Nursery Manager

Blenheim Schools; Akeley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Blenheim Schools is seeking a Nursery Manager for its Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School near Buckingham. You will lead a passionate Early Years team, oversee daily operations, and drive high-quality teaching and play experiences to give children a strong start.

The role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification and proven leadership in a nursery. You will ensure safeguarding, build partnerships with families, and manage budgets to support a thriving, supportive nursery culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Experience in an Early Years setting.
• Leadership/management experience in a nursery.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
• Excellent communication, organisational and people management skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop others.
• Child-centred approach with commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a passionate Early Years team.
• Oversee day-to-day nursery operations, staffing and occupancy.
• Drive high-quality teaching, learning and play experiences.
• Ensure EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor children's development and promote positive outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and external professionals.
• Manage budgets, resources and operational performance.
• Create a positive, supportive, high-performing nursery culture.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Staff management

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5/6 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Title

Nursery Manager

Location

Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, Buckingham

About Akeley Wood Junior School

Akeley Wood Junior School is a warm, vibrant, and caring community nestled in stunning rural surroundings near Buckingham. Our Nursery offers a joyful, stimulating, and secure space where children aged 12 months to 4 years can explore, play, and learn with confidence.

The Role

Are you an experienced Early Years leader ready for your next challenge? We're on the lookout for an ambitious Nursery Manager to lead a thriving nursery, inspire a dedicated team, and ensure every child receives the very best start in life. This is your chance to shape a nurturing, engaging environment where children flourish, staff feel supported, and families feel valued.

What You Will Be Doing

• Leading and developing a passionate Early Years team
• Overseeing the day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing and occupancy
• Driving high-quality teaching, learning, and play experiences
• Ensuring compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
• Monitoring children's development and promoting positive outcomes
• Building strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external professionals
• Managing budgets, resources, and operational performance
• Creating a positive, supportive, and high-performing nursery culture

What You'll Bring

We're looking for a leader who genuinely believes in the power of Early Years education and is passionate about helping children succeed. Here's what you need:

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Experience working within an Early Years setting
• Leadership or management experience within a nursery environment
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements
• Excellent communication, organizational, and people management skills
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop others
• A child-centred approach with a commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 5 or Level 6 Early Years qualification
• DSL qualification
• Paediatric First Aid certification

About Blenheim Schools

Blenheim Schools is a growing family of innovative, high-quality independent schools committed to enabling outstanding futures for every student. Our ethos centers on truly understanding each child, their talents, character, and aspirations by providing a personalized, ambitious education that helps every child thrive. We deliver a broad, enriching curriculum supported by tailored teaching and exceptional pastoral care. We celebrate individuality, nurture confidence, and champion every learner so they can discover their strengths and achieve their potential. Joining Blenheim Schools means becoming part of a collaborative, forward-thinking community that values creativity, inclusion, and professional growth. Our teams are united by a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and by a commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for students and families. We are proud to be part of OFG Education, which in 2025 was officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.