Nursery Manager

Toad Hall Nursery; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Bonus Scheme

Employee of the month scheme

50% staff discount on childcare places

Birthday day off or Christmas shopping

Annual Christmas party

Long service awards

Holiday purchase option

Job summary

Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a busy setting up to 123 children daily. You will inspire and support the team, manage budgets and occupancy, and ensure high standards of care across the nursery.

You will be hands‑on with children, build strong parent partnerships, and work within a group of 14 settings to share ideas and drive quality and innovation. DBS checks are required and relevant qualifications are essential.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification is required.
• Enhanced DBS check is required.
• If you do not possess the required qualification or experience, your application cannot be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop staff through recruitment, training and day‑to‑day guidance.
• Ensure safe, stimulating care and education, implementing nursery initiatives and fostering parent partnerships.
• Oversee budgets, occupancy, marketing and day‑to‑day operations to drive nursery growth.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Occupancy management

Parent engagement

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Higher childcare qualification or management qualification

Job description

Nursery Manager

Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1RT

Salary up to £48,000 per annum

We’re looking for an experienced Nursery Manager to lead our vibrant Hitchin nursery, which can take up to 123 children a day! You’ll inspire and support your team, manage budgets and occupancy, and ensure the nursery runs smoothly while delivering the highest standards of care.

You’ll be hands-on with the children, building strong relationships and creating a safe, fun, and stimulating environment. As part of our wider group of 14 settings, you’ll collaborate with a team of fellow managers, sharing ideas and best practice to continually drive quality and innovation.

Please be advised if you do not possess a full and relevant qualification or experience within the childcare sector your application will not be considered.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Lead and Inspire the Team: Manage, support, and develop staff through recruitment, training, and day‑to‑day guidance, while staying up to date with early years best practice.

• Deliver High-Quality Care and Education: Ensure the nursery provides a safe, stimulating environment, implementing Toad Hall initiatives such as the Early Language Programme and Cook and Grow, and fostering strong parent partnerships.

• Manage Operations and Growth: Oversee budgets, occupancy, marketing, and day‑to‑day operations, ensuring the nursery runs smoothly and thrives within the local community.

We offer the following amazing benefits and opportunities within our established nursery group:

• Company Bonus Scheme

• Employee of the month scheme

• 50% staff discount on childcare places

• Birthday day off or Christmas shopping day

• Annual Christmas party for all Toad Hall Staff

• Long service awards at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years’ service!

• Opportunity to purchase additional Holiday

About our Hitchin Nursery

Located near Hitchin town centre, our nursery cares for over 100 children and features dedicated gardens for each age group, plus an allotment for outdoor learning.

We offer on‑site parking and are a short walk from the train station and local bus routes.

Our supportive team promotes professional growth and provides strong career development opportunities.

Who we are

Toad Hall Nursery Group was established in 1993 and since then we have grown to 14 settings, where 440 employees support our 1,100 children a day. As part of our supportive Nursery Group, you’ll join a caring community that celebrates individuality and teamwork. Our nurseries share a warm, inclusive culture where collaboration and kindness come first.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We take safeguarding seriously and follow safe recruitment procedures. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

#INDHP

Essential qualification criteria:

In addition to a full and relevant Level 3 qualification and an enhanced DBS check, the ideal candidate will also have a higher childcare qualification and/or a management or leadership qualification.

Please be advised if you do not possess a full and relevant qualification or experience within the childcare sector your application cannot be considered.