Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Royal Tunbridge Wells; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Willingcare in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to take responsibility for a setting with an Outstanding Ofsted rating. You will lead a strong team, ensure high-quality Early Years practice, and drive continuous improvement across indoor and outdoor environments.

The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 Early Years qualification, proven Nursery Manager experience, and a deep understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted standards.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development.
• Excellent understanding of Ofsted requirements and inspection expectations.
• Strong safeguarding and child protection knowledge.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing Early Years teams.
• Confidence monitoring quality and maintaining high standards.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement change.
• Strong organisational and operational management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear and inspiring leadership across the setting.
• Maintain the excellent standards associated with the nursery's Outstanding Ofsted rating.
• Lead, motivate and develop practitioners and room leaders.
• Ensure the EYFS is delivered consistently and effectively across all age groups.
• Monitor the quality of children's experiences, observations and learning environments.
• Ensure children are supported to develop confidence, independence and enthusiasm for learning.
• Encourage teams to make full use of the nursery's indoor and outdoor environments.
• Maintain safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure readiness for Ofsted inspections.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, families and external professionals.
• Oversee staffing and day-to-day operation of the nursery.
• Create a positive culture where colleagues feel supported and motivated.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS

Ofsted

Safeguarding

Staff development

Operational management

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Nursery Manager

£40,000 per year | 40 Hours per Week | Outstanding Ofsted Rating

We’re looking for an experienced Nursery Manager to take responsibility for a setting where high-quality Early Years practice is already firmly embedded.

Throughout the nursery, spacious and well-resourced rooms have been carefully designed around children's different stages of development. Children are encouraged to explore their interests, make choices and gradually build the confidence and independence that will support them throughout their Early Years journey.

Outside, an inspiring garden extends learning beyond the nursery rooms, providing opportunities for physical activity, fresh air, exploration and hands-on learning every day.

The ideal candidate will provide confident leadership, develop a strong team and ensure the nursery continues to deliver the standards expected of an Outstanding Ofsted-rated setting.

What We're Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager is essential.
• Proven experience successfully managing an Early Years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development.
• Excellent understanding of Ofsted requirements and inspection expectations.
• Strong safeguarding and child protection knowledge.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing Early Years teams.
• Confidence monitoring quality and maintaining consistently high standards across the nursery.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement positive change.
• Strong organisational and operational management skills.

What You'll Receive

• £40,000 per year
• Annual leave increasing with length of service
• Long service awards
• Benefits and discounts portal
• Wellbeing programme
• Paid enhanced DBS check
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to lead an Outstanding Ofsted-rated nursery
• Continued opportunities to develop your Early Years leadership career

Leading an Outstanding Setting

• Provide clear and inspiring leadership across the setting.
• Maintain the excellent standards associated with the nursery's Outstanding Ofsted rating.
• Lead, motivate and develop practitioners and room leaders.
• Ensure the EYFS is delivered consistently and effectively across all age groups.
• Monitor the quality of children's experiences, observations and learning environments.
• Ensure children are supported to develop confidence, independence and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
• Encourage teams to make full use of the nursery's indoor and outdoor environments.
• Maintain excellent safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure the nursery remains fully prepared for future Ofsted inspections.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, families and external professionals.
• Oversee staffing and the wider day-to-day operation of the nursery.
• Create a positive culture where colleagues feel supported, valued and motivated to deliver their best practice.

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: WILL254408/DB