Nursery Manager

Acorn Early Years; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in childcare is seeking an inspiring Nursery Manager to lead a dedicated team in a picturesque village. This role offers the opportunity to create a nurturing environment where children thrive through nature-based learning and relational pedagogy. With a strong commitment to professional development, the organization supports its staff in their growth while ensuring a warm and homely atmosphere for children. Join a forward-thinking team that values creativity, leadership, and community engagement, making a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners.

Benefits

65% Childcare Discount

Generous Family Leave

Christmas Closure

25 Days Annual Leave

Training Days

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Cycle and Tech Scheme

Length of Service Awards

Pay Advances

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Must hold at least Level 3 qualification in early years.
• Proven senior leadership experience in a nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a passionate team in a nurturing environment.
• Engage with the local community through outdoor adventures.

Skills

Leadership

Understanding of EYFS

Safeguarding Knowledge

Ofsted Inspection Experience

Organizational Skills

Creative Thinking

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Level 6 Early Years Qualification

GCSE in Maths

Tools

Forest School Qualification

Job description

We are currently looking for an inspirational Nursery Manager to join our nursery in Castlethorpe.

Set in the lovely village of Castlethorpe, to the north of Milton Keynes, this nursery was the first of the Acorn nurseries. The children enjoy taking walks in the countryside and also enjoy visits to Salcey Forest for forest school fun.

We’re proud to be one of the leading childcare providers in Milton Keynes, Northampton, and Bedford, with over 35 years of experience. As a not-for-profit organisation, we place children’s well-being at the heart of everything we do. Our settings reflect a commitment to nature-based and relational pedagogy with a personalised approach to care, creating warm, homely spaces that encourage flexibility and individuality. We also believe in investing in our people. We offer ongoing professional development opportunities and a nurturing team culture that supports your growth every step of the way.

We’re looking for a dedicated and inspiring individual to lead a supportive and passionate team. If you’re a natural leader who is highly motivated, organised, enthusiastic, and creative, we’d love to hear from you. In this role, you’ll work alongside a team of highly qualified professionals and play an active part in the local community—enjoying daily and weekly adventures in and around the beautiful village of Castlethorpe.

What a Nursery Manager needs:

• Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification, but ideally Level 6.
• Excellent understanding of the EYFS and Childcare
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding.
• Proven Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.
• Experience with Ofsted inspections and quality improvement
• It is a legal requirement to hold a GCSE or equivalent qualification in Maths or be willing to achieve within 2 years of starting the position.
• A Forest school qualification is a desirable or attentively to demonstrate a passion for outdoor learning and nature-based pedagogy

As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer:

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 65% childcare discount
• Generous family leave
• Christmas closure
• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays (and the option to buy more)
• 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Cycle and Tech scheme
• Length of Service awards
• Pay advances
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme