Nursery Manager

Blenheim Schools; Northampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Blenheim Schools in Northampton is seeking a passionate Nursery Manager to lead our thriving early years provision. You will steer high-quality care and education, shaping the start of children's educational journeys and supporting families.

You will manage a dedicated EY team, oversee daily operations, ensure EYFS compliance, safeguarding, and staff development, and inspire excellence across the setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification required.
• Significant experience in an Early Years setting.
• Leadership or management experience within a nursery environment.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop others.
• Child-centred approach and commitment to exceptional care and learning.
• Level 5 or 6 EYFS and DSL qualification desired.
• Paediatric First Aid certification desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop an Early Years team.
• Manage day-to-day nursery operations, staffing, rotas and occupancy.
• Ensure compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership/management

EYFS knowledge

Communication

Organisational skills

Child-centred approach

Inspire and develop others

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5 or 6 EYFS and DSL qualification (desired)

Job description

We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Nursery Manager to lead our thriving nursery provision and create an exceptional start to every child's educational journey. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a nurturing, inspiring, and high-quality early years environment where children flourish, families feel supported, and staff are empowered to succeed.

As Nursery Manager, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact, driving high standards of care and education while leading a dedicated team that shares your commitment to giving children the very best start in life, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and early years education.

You'll create an engaging and stimulating environment where children feel safe, happy, and inspired to learn through play, while supporting your team to deliver outstanding outcomes for every child.

What you will be doing

• Leading, motivating and developing a dedicated Early Years team
• Managing the day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing, rotas and occupancy
• Ensuring compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and all regulatory requirements

We're looking for a confident and caring leader who is passionate about Early Years education and committed to helping children reach their full potential.

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification required
• Significant experience working within an Early Years setting
• Leadership or management experience within a nursery environment
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop others
• A child-centred approach and commitment to delivering exceptional care and learning experiences
• Level 5 or 6 Early Years and DSL qualification desired
• Paediatric First Aid certification desired

  Blenheim Schools is a growing family of innovative, high-quality independent schools committed to enabling outstanding futures for every student. Our ethos centres on truly understanding each child, their talents, character and aspirations by providing a personalised, ambitious education that helps every child to thrive.

  We deliver a broad, enriching curriculum supported by tailored teaching and exceptional pastoral care. We celebrate individuality, nurture confidence and champion every learner so they can discover their strengths and achieve their potential.

  Joining Blenheim Schools means becoming part of a collaborative, forward-thinking community that values creativity, inclusion and professional growth. Our teams are united by a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and by a commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for students and families.

  We are proud to be part of OFG Education, which in 2025 was officially certified as a Great Place to Work® for the sixth consecutive year.