Nursery Manager

The Playroom; Greater London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A vibrant nursery in Greater London is seeking a passionate part-time Nursery Manager to lead day-to-day operations and support staff development. With a focus on creating a nurturing environment, you will drive quality compliance, build strong relationships with parents, and assist with business growth. This role offers a competitive salary of £20,000-£25,000 pro rata, with opportunities for additional hours. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

Benefits

Additional leave and company pension

Health and well-being programmes

Parking space

Free staff snacks and refreshments

Birthday off

Annual Christmas celebration

Employee bonus structure

Employee bonus structure

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a management role within an early years setting.
• Experience with Ofsted inspections is ideal.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and safeguarding requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the nursery.
• Support and mentor the staff team.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted standards.
• Assist with occupancy and business growth.
• Build relationships with parents and the community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Early Years knowledge

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years

Level 5 qualification or above (preferred)

Job description

Nursery Manager

Part‑Time Nursery Manager (approx. 25 hours / week)

Are you an experienced early years leader ready to make a real difference in a vibrant, nurturing nursery? We are seeking a passionate, motivated nursery manager to join our team and help us shape and grow our setting together.

About us: We are a warm, family‑centered nursery committed to creating a supportive, respectful, and reflective environment for children, families, and staff. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and build a nursery where everyone thrives, children feel safe and valued, staff feel supported and inspired, and parents trust us as partners.

The Role: As our Nursery Manager, you will:

• Lead and oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the nursery, ensuring a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where children flourish.
• Act as a hands‑on leader: support, motivate, and mentor our staff team to grow professionally, feel valued, and deliver excellent practice.
• Drive quality, compliance, and continuous improvement, ensuring full alignment with Ofsted standards, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding requirements, and all other required legislation.
• Assist with occupancy, waiting lists, and business growth. Working as a proactive leader and change‑maker to help us build our reputation.
• Build strong relationships with parents, children, and the wider community, championing open communication and excellence in customer care.
• Support operational areas including budgets, staffing schedules, resources, audits, student mentoring, and liaison with external agencies.

What we’re looking for

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (Level 5 or above preferred).
• At least 2 years’ experience in a management role within an early years setting, ideally with experience in Ofsted inspections.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, Ofsted frameworks, and best‑practice early years pedagogy.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop a team. Someone who leads by example and is caring and nurturing to both children and staff.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem‑solving skills. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running and shape the future with us.

Benefits

• A part‑time role (around 25 hours / week), with the potential for more hours.
• The freedom to lead and grow: this is your chance to shape the role and use your vision to build something special.
• Additional leave and company pension.
• Access to health and well‑being programmes, with support for your continued professional development.
• Parking space.
• Free staff snacks and refreshments in staff area.
• Birthday off.
• Flexibility in hours when needed.
• Annual Christmas celebration.
• Termly team events.
• Employee bonus structure.

Salary: £20,000‑£25,000 pro rata (based on 25 hours / week), with the potential for increased hours.

Why join us? This is more than just a job; it’s a leadership opportunity. If you’re someone who thrives in an environment where you can lead, innovate, nurture, and grow, then we’d love to hear from you. You’ll have the chance to work closely with the nursery owners, bring your ideas to life, help the business reach its full potential, and make a meaningful difference every day.

How to apply: Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your leadership experience in early years settings and how you’d like to help us grow our nursery. We look forward to hearing from you!