Nursery Manager

Blenheim Schools; Beachampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Akeley Wood Junior School invites applications for a Nursery Manager to lead the nursery provision and ensure a safe, stimulating environment aligned with the EYFS framework. You will manage staff, schedules, and budgets while upholding safeguarding and regulatory standards.

Join a warm team in Buckinghamshire, guiding children from 12 months to 4 years, supporting transitions to Reception and collaborating with wider school staff to achieve outstanding early years outcomes.

Qualifications

• EYFS framework knowledge and safeguarding compliance are essential.
• Qualified for Level 3 in Early Years as a minimum, with higher levels preferred.
• Experience leading a nursery or early years team is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team and rotas.
• Oversee day-to-day nursery operations and staffing ratios.
• Ensure EYFS compliance and safeguarding standards.
• Deliver a high-quality play-based curriculum aligned with EYFS.
• Monitor development, planning, assessment and progress tracking.
• Support inclusive practice and children with additional needs.
• Engage with parents through meetings and updates.
• Oversee transitions into Reception and collaborate with school staff.
• Contribute to inspections and wider school initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Communication

Relationship-building

Safeguarding knowledge

Staff development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)

Level 5 or 6 qualification (desirable)

Job description

Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters.

Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.

Job Title: Nursery Manager

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

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum

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

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual to inspire our children. The Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and day-to-day running of the school's nursery provision. The role ensures a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children can learn and develop in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, while supporting the school's ethos and values.

As a Nursery Practitioner, You Will

• Lead and manage the nursery team, fostering a positive and professional working environment
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing, rotas, and ratios
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding requirements, and relevant regulatory standards
• Deliver a high-quality, play-based curriculum aligned with EYFS principles
• Monitor children's development, including planning, assessment, and progress tracking
• Promote inclusive practice and support children with additional needs
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene, and safeguarding at all times
• Manage nursery resources, equipment, and budget effectively
• Build strong relationships with parents and provide regular updates on children's progress
• Lead parent meetings, reports, and nursery events
• Support transitions into Reception and collaborate with wider school staff
• Contribute to inspections, school initiatives, and the wider life of the school

Qualifications

What you'll bring

• 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)