Nursery Manager

Tops Day Nurseries; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£700 Welcome Bonus

Relocation support up to £3,000

Up to 60% childcare discount

Health & wellbeing support

Birthday off & wellbeing day

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead a busy setting in Bournemouth. You will oversee staff, safety, curriculum delivery, and daily operations to create a nurturing environment for children from 3 months to preschool age.

The role requires strong leadership, EYFS knowledge, and a commitment to safeguarding with relocation support and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification required.
• Solid knowledge of the EYFS.
• Strong safeguarding procedures understanding.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead nursery operations ensuring high standards of care.
• Supervise children, ensure safety, and plan engaging activities.
• Oversee enrolment, budgeting, and family communications.
• Coordinate activities and events for children across ages.
• Prepare for inspections and implement feedback.

Skills

Nursery management

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Communication with parents

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Nursery Manager

Relocation Packages Available!

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £30,000 to £35,000 Annum

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future. With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care. Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.

About The Nursery Manager Role

Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and looking for a fresh new challenge? As a Nursery Manager, you’ll help create a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children in our care. You’ll supervise children, ensure their safety, and organize activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. While some days might be challenging, you’ll also laugh, have fun, and make lasting memories with our children during one of the most important development stages of their lives!

About The Nursery

Tops Pokesdown is a purpose-built, eco-friendly 135-place day nursery and preschool offering inspiring Early Education and Care for children from 3 months to preschool age. With beautiful open-plan learning environments, a strong focus on active learning, and exciting enrichment activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, meditation, and Boogie Mites, we create engaging spaces where children can explore, grow, and thrive every day.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.

• £700 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey with us
• Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website

What does the role involve?

• Proven experience in managing nursery settings effectively
• Excellent communication with children, staff, and parents
• Creativity in planning engaging, educational activities
• Positive attitude to foster a secure, happy environment
• Interviewing potential candidates from recruitment
• Managing and maintaining the nursery budget
• Coordinating marketing materials and campaigns
• Overseeing facility and equipment maintenance
• Providing updates to parents on child progress and behaviour
• Handling enrolment, payment, and policy enquiries
• Planning age-appropriate annual events and activities
• Preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing feedback

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures

Important Safeguarding Information

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.