Nursery Manager

Bright Stars Nurseries; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Employee discount

Gym membership

Private dental insurance

Private medical insurance

Referral programme

Job summary

Bright Stars Nurseries in Bishop's Stortford is seeking a passionate Nursery Leader to drive high-quality teaching, care and safeguarding for children aged 0-5. You will model professional practice, oversee daily operations and ensure EYFS standards are met.

The role includes acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENCo, leading staff development, recruitment, and ensuring Ofsted readiness. A Level 3 Early Years qualification and proven leadership experience are essential, with DBS checks

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare.
• Proven leadership or management experience in an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and SEND.
• Experience leading staff and managing performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership to the nursery team and promote a positive culture.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure compliance with Ofsted and EYFS.
• Lead staff recruitment, induction, supervision, and appraisals.
• Maintain safeguarding records and DBS processes.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

SENCo

EYFS

Staff management

Education

Level 3 Early Years/Childcare

GCSE Maths (or equivalent)

Job description

Job Description

High house nursery fosters a joyful and secure learning environment where children aged 0-5 can thrive. Through play exploration and nurturing care, we can spark curiosity ignite a love for learning and prepare each child for a bright future

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Provide strong, inspirational leadership to the nursery team, promoting a positive, professional, and reflective culture.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring smooth and effective operations.
• Lead staff recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisals, and performance management.
• Ensure effective staff deployment and maintain statutory ratios in line with EYFS requirements.
• Support and promote staff training, development, wellbeing, and progression.

Safeguarding (DSL)

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the setting.
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented, reviewed, and consistently followed.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, referrals, and multi-agency working.
• Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records in line with statutory guidance.
• Provide safeguarding guidance, oversight, and training to staff.

SEND & Inclusion (SENCo)

• Act as SENCo, leading inclusive practice across the setting.
• Identify, support, and monitor children with SEND, ensuring timely interventions.
• Develop, implement, and review SEND support plans and individual strategies.
• Liaise effectively with parents, carers, external professionals, and local authorities.
• Ensure reasonable adjustments and inclusive learning environments are in place.

Quality, Curriculum & Improvement

• Ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and care in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Monitor planning, observations, and assessments to track children’s progress and outcomes.
• Lead self-evaluation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement planning.
• Ensure the nursery environment is safe, stimulating, and enabling for all children.

Partnership & Compliance

• Build strong, trusting partnerships with parents and carers.
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted, EYFS, safeguarding, health & safety, and welfare requirements.
• Oversee the development, review, and implementation of policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Prepare for and manage inspections, audits, and regulatory visits.

Safeguarding

At our nursery, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We follow robust safeguarding procedures in line with current legislation and local guidance. Staff are regularly trained to recognise and respond to signs of all forms of neglect, abuse, extremism and exploitation. Safeguarding is central to everything we do, and safeguarding is the responsibility of every member of our team. We operate strict safer recruitment processes, including enhanced criminal record checks, references, and qualification verification, to ensure all staff are suitable to work with children. We work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure every child is safe, supported, and protected.

It is essential that the candidate can:

• Uphold the nursery’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are managed in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Maintain confidentiality, accurate record keeping and data protection standards.
• Report concerns swiftly as Designated Safeguarding Lead.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is an essential requirement for this role.

Person Specification

Essential

• Full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare (minimum requirement), including GCSE Maths (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a leadership or management role within an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, child development, safeguarding, and SEND.
• Experience of leading staff teams and managing performance.
• Ability to manage compliance, policies, and regulatory requirements effectively.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organisational, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable

• DSL and SENCo qualification or significant experience in these roles.
• Experience leading an Ofsted inspection and implementing post‑inspection action plans.
• Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience working with multi‑agency professionals and external services.
• Leadership or management training within early years.

Benefits

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Gym membership
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Referral programme