Nursery Manager

Protocol Education; Colchester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Job summary

Protocol Education is recruiting a Nursery Manager for a well-established Colchester nursery. You will lead a team of 15 across three rooms, ensure high standards of care and education, and work with the Deputy Manager and Room Leaders to drive improvement and growth.

Starting salary £40,000+ and immediate start available. The role offers a permanent, full-time position with progression opportunities and on-site parking. DBS checks and safeguarding training are part of the onboarding process.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Childcare Qualification (essential).
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Management qualification desirable but not essential.
• Experience leading a nursery, including Deputy Managers progressing to Manager.
• Strong people management and mentoring skills; supports new starters.
• Experience in nurseries graded Good or above; knowledge EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the nursery, leading a team of 15 staff across three rooms.
• Work with Deputy Manager and Room Leaders to maintain high standards of care and education.
• Support staff development, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

People management

Mentoring skills

Leadership experience

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Level 3 Childcare Qualification

Paediatric First Aid qualification

Job description

Protocol Education is recruiting on behalf of a welcoming and well-established nursery in Colchester that is seeking a passionate and dedicated Nursery Manager to join the team as soon as possible.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take the lead within a thriving setting, supporting a dedicated team and helping shape the future of a nursery with strong foundations and room for growth. The nursery is keen to appoint quickly, making this an ideal role for candidates looking for an immediate start.

The Role

As Nursery Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, leading a team of 15 staff members across three rooms. Working alongside an experienced Deputy Manager and established Room Leaders, you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of care and education, supporting staff development, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across the setting.

What We're Looking For

• Level 3 Childcare Qualification (essential)
• Paediatric First Aid qualification
• Management qualification desirable but not essential
• Previous nursery leadership experience, including Deputy Managers ready to progress into their first Manager position
• Strong people management and mentoring skills
• Experience supporting new starters and early career practitioners
• Previous experience within a nursery graded \"Good\" or above
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory requirements
• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding outcomes for children

About the Nursery

• Well-established nursery based in Colchester
• Approximately 65 children currently on roll
• Three rooms with experienced Room Leaders already in place
• Dedicated Deputy Manager supporting operations
• Team of 15 staff members
• Opportunities for future growth and development
• On-site parking available

What's On Offer

• Starting salary of £40,000+
• Full-time, permanent position
• Immediate start available
• Supportive and experienced team
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Free on-site parking
• The chance to make a real impact within a growing nursery setting

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.