Nursery Manager

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Rickmansworth; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead an Outstanding Ofsted-rated nursery that follows a child-led approach. You will oversee daily operations, support staff, and ensure high standards of care and education in line with EYFS.

The role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification or above, plus proven Nursery Manager experience. You will manage staffing, occupancy and budgets while promoting engaging learning environments.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above (essential).
• Experience as Nursery Manager (essential).
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted, safeguarding.
• Proven experience leading and developing an Early Years team.
• Experience managing staffing, occupancy and budgets.
• Passion for child-led learning and engaging environments.
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• Proactive, supportive, hands-on management approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the nursery with high care and education standards.
• Lead, motivate and develop the nursery team in a positive environment.
• Ensure curriculum and learning experiences align with EYFS.
• Promote child-led learning across indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Maintain Outstanding Ofsted standards through continuous improvement.
• Manage staffing, recruitment, occupancy and nursery performance.
• Oversee observations, assessments and quality of teaching and learning.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and community.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance.
• Support staff development through mentoring, training and performance management.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted requirements

Safeguarding

Team leadership

Operations management

Child-led learning

Communication skills

Leadership

Hands-on management

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery Manager – Level 3+

£44,000 per Annum | 40 Hours per Week | Outstanding Ofsted

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager to lead an Outstanding Ofsted-rated nursery that takes a child-led approach to Early Years education, creating an environment where children are encouraged to explore, develop confidence and learn at their own pace.

The nursery offers beautifully designed, age-specific rooms filled with engaging resources that support children's individual development. Outdoors, a large garden provides plenty of opportunities for discovery, from sandpit adventures and mud kitchen creations to active play and exploration.

We're looking for a confident, passionate and hands-on Nursery Manager who can inspire their team, oversee the day-to-day running of the setting and continue delivering the exceptional standards of care and education that make this nursery special.

What We're Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above – essential
• Previous experience working as a Nursery Manager – essential
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding
• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing an Early Years team
• Confidence managing nursery operations, staffing, occupancy and budgets
• A passion for child-led learning and creating engaging learning environments
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
• A proactive, supportive and hands-on management approach

What's On Offer

• Discounted childcare
• Day off for your birthday
• Competitive annual leave
• Enhanced parental leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Wellbeing programme

Leading the Nursery

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring high standards of care and education
• Lead, motivate and develop the nursery team, creating a positive and supportive working environment
• Ensure the curriculum and learning experiences are delivered in line with the EYFS
• Promote child-led learning across the nursery's indoor and outdoor environments
• Maintain the nursery's Outstanding Ofsted standards through continuous improvement
• Manage staffing, recruitment, occupancy and nursery performance
• Oversee observations, assessments and the quality of teaching and learning
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and the wider nursery community
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory requirements are consistently met
• Support staff development through mentoring, training and performance management

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL264655/DB