Nursery Manager

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Discounted childcare

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a high‑quality Early Years setting. The role focuses on safeguarding, staff leadership and delivering outstanding care and education in line with EYFS standards.

You will oversee daily operations, manage staffing and budgets, mentor staff, and build strong relationships with families to support children’s development and confidence.

Qualifications

• Must hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher.
• Proven track record as a Nursery Manager.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the nursery and ensure high standards of care and education.
• Lead, motivate and develop the nursery team and create a positive working environment.
• Ensure learning experiences align with the EYFS.
• Maintain a safe, secure and stimulating environment for children.
• Oversee safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance.
• Manage staffing, occupancy, budgets and nursery performance.
• Monitor teaching quality, observations and children's progress.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Support staff development through mentoring and training.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain high standards across the nursery.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Communication

Team motivation

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

Job description

Are you an experienced Nursery Manager with a proven track record of leading successful Early Years settings and maintaining exceptional standards of care and education?

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a welcoming nursery that places children's safety, happiness and development at the heart of everything it does.

The nursery is committed to creating a safe, secure and nurturing environment where children feel confident to explore, develop their independence and reach their full potential. With a strong focus on high-quality Early Years education, the setting encourages meaningful learning experiences that support every child's individual needs.

We're looking for a confident, hands-on Nursery Manager with a strong track record of leadership, a commitment to maintaining high standards and the ability to inspire a team to deliver outstanding care and education.

What's On Offer

• Company pension scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Discounted childcare

Leading the Nursery

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring high standards of care and education
• Lead, motivate and develop the nursery team, creating a positive and supportive working environment
• Ensure learning experiences are delivered in line with the EYFS
• Maintain a safe, secure and stimulating environment where children can thrive
• Oversee safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance
• Manage staffing, recruitment, occupancy, budgets and nursery performance
• Monitor the quality of teaching, observations and children's developmental progress
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and the wider nursery community
• Support staff development through mentoring, training and performance management
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain high standards across all areas of the nursery

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL270950/JG

What We're Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above - essential
• Previous experience working as a Nursery Manager - essential
• A proven track record of successfully managing an Early Years setting
• Strong understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding
• Experience leading, motivating and developing nursery teams
• Confidence managing nursery operations, staffing, occupancy and budgets
• A commitment to maintaining consistently high standards of care and education
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
• A proactive, professional and hands-on management approach