Nursery Manager

Abacus Ark Nursery Schools; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-Day Week

32 Days Leave

Medical Cashback Plan

Training & Career Development

Career Progression

New Site Openings

Job summary

Abacus Ark Nursery Schools is hiring a Nursery Manager to lead high-quality childcare across a growing South West site. You will oversee daily operations, ensure EYFS standards, safety, and regulatory compliance, and drive excellence in curriculum, staff development, and parental engagement.

The role requires proven leadership in a childcare setting, Level 3 EY Educator or higher, and the ability to manage budgets, training, and progression across expanding sites within a family-run environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a childcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and curriculum planning.
• Experience mentoring staff and safeguarding requirements.

Responsibilities

• Safeguarding & wellbeing: ensure all children are safe and well cared for.
• Leadership & staff management: supervise, train, and develop staff.
• Curriculum & quality of education: oversee high-quality EYFS delivery.
• Compliance & regulation: meet Ofsted and health & safety standards.
• Parental engagement: communicate progress and wellbeing to parents.
• Operational management: manage budgets, staffing ratios, and resources.
• Quality improvement: monitor standards and drive improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Safeguarding

EYFS knowledge

Parental engagement

Education

Level 3 Early Years Educator

Level 5 or above preferred

Job description

Salary: £50,000

Join a family run nursery where you’re truly valued...

Role Summary

The role of the Nursery Manager will be to provide high quality childcare for parents and carers. The Nursery Manager will be required to oversee the operation of the day nursery to the highest standards, ensuring that the best possible environment and care are provided for young children through alignment and promotion of EYFS. The Nursery Manager will have overall responsibility for the planning, implementing, and monitoring of all the Nursery provision policies and procedures. This will require an informed understanding of statutory requirements and best practice for childcare.

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Location: South West (Expanding sites)

Salary: £50,000

Join a family run nursery where you’re truly valued...

Why Join Abacus Ark Nursery?

• 4-Day Working Week - Work full-time hours across just 4 days and enjoy 3 days off every week for better work-life balance.
• 32 Days Annual Leave (Includes 8 Bank Holidays, 4 Personal Wellbeing Days)
• Medical Cashback Plan - Health Shield plan worth over £1,000 per year (including GP Anytime, health screening, health cash plans, MyGymDiscounts, SkinVision, online health assessments, massages, dental, optical and more)
• Training & Career Development - including specialised training and support/funding with enrolling onto further qualifications
• Progression opportunities within the company
• New site openings - further opportunities available

We Invest Heavily In Our Team With

• Blue Light Card access with major high street stores/food/cinema/holiday/travel discounts (various discounts between 10-20% off)
• Manager Bonus Incentive
• Long service rewards
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Annual inset training days (fun & interactive)
• Team social events and celebrations
• Company pension
• Ongoing professional development
• Leadership development opportunities
• Supportive team culture and mentorship from experienced early years professionals
• Inclusive and positive working environment
• First aid and safeguarding training

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguarding & wellbeing: Ensuring all children are safe, protected, and well cared for in line with legal requirements.
• Leadership & staff management: Supervising, training, and supporting staff, including performance management and professional development.
• Curriculum & quality of education: Overseeing the delivery of a high-quality early years curriculum and ensuring it meets statutory frameworks (e.g., EYFS in the UK).
• Compliance & regulation: Making sure the nursery meets all legal, Ofsted, and health & safety requirements.
• Parental engagement: Building strong relationships with parents and communicating effectively about children’s progress and wellbeing.
• Operational management: Managing budgets, staffing ratios, resources, and day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Quality improvement: Monitoring standards through observations, assessments, and audits, and driving continuous improvement.

Professional Requirements

• Must have experience as a deputy/manager in a childcare setting
• Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum); Level5 or above preferred.
• Strong understanding of EYFS, curriculum planning, and child development.
• Experience in mentoring staff and supporting team development.
• Good knowledge of Ofsted and safeguarding requirements.
• Ability to lead a team.