Nursery Manager

Compass Associates; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced performance bonus

Ofsted-related bonus

25 days annual leave

Pension

24/7 virtual GP access

Wellbeing benefits

Early wage access

Career coach access

Job summary

Compass Associates is recruiting an experienced Nursery Manager for a purpose-built setting in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. The role offers ownership of the nursery, leadership of a strong team, and focus on quality and Ofsted readiness for up to 108 children.

You will lead safeguarding, EYFS practice, parent relationships, and occupancy/financial performance in a collaborative regional team.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a nursery and improving quality
• Strong EYFS and safeguarding knowledge
• Proven track record with Ofsted preparation

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and retain the team while driving quality and safeguarding
• Develop EYFS practice and pedagogy and build relationships with parents
• Drive occupancy, manage staffing and costs within ratio requirements

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

EYFS

Ofsted knowledge

Job description

Nursery Manager | Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire

Up to £53,634 | Full Time

We are proud to be recruiting for an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a purpose-built nursery in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a manager who wants genuine ownership of a setting, the chance to lead a strong team and the opportunity to build on an exciting and well-equipped nursery.

The Nursery

The setting provides care for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with capacity for up to 108 children.

Purpose-built and designed with children's development and wellbeing in mind, the nursery consists of six rooms, including three baby rooms, two toddler rooms and a large pre-school room.

There’s plenty to work with, including:

• Three spacious baby rooms and two toddler rooms, each with direct access to outdoor areas
• A dedicated all-weather baby terrace on the first floor
• A large, well-designed garden with a forest and growing area
• Dedicated spaces for relaxation and calm
• Sensory play and water play
• A large pre-school room focused on school readiness
• On-site chef and freshly prepared, nutritious meals
• On-site parking
• Purpose-built facilities designed around children's learning, play and development

The nursery was last inspected by Ofsted in 2026 and was rated Expected Standard.

The Role

This is much more than managing the day-to-day operation.

You’ll be the key leader within the nursery, responsible for the team, quality, safeguarding, parent relationships and overall performance.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading, developing and retaining the team
• Building a strong, positive nursery culture
• Driving quality and continuous improvement
• Maintaining excellent safeguarding standards and acting as DSL
• Developing strong EYFS practice and pedagogy
• Preparing and developing the team for Ofsted
• Building great relationships with parents and carers
• Supporting recruitment and developing future leaders
• Driving occupancy and FTE growth
• Understanding the commercial performance of the setting
• Managing staffing and costs effectively within ratio requirements
• Working closely with your Regional Director and wider support functions
• Creating an environment where children, parents and colleagues can thrive

Who are we looking for?

An experienced Nursery Manager with strong leadership, safeguarding, EYFS and Ofsted knowledge.

You might be someone who has successfully strengthened a team, improved quality and consistency, prepared a nursery for inspection or driven occupancy and commercial performance.

Equally, you may have experience leading an already successful nursery and have the ambition to take it to the next level.

What matters most is that you’re confident leading people, can identify what needs improving and have the ability to bring your team with you.

You’ll understand that successful Ofsted preparation is about more than knowing the answers — it’s about developing a team that understands and can confidently articulate the quality of their practice.

For the right Nursery Manager, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

That could mean:

• Building a stronger, more engaged team
• Improving consistency and accountability
• Strengthening the nursery's culture and reputation
• Developing high-quality EYFS practice and pedagogy
• Preparing and developing the team for Ofsted
• Driving occupancy and FTE growthImproving commercial performance
• Or simply taking an already successful setting and moving it to the next level

If you enjoy walking into a nursery, understanding what needs to change and then seeing the results of your leadership, this could be an excellent opportunity.

What's on offer?

Up to £53,634, depending on experience and qualifications.

Plus:

• Enhanced performance and Ofsted-related bonus opportunity
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Paid Christmas closure
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Enhanced parental leave
• Pension
• 24/7 virtual GP access
• Financial and wellbeing benefits
• Early access to wages
• Access to a careers coach
• Strong regional and specialist support
• Support from Regional Directors, Early Childhood Specialists, HR, Talent Acquisition and wider central teams

You’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside other experienced Nursery Managers across the region, giving you a strong network of support and shared expertise.

Location

This role is based in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, with good transport links and easy access to the surrounding areas.

Commutable from Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Stansted, Ware, Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Epping, Broxbourne and surrounding areas.