Nursery Manager

Blenheim Schools; Akeley; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is recruiting a Nursery Manager at Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School in Akeley, Buckingham. This permanent, full-time role leads the day-to-day management of the nursery, driving high-quality EYFS practice and safeguarding across the setting.

The successful candidate will hold Level 3 Early Years qualifications (Level 5/6 and DSL desirable), strong leadership and communication skills, and a proven track record in early years.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
• Level 5/6 qualification is desirable.
• DSL qualification is desirable.
• Paediatric First Aid, or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the nursery team and maintain a high-performing environment.
• Oversee day-to-day nursery operations, staffing, rotas and ratios.
• Ensure EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory compliance across the setting.
• Deliver a play-based curriculum and monitor progress through planning and assessment.
• Manage budgets and resources to support learning experiences.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and coordinate events.
• Support transitions into Reception and contribute to school-wide improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Organisation

Time management

Communication

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5/6 qualification

DSL qualification

Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters.

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Location: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, Buckingham

Salary: Up to 40,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent 52 weeks

About Akeley Wood Junior School

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

We are seeking an enthusiastic, caring and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our Early Years team. We are also open to applications from apprentices, making this a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to begin, or further develop, a rewarding career in early childhood education.

The Role

Are you passionate about giving children the very best start in life? We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Nursery Manager to lead our nursery provision. In this rewarding role, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and overall leadership of the nursery, ensuring a caring, engaging, and inspiring environment where children can flourish. You will drive excellence in EYFS practice while promoting the school's ethos, values, and commitment to outstanding early years education.

As a Nursery Manager, you will:

• Lead and inspire a dedicated nursery team, creating a positive, collaborative, and high-performing environment.
• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring excellent staffing, rotas, and ratios.
• Champion outstanding practice by ensuring full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and all regulatory requirements.
• Deliver an engaging, play-based curriculum that sparks curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.
• Monitor and celebrate children's progress through effective planning, assessment, and development tracking.
• Foster an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
• Promote the highest standards of health, safety, wellbeing, and safeguarding throughout the setting.
• Effectively manage nursery resources, equipment, and budgets to support exceptional learning experiences.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in their child's development.
• Lead parent meetings, prepare reports, and coordinate events that strengthen the nursery community.
• Support children as they transition into Reception, working closely with colleagues across the school.
• Play an active role in inspections, school improvement initiatives, and the wider life of the school community.

What you'll bring

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)
• Level 5 or 6 qualification (desirable)
• DSL Qualification (desirable)
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• Clear and confident communication skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with parents, staff, and external partners
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child welfare practices
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and support both staff and children

Experience

• Significant experience working within an early years setting
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations
• Experience in a school-based or independent nursery setting (desirable)

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales