Nursery Manager

Suffolk County Council; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Bury St Edmunds seeks a Nursery Manager to lead a dedicated team in providing quality care for children aged 1 to 3. The ideal candidate will possess a level 3 childcare qualification and experience in leadership. This full-time role offers a £35,000 salary and various benefits including enhanced holiday leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday leave

Free lunch

Onsite parking

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Must hold a level 3 childcare qualification or higher.
• Experience in a leadership role within a nursery setting is required.
• Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of Early Years Practitioners.
• Develop an age-appropriate curriculum.
• Maintain high quality standards and compliance with Ofsted.

Skills

Leadership skills

Strong communication skills

Flexibility

Empathy with young children

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Recognised childcare qualification (level 3 or above)

Job description

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Job Description

• Address: Culford School, Culford, Suffolk IP28 6TX
• Salary: £35,000 per annum
• Hours: Full Time. 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, 07.30 am to 6 pm
• Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 7715

We are looking for a self-motivated, proactive and inspiring Nursery Manager to work as part of a team in our nursery, catering for children from 12 months to 3 years of age. This is an exciting position to work in an ever-evolving setting. You must hold an up-to-date and recognised childcare qualification, level 3 or above with leadership experience. Early applications are encouraged as candidates will be reviewed regularly and the advert may close at any point.

Full-time role, based on 52 weeks per year and typically involving 40 hours per week. Working hours will usually fall between 07:30 am and 6 pm, although hours and weeks worked can be negotiable for the right candidate

Culford is a boarding and day school for over 900 children aged 1 to 18, set in 480 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland, with an 18th century grade II mansion at its centre and three separate schools: the pre-prep and nursery (ages 1 to 7); the prep (ages 7 to 13); and the senior school (ages 13 to 18).

We believe in educating the whole person to deliver a well-rounded, fulfilled individual with excellent academic results. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun. Culford is a Christian school with a Methodist tradition. We see education as a transformational process that guides pupils towards academic success, clear moral values, and the development of leadership and a readiness for the world of adulthood.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The list below is not exhaustive and assumes that from time-to-time other tasks not listed, may be required to ensure the efficient operation of the school.

• Leading and inspiring a team of Early Years Practitioners, promoting high standards of quality and care within the nursery
• Implementing and developing an age-appropriate curriculum to ensure that every child develops within a stimulating environment
• Possessing a thorough knowledge of Ofsted and the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and effectively implementing these requirements
• Implement all safeguarding and health and safety policies and procedures
• Maintaining and enhancing excellent parent partnerships of existing and prospective parents
• Confident leadership skills with the ability to communicate and motivate staff to meet and exceed levels of excellence
• Taking an active role within the Pre-Prep and Nursery Senior Management Team

Skills and personal qualities

• Fully supportive of the aims and ethos of an independent school.
• A good standard of written, spoken and listening skills.
• A high level of flexibility, a 'can do' attitude, and an openness to new ideas and practices.
• Dynamic and approachable, able to put people at ease, reassure, guide, and explain.
• Ability to confidently and effectively work alongside children, staff and parents.
• Understanding the age-appropriate needs and concerns of young children and having natural empathy with them.
• Innovative, hard-working, driven and determined.
• Resilient with a good sense of humour.
• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Enhanced holiday leave, 28 days per annum, plus 7 days bank holidays. May day is a working day
• Free lunch
• Onsite parking
• Continuing Professional Development and networking opportunities
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Health Cash Plan after 6 months' service
• Group Life Insurance after 6 months service
• Membership of the Culford Sports and Tennis Centre

For more information:

Please feel free to contact the HR team by emailing: [e-mail]

To find out more, please visit our website (Culford School)

How to apply

To apply, please submit your completed application form and letter addressed to Victoria Steers, Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery email to: [e-mail]

The Culford Application form can be found on the Work for Us page on: www.culford.co.uk

Closing date: 9 am, 8 August 2025.

We reserve the right to close the role early

About the Team

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