Nursery Manager

FirstGroup plc; Buckingham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Akeley Wood Junior School is seeking a dedicated Nursery Manager to lead the nursery provision, drive EYFS excellence, and ensure a caring, engaging environment for children aged 12 months to 4 years. You will oversee day-to-day operations, staffing, and compliance, while fostering strong parental partnerships and school collaboration.

Join a nurturing setting that prioritises safeguarding, high standards, and a play-based curriculum, with opportunities to contribute to inspections and school

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
• Level 5 or 6 qualification (desirable).
• DSL qualification (desirable).
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a dedicated nursery team, creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring staffing, rotas and ratios.
• Champion outstanding practice by ensuring full EYFS compliance and safeguarding.
• Deliver an engaging, play-based curriculum that sparks curiosity and love of learning.
• Monitor and celebrate children’s progress through planning, assessment and development tracking.
• Foster an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported to succeed.
• Promote health, safety, wellbeing and safeguarding across the setting.
• Manage nursery resources, equipment and budgets to support learning experiences.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved.
• Lead parent meetings, prepare reports and coordinate events for the nursery community.
• Support children’s transition into Reception and collaborate with school colleagues.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication

Safeguarding

Relationship building

Inspire and motivate

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5/6 qualification

DSL Qualification

Paediatric First Aid

Job description

Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters. Job Title: Nursery Manager Location: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, Buckingham Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (depending on experience) 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.

The Role

Are you passionate about giving children the very best start in life? We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Nursery Manager to lead our nursery provision. In this rewarding role, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and overall leadership of the nursery, ensuring a caring, engaging, and inspiring environment where children can flourish. You will drive excellence in EYFS practice while promoting the school’s ethos, values, and commitment to outstanding early years education.

• Lead and inspire a dedicated nursery team, creating a positive, collaborative, and high-performing environment.
• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring excellent staffing, rotas, and ratios.
• Champion outstanding practice by ensuring full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and all regulatory requirements.
• Deliver an engaging, play-based curriculum that sparks curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.
• Monitor and celebrate children’s progress through effective planning, assessment, and development tracking.
• Foster an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
• Promote the highest standards of health, safety, wellbeing, and safeguarding throughout the setting.
• Effectively manage nursery resources, equipment, and budgets to support exceptional learning experiences.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in their child’s development.
• Lead parent meetings, prepare reports, and coordinate events that strengthen the nursery community.
• Support children as they transition into Reception, working closely with colleagues across the school.
• Play an active role in inspections, school improvement initiatives, and the wider life of the school community.

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)