Nursery Manager

Blenheim Schools; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is seeking a Nursery Manager at the Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School site to lead day-to-day operations, ensure EYFS compliance, and maintain a nurturing, safe environment for children aged 12 months to 4 years. The role emphasizes strong leadership, safeguarding, and collaboration with parents and staff.

The post requires Level 3 EY qualification (minimum) with desirable Level 5/6 and DSL; Paediatric First Aid or willingness to obtain is expected.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of a nursery/team
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Clear, confident communication with colleagues and parents
• Ability to build positive relationships with parents, staff and external partners
• Solid understanding of safeguarding and child welfare practices
• Ability to inspire, motivate and support staff and children

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team and daily operations
• Oversee staffing, rotas, and ratios to ensure safe care
• Ensure EYFS compliance, safeguarding and regulatory standards
• Deliver a high-quality, play-based EYFS curriculum
• Monitor development, plan, assess and track progress
• Build relationships with parents and provide updates on progress
• Lead parent meetings, reports and nursery events
• Support transitions into Reception and collaboration with school staff

Skills

Leadership

Organisation

Communication

Parent relationships

Safeguarding

Staff motivation

Education

Level 3 EY qualification

Level 5/6 qualification

DSL Qualification

Paediatric First Aid

Job description

Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters.

Job Title: Nursery Manager
Location: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, Buckingham
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday |
Contract: Permanent | 52 weeks

About Akeley Wood Junior School

Akeley Wood Junior School is a warm, vibrant and caring community set within stunning rural surroundings near Buckingham. Our Nursery provides a joyful, stimulating and secure space where children aged 12 months to 4 years can explore, play and learn with confidence.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual to inspire our children. The Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and day-to-day running of the school's nursery provision. The role ensures a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children can learn and develop in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, while supporting the school's ethos and values.

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will:

• Lead and manage the nursery team, fostering a positive and professional working environment
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing, rotas, and ratios
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding requirements, and relevant regulatory standards
• Deliver a high-quality, play-based curriculum aligned with EYFS principles
• Monitor children's development, including planning, assessment, and progress tracking
• Promote inclusive practice and support children with additional needs
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene, and safeguarding at all times
• Manage nursery resources, equipment, and budget effectively
• Build strong relationships with parents and provide regular updates on children's progress
• Lead parent meetings, reports, and nursery events
• Support transitions into Reception and collaborate with wider school staff
• Contribute to inspections, school initiatives, and the wider life of the school

What you'll bring

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)
• Level 5 or 6 qualification (desirable)
• DSL Qualification (desirable)
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• Clear and confident communication skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with parents, staff, and external partners
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child welfare practices
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and support both staff and children

Experience

• Significant experience working within an early years setting
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations
• Experience in a school-based or independent nursery setting (desirable)

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.