Nursery Manager

Little Ducklings Nurseries; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Health & wellbeing programme

Company events

Discounted or free food

Free flu jabs

Job summary

Little Ducklings Nursery is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead day-to-day operations, ensure safeguarding and high-quality early education, and drive continuous improvement across the setting.

This fixed-term appointment supports leadership during a period of absence, with a defined term of at least 9 months and potential longer-term opportunities. The role includes direct support from the Nursery Director and Admin Manager.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, Ofsted expectations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day nursery operations, staffing and rotas.
• Ensure safeguarding culture and compliance with regulations.
• Deliver high-quality curriculum across rooms, focusing on child outcomes.
• Lead and coach Room Leaders and practitioners with accountability.
• Hold regular staff and leadership meetings to strengthen practice.
• Foster partnerships with families, schools and external services.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

EYFS knowledge

Coaching

Communication

Organisation

Education

Level 3 early years qualification

Level 5+ or Montessori qualification

Forest School training (desirable)

Job description

A leadership role with genuine influence

Little Ducklings Nursery is looking for an experienced, warm and capable Nursery Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day leadership of our setting. You will have the authority to lead the team, strengthen practice and ensure that every child receives safe, inclusive and inspiring early education and care.

This is a substantial leadership appointment, not simply a caretaker role. You will work directly with the Nursery Director and be supported by an experienced Admin Manager, established Room Leaders and a wider support team. That structure allows you to focus on the work where a strong Nursery Manager adds the greatest value: childrens outcomes, safeguarding, quality, people and culture.

The appointment is fixed term because it provides leadership during a period of long-term absence. We are offering a clearly defined term of at least 9 months and completion reward ( £1000 bonus for successfully complete the term and handover) to give candidates greater certainty. Although a permanent role cannot be guaranteed, we will discuss suitable longer-term opportunities if the nurserys future structure and business needs allow.

What you will lead

The safe, smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing, deployment, ratios, rotas and operational decision-making.

A strong safeguarding culture, consistent compliance with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, health and safety and safer recruitment, alongside effective audits and inspection readiness.

High-quality delivery of the Little Ducklings curriculum across every room, with childrens individual needs, interests, wellbeing and development at the centre.

Room Leaders and practitioners through visible leadership, coaching, supervision, feedback, performance support and clear accountability.

Purposeful staff meetings, leadership meetings and training that strengthen knowledge, confidence and consistent practice.

Positive partnerships with parents and carers, local schools, external professionals, community organisations and other services supporting children and families.

What will help you succeed

A full and relevant Level 3 early years qualification or above; Level 5 + or Montessori qualification, or any of those with Forest School training is desirable.

Successful leadership experience in an early years setting, ideally with responsibility for day-to-day nursery management.

Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, Ofsted expectations, health and safety and inclusive practice.

The confidence to make sound decisions, lead through challenge and address issues promptly and fairly.

A coaching style that combines warmth, clarity and high expectations.

Excellent organisation and communication, with the ability to build trust with children, families, staff and partner organisations.

What you can expect from us

Direct support, strategic guidance and professional challenge from the Nursery Director.

Administrative and operational support from an experienced Admin Manager and wider support team.

Established Room Leaders who are accountable for leading their rooms.

Funded training and development relevant to the role.

Work lunch, childcare discount, health and wellbeing plan package, Nursery events...

Ready to lead Little Ducklings?

If you are an experienced early years leader who wants meaningful responsibility, less admin, visible support and the opportunity to make a lasting difference, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a short supporting statement explaining your nursery leadership experience, your approach to developing a team and why this opportunity interests you.

Safeguarding and inclusion

Little Ducklings Nurseries are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointment is subject to safer-recruitment checks, including satisfactory references, qualification and right-to-work checks, an enhanced DBS check and confirmation of suitability to work with children. We are an equal-opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Free flu jabs
• Health & wellbeing programme

Ability to commute/relocate: London SW6 3LG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience: nursery management: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification: Level 3 or above or Montessori qualification (required)

Work authorisation: United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person