Nursery Manager

Wiltshire Career Site; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Wiltshire Career Site is helping Chalke Valley Playschool fill a lead EY role in a countryside setting. The post is term-time only with a salary of £29,640–£33,592 per annum and a 38-hour week, commencing January 2027.

The successful candidate will oversee daily practice, plan an engaging EYFS curriculum, support staff development and ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and Ofsted readiness, while fostering strong links with parents and professionals.

Qualifications

• Holds Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Experience in an Early Years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Be an active member of the team working directly with children.
• Plan and deliver an engaging EYFS curriculum.
• Support children's learning, development and wellbeing, including SEND provision.
• Supervise, mentor and appraise staff.
• Manage staffing, training compliance and operational routines.
• Oversee children's records, assessments and two-year progress checks.
• Build positive relationships with parents and external professionals.
• Coordinate admissions, new starters and school transitions.
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance.
• Support Ofsted readiness and continuous improvement.

Skills

Experience in Early Years setting

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Team leadership

Organised and proactive

Stakeholder communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)

Job description

Salary: £29,640 -£33,592 per annum

Hours of work: 38 hours per week

Contract type: Term time only

This is not a Wiltshire Council vacancy therefore please contact Chalke Valley Playschool for further information.

A bit about us:

We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and caring leader to join our friendly nursery team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an Early Years professional to lead daily practice, support staff development and help deliver high-quality care and education in our nurturing countryside setting.

All about the role:

You will:

• Lead the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Be an active member of the team working directly with children.
• Plan and deliver an engaging EYFS curriculum.
• Support children's learning, development and wellbeing, including SEND provision.
• Supervise, mentor and appraise staff.
• Manage staffing, training compliance and operational routines.
• Oversee children's records, assessments and two-year progress checks.
• Build positive relationships with parents and external professionals.
• Coordinate admissions, new starters and school transitions.
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance.
• Support Ofsted readiness and continuous improvement.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Has experience working within an Early Years setting.
• Has strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Is organised, proactive and able to lead a team effectively.
• Is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children.

Closing date (and time): 13th November 5pm

Interview date: week commencing 16th November 2026

Commencement date: January 2027

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are not ‘protected’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020). An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.