Nursery Manager

Acorn Early Years Foundation; Northampton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay scales

Childcare discount pro-rata

Generous family leave

Christmas closure

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

4 training days

Job summary

Acorn Early Years Foundation invites applications for a Nursery Manager at Brafield-on-the-Green. The role leads a warm, nurturing environment delivering high-quality, child-centred care aligned with EYFS standards.

You will champion safeguarding, work closely with families and health professionals, and develop staff through coaching and appraisals. Applicants must be committed to inclusivity and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and a passion for child-centred practice.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge.
• Experience leading or supporting an Ofsted inspection.
• Knowledge of early help processes and local support services.
• Create an environment where every child and family feels welcome and respected.

Responsibilities

• Lead with compassion, integrity, and a clear commitment to putting children first.
• Create a positive, inclusive culture where staff feel supported and motivated.
• Guide the team to deliver high-quality, child-centred practice in line with the EYFS.
• Take responsibility for the safe, effective, and compliant day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Build trusting relationships with families and health professionals to support holistic care.
• Invest in staff development through coaching, supervision, and reflective practice.

Skills

Nursery management experience

EYFS knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Ofsted experience

Job description

Nursery Manager – Acorn at Brafield-on-the-Green

If you are offered aManager role, you will receive a £1000 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3 month probation period.

At Acorn Early Years, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life. We are looking for a passionate and values-driven Nursery Manager to lead our Brafield Nursery, creating a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children, families, and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Established in 1997, this small and friendly nursery is situated in the village of Brafield-on-the-Green. It is in an idyllic setting, a quiet location on the edge of the village, next to the church

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead with compassion, integrity, and a clear commitment to putting children first
• Create a positive, inclusive culture where staff feel supported, motivated, and proud of their work
• Guide the team to deliver high-quality, child-centred practice in line with the EYFS
• Take responsibility for the safe, effective, and compliant day-to-day running of the nursery

High-Quality Care and Learning

• Champion a nurturing, play-based approach that recognises every child as unique
• Create enabling environments that reflect children’s interests, needs, and backgrounds
• Ensure all childrenare supported to flourish
• Use observation and assessment meaningfully to understand and support each child’s journey

Working in Partnership with Families & Community

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with parents and carers as partners in learning
• Work closely with health professionals, and local services to support families holistically
• Act with empathy, understanding, and professionalism when supporting families facing challenges
• Promote inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for all within the community

Safeguarding & Inclusion

• Place safeguarding and wellbeing at the heart of everything you do
• Lead a culture where children feel safe, secure, and valued
• Support staff to confidently recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns
• Champion inclusive practice that respects diversity and removes barriers to learning

Supporting Your Team

• Invest in your team’s growth through coaching, mentoring, and reflective practice
• Lead supervision, appraisals, and development opportunities
• Encourage a shared commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Support staff to understand and respond to the needs of children in complex circumstances

Operational Excellence

• Ensure the nursery runs smoothly, efficiently, and sustainably
• Oversee systems such as occupancy, staffing, and parent communication with care and accuracy
• Maintain clear, organised records and ensure compliance with all statutory requirements
• Manage concerns and feedback constructively, always seeking positive outcomes

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and a passion for child-centred practice
• Strong safeguarding knowledge
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Knowledge of early help processes and local support services
• Experience leading or supporting an Ofsted inspection
• You lead by example, demonstrating kindness, professionalism, and integrity
• You create an environment where every child and family feels welcome and respected
• You communicate openly and effectively with children, families, staff, and partners
• You stay informed and committed to best practice in early years and safeguarding
• You play an active role in shaping the future of Brafield Nursery and Acorn Early Years

Safer Recruitment & Inclusion

At Acorn Early Years, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate difference and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who share our values.

All applicants must:

• Have the right to work in the UK
• Provide two satisfactory references
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check or provide relevant information if you are on the DBS Update Service

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 Pro-rata according to contracted hours
• 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