Nursery Manager

TeacherActive; Royston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Birthday leave

Annual awards

Free on-site parking

Wellbeing support

Job summary

TeacherActive is recruiting an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a brand-new nursery opening in Royston, Hertfordshire. You will manage day-to-day operations, recruit and develop staff, and ensure exceptional care and education for children from opening onward.

The role requires strong EYFS knowledge, safeguarding experience, and leadership ability. Salary is £40,000–£44,000 with a 40-hour week and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher.
• Minimum of 2 years' nursery management experience.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS framework and safeguarding.
• Paediatric First Aid (12-hour) qualification and Enhanced DBS required.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of the nursery and ensure safe, effective running.
• Recruit, onboard, support and develop a high-quality Early Years team.
• Manage staff rotas and day-to-day operational needs.
• Implement nursery policies and EYFS compliance.
• Embed a child-centred, play-based curriculum across the setting.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Prepare the nursery for inspections and maintain high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Staff management

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Tools

iPads

Biometric systems

Job description

Nursery Manager - Brand New Nursery

Location: Royston, Hertfordshire

Salary: £40,000 - £44,000 per annum, depending on experience

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week, working between 7:30am - 6:30pm

Start: October 2026 / ahead of nursery opening

Are you an experienced Nursery Manager looking for an exciting opportunity to lead a brand-new nursery from its opening?

Do you have a strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements, with a proven track record of successfully managing an Early Years setting?

Are you a confident and inspirational leader who can recruit, develop and motivate a new nursery team while building excellent relationships with children and families?

TeacherActive is delighted to be recruiting an experienced Nursery Manager for a brand-new nursery opening in Royston, Hertfordshire.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an established Nursery Manager to play a key role in the launch and development of a completely new Early Years setting.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the nursery, helping to establish a positive culture from the outset, recruit and develop your staff team and ensure children receive exceptional standards of care and education.

The Nursery Manager will be responsible for:

• Leading the day-to-day operation of the nursery and ensuring the setting runs safely and effectively
• Recruiting, on-boarding, supporting and developing a high-quality Early Years team
• Managing staff deployment, rotas and day-to-day operational requirements
• Implementing and maintaining nursery policies and procedures
• Ensuring full compliance with EYFS statutory requirements, safeguarding procedures and Ofsted expectations
• Embedding a child-centred, play-based curriculum throughout the setting
• Creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment in which children can learn and develop
• Supporting staff to deliver consistently high standards of teaching, learning and care
• Building strong and positive relationships with parents and carers
• Supporting families in understanding and celebrating their children's developmental milestones
• Ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all children and staff
• Building a strong reputation for the nursery within the local community
• Working closely with senior stakeholders and external professionals
• Preparing the nursery for inspections and maintaining consistently high standards

The successful Nursery Manager will have:

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above, recognised by the Department for Education
• A minimum of 2 years' nursery management experience
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and statutory requirements
• A proven history of successfully managing Early Years settings towards Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes
• Excellent leadership and people-management skills
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and relevant training
• A 12-hour Paediatric First Aid qualification
• An Enhanced DBS for the Child Workforce or willingness to obtain one
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The confidence to recruit, develop and lead a new staff team
• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding Early Years education and childcare

What's on offer?

• £40,000 - £44,000 salary, depending on experience
• Annual salary review
• Opportunity to lead a brand-new nursery from opening
• Continuous professional development and ongoing training
• Discounted childcare
• Additional annual leave, including your birthday off
• Employee referral bonus
• Employee of the Month recognition
• Annual awards and team events
• On-site wellbeing support
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site parking
• Modern facilities and technology, including iPads and biometric entry systems
• A play-based curriculum designed to reduce unnecessary paperwork and allow practitioners to focus on high-quality interactions with children

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Nursery Manager who wants more than simply taking over an established setting. You will have the opportunity to help shape a new nursery from the beginning, build your own team and establish a positive culture for children, families and staff.