Nursery Manager

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

Job summary

Akeley Wood Junior School invites applications for a Nursery Manager to lead and inspire our early years provision. You will oversee staffing, routines, EYFS compliance, safeguarding, and the delivery of a playful, child-centred curriculum.

We welcome applicants from apprentices and experienced practitioners who are dedicated to high-quality early childhood education and parent partnerships, with a commitment to the school ethos and a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team and daily operations.
• Ensure EYFS compliance and safeguarding standards.
• Deliver a play-based curriculum aligned with EYFS.
• Monitor development, plan, assess, and track progress.
• Build relationships with parents and provide updates.
• Support transitions into Reception.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication

Parent relations

Safeguarding

Staff motivation

Education

Level 3 EY

Level 5/6 (des)

DSL (des)

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.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, caring and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our Early Years team. We are also open to applications from apprentices, making this a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to begin, or further develop, a rewarding career in early childhood education.

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)