Nursery Manager

About Early Years Ltd.; Northampton; On-site; GBP 23,940 - 29,260; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE child protection training

Assistance with DBS check

Job summary

About Early Years Ltd. is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager for maternity cover in Northampton. The successful candidate will lead the nursery, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 2–4 years while promoting high-quality education in line with the EYFS framework.

The position requires strong leadership abilities, relevant qualifications, and significant experience in early years settings. The role offers a salary of up to £26,600 per annum and requires commitment to safeguarding children.

Qualifications

• Experience in an early years setting is mandatory.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience required.
• Knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted expectations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team effectively.
• Oversee daily nursery operations and staffing.
• Ensure compliance with EYFS and safeguarding regulations.
• Deliver a high-quality play-based curriculum.
• Monitor children's development and support additional needs.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Organisational skills

Clear communication

Safeguarding knowledge

Motivation and inspiration

Education

Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5 or 6 qualification

Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term

Hours: 39 hours per week

Salary: Up to £26,600 per annum (including management allowance) – All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay.

Start Date: October 2026

About the Opportunity

Teaching Personnel is recruiting on behalf of a well-established independent co‑educational school for children aged 2–18, seeking an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager to lead its nursery provision on a maternity cover basis.

This respected school has a long-standing reputation for delivering high‑quality education and fostering the development of confident, curious, and resilient young people. With a strong emphasis on understanding each child’s individual strengths and needs, the school provides a supportive environment where children are encouraged to thrive.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated early years professional to lead and inspire both children and staff within a thriving nursery setting.

The Nursery Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and day‑to‑day operation of the nursery provision, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for children aged 2–4 years. The successful candidate will ensure outstanding practice in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework while upholding the wider values and standards of the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team, promoting a positive and professional working culture
• Oversee daily nursery operations, including staffing, rotas, and ratio management
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and all relevant regulatory requirements
• Deliver a high‑quality, play‑based curriculum aligned with EYFS principles
• Monitor children’s development through planning, assessment, and progress tracking
• Support inclusive practice and provide appropriate support for children with additional needs
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene, and safeguarding
• Manage nursery resources, equipment, and budgets effectively
• Build strong relationships with parents and provide regular progress updates
• Lead parent meetings, reporting, and nursery events
• Support children’s transition into Reception and collaborate with wider school staff
• Contribute to inspections, school initiatives, and the broader school community

The Ideal Candidate

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Level 5 or 6 qualification (desirable)
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
• Safeguarding training (DSL training desirable)

Skills & Attributes

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

Experience

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

This role would suit an enthusiastic leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional early years education and creating an environment where every child can flourish.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.