Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Childcare discount

Annual leave

Parental leave

Wellbeing programme

Training & development

Multi-site management exposure

Job summary

Willingcare is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager for a 12-month cover contract in Hampshire/Surrey. The role leads daily operations, staff performance, and safeguarding while positioning for a Floating Nursery Manager progression across our Hampshire and Surrey sites.

Ideal candidates hold Level 3 EYFS, have proven Nursery Manager experience, and demonstrate strong Ofsted readiness, EYFS knowledge, and a track record of high-quality care and team development.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous experience as Nursery Manager is essential.
• Proven ability to lead and manage an Early Years setting.
• Strong experience with Ofsted inspections and achieving Good/Outstanding outcomes.
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS framework and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the nursery.
• Provide visible leadership across the setting.
• Recruit, motivate, coach and develop the Early Years team.
• Maintain high standards of care, education and safeguarding.
• Ensure EYFS is implemented effectively across rooms.
• Monitor quality and drive improvements.
• Maintain Ofsted readiness for inspections.
• Build relationships with children, families and professionals.
• Oversee staffing, occupancy and operational performance.
• Maintain safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Nursery management

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted readiness

Staff development

Education

Level 3 EYFS

Job description

Job Description

Nursery Manager – 12-Month Contract

£43,000–£53,000 per year | Level 3+ | Progression to Floating Nursery Manager

We're looking for an experienced Nursery Manager to take the lead of an established setting for an initial 12-month cover contract. Beyond the contract, there is the opportunity to progress into a Floating Nursery Manager position, supporting nurseries across Hampshire and Surrey.

The nursery itself provides children with plenty of room to discover what interests them. Spacious learning environments include everything from a dedicated art studio to quieter reading areas, allowing children to move between creative, active and calming experiences throughout their day.

Outside, a large garden provides even more freedom for exploration, physical play and learning, creating a setting where children have the space and resources to develop confidence and independence.

The Manager We're Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager is essential.
• Proven experience successfully leading and managing an Early Years setting.
• Strong experience with Ofsted inspections, ideally with a track record of achieving Good or Outstanding outcomes.
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS framework and Early Years best practice.
• Strong safeguarding, child protection and regulatory knowledge.
• Experience leading, developing and retaining high-performing nursery teams.
• Confidence managing performance and addressing areas requiring improvement.
• Strong quality assurance and continuous improvement experience.
• Good operational understanding, including staffing, occupancy and the wider commercial needs of a nursery.

What You'll Receive

• £43,000–£53,000 per year
• 12-month cover contract
• Progression into a Floating Nursery Manager role covering Hampshire and Surrey
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Heavily discounted childcare
• Competitive annual leave package
• Enhanced parental leave
• Wellbeing programme
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to broaden your management experience across multiple nursery settings

Your Role

• Lead the successful day-to-day operation of the nursery.
• Provide visible, supportive and accountable leadership across the setting.
• Recruit, motivate, coach and develop the Early Years team.
• Maintain consistently high standards of care, education and safeguarding.
• Ensure the EYFS is implemented effectively across all rooms.
• Monitor quality and introduce improvements where opportunities are identified.
• Maintain strong Ofsted readiness and confidently lead the setting through inspections.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and external professionals.
• Oversee staffing, occupancy and operational performance.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL256238/DN

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