Nursery Manager

London Early Years Foundation; City Of London; On-site; GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable social enterprise in London is seeking a Nursery Manager in Waiting to lead Gumboots Nursery and Pre-School. This role offers a starting salary of £47,643 and opportunities for career progression within the organization. Responsibilities include leading the nursery during the current manager's absence and collaborating with a dedicated team to ensure high-quality care and education. Candidates must have a Level 3+ qualification and experience in leading a nursery.

Benefits

7% pension contribution

70% childcare discount

35 days annual leave

Sector-leading parental leave

Wellbeing support

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading a larger nursery.
• Evidence of building and maintaining quality education and a strong, cohesive team.

Responsibilities

• Lead nursery in the absence of the current manager.
• Collaborate with the nursery team to maintain quality care.
• Work with Area Manager and central office team to achieve goals.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team collaboration

Quality education management

Education

Level 3+ qualification

Job description

Overview

Lead one of our highest impact nurseries as a Nursery Manager in Waiting at Gumboots Nursery and Pre-School. Location: Crystal Palace Rd, London SE22 9EP. Starting salary of £47,643. This role is with LEYF, a charitable social enterprise, where you will integrate into LEYF values and prepare for your own permanent nursery leadership role in South East London.

As a Manager in Waiting, you will lead Gumboots while the current manager is away and then move on to your own permanent nursery within the LEYF group. This is an opportunity to get fully integrated into LEYF, understand our values, and build relationships before stepping into your next leadership role.

LEYF colleagues highlight the impact and progression within our not-for-profit organisation that places children at the centre of decision-making while offering strong opportunities for career progression.

Responsibilities

• Lead Gumboots Nursery and Pre-School in the absence of the current manager, ensuring continuity of high-quality care and education.
• Collaborate with a well-established team, including two Deputies and experienced Room Managers, to maintain a stable, nurturing environment for children.
• Work with an Area Manager, a network of Nursery Managers, and the central office team to meet occupancy, recruitment, local community engagement, and quality goals.
• Support the transition to your own permanent leadership role within a LEYF nursery in South East London.

Qualifications

• Level 3+ qualification, with demonstrated experience leading a larger nursery.
• Evidence of building and maintaining quality education and a strong, cohesive team.

What we offer

• Starting salary of £47,643 (full-time, 40 hours/week, Mon-Fri)
• Annual performance-based pay increases
• 7% pension contribution (you contribute 1%)
• 70% childcare discount for your child or grandchild at a LEYF nursery
• Top training and development through our London Institute of Early Years, including Early Years Foundation and Top-Up Degrees, SENDCo qualification, coaching, and more
• 35 days annual leave (including 8 bank holidays and your birthday off)
• Sector-leading parental leave, wellbeing support, shopping discounts, company events, team celebration, and more
• Work for a nursery group with heart — a social enterprise running 43 nurseries across London

About the setting

The Gumboots Nursery and Pre-School plays a vital role in LEYF’s social enterprise model. It serves circa 90 children and generates over £1 million a year, reinvesting in the business to offer funded places to London's disadvantaged children. It is a purpose-driven setting, and you will be at the heart of it.

Support and culture

You will join a well-supported team with Areas managers, a network of managers, regular meetings, and a central office team dedicated to helping you meet occupancy, recruitment, local community engagement, and quality goals. LEYF offers a genuinely kind culture that values bravery, fun, inspiration, and nurture.