Nursery Manager

Kids Planet Day Nurseries; Oxford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run nursery provider is seeking a Nursery Manager at their Oxford location. The role involves managing day-to-day nursery operations and ensuring high-quality care per Ofsted regulations. Candidates must have a Level 3 early years qualification, strong leadership skills, and a solid understanding of safeguarding. This position offers a competitive salary, family-oriented benefits, and the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of children and families. Apply now to join this dedicated team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

80% Childcare Discount

Free meals during work hours

Accredited training opportunities

Enhanced leave for family events

Birthday day off

Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 qualification in early years.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS required.
• Experience in senior leadership within a nursery setting expected.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead and support the nursery team.
• Build relationships with families and external agencies.

Skills

Excellent understanding of EYFS

Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children

Leadership skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in a UK recognised early years qualification

GCSE in Maths (or equivalent)

Job description

What if your next job meant more than just work, what if it meant shaping futures, every day?

Kids Planet is a proud family‑run business, we do things with heart and we’re passionate about giving every child the best possible start. No two settings are the same, but all of them are built around our shared values: care, curiosity, and a genuine love for early years.

Join Kids Planet Jack Straws Lane as a Nursery Manager!

We’re now looking for a Nursery Manager to join our team, someone who’s ready to get stuck in, spark imaginations, and help children thrive.

Why Kids Planet Jack Straws Lane?

• Onsite parking and great transport links
• Ofsted Outstanding nursery
• Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26
• Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women 2025
• Crowned NMT’s Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running
• 80% Childcare Discount – T&Cs apply

What we’ll offer our Nursery Manager:

• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!
• Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.
• Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.
• Take the day off on your birthday, it’s all about you!
• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Friendly central support team always on hand to help.
• An exclusive Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme to reward your leadership and impact.

How you’ll make a difference as a Nursery Manager:

• By managing the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and the nursery’s policies and procedures.
• Through leading, mentoring, and supporting the nursery team, promoting a positive, collaborative, and professional culture while ensuring staff development and performance are maintained to a high standard.
• By building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with families and external agencies, supporting each child’s development and wellbeing, and ensuring the nursery is always prepared for Ofsted inspections.

Requirements of a Nursery Manager:

• Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.
• In line with legal regulations, you must hold a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths or gain it within 2 years of starting.

Sound like the place for you?

Apply today to join Kids Planet Jack Straws Lane.

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well‑being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.