• Calm, solution-focused, and professional under pressure.
• Able to balance care, compliance, and commercial thinking.
• Committed to growth, collaboration, and long-term impact