Nursery Manager

SMART Education Recruitment; Sandwell; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment in Smethwick is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead a vibrant Early Years setting for children from 9 months to pre-school. You will manage the team, ensure high standards of care, safeguarding, and EYFS delivery, and build strong partnerships with families.

This permanent, full-time position offers £28,000–£30,000 per annum depending on experience and a clear progression path for Deputy Managers ready to advance into leadership. Start date ASAP.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum requirement)
• Significant experience within an Early Years setting
• Leadership, supervisory or management experience
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding duties
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• The ability to lead a team with professionalism, approachability, and enthusiasm
• A genuine commitment to high-quality, inclusive Early Years education
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager, Deputy, or Senior Early Years Leader will be valuable.
• Experience of SEND and inclusive practice is also advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support the Early Years team
• Oversee daily nursery operations and ensure staffing levels meet statutory requirements
• Promote and ensure high-quality delivery of the EYFS curriculum
• Drive continuous development of practice and provision
• Support children’s individual learning journeys through effective planning, observation, and assessment
• Champion a safe, inclusive environment for all children, including those with additional needs
• Maintain robust safeguarding and health & safety procedures
• Build partnerships with parents and carers
• Maintain accurate records and compliance with statutory documentation
• Lead by example, including supporting within nursery rooms as needed

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Safeguarding knowledge

EYFS knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Ready to step up as a Nursery Manager and shape the future of Early Years education?

An exciting permanent opportunity awaits in Smethwick for a motivated Nursery Manager (or an experienced Deputy Manager aiming to advance their career) to lead a vibrant nursery setting for children aged 9 months to pre-school. You will have the chance to take ownership, inspire your team, and make a lasting impact on children's learning, confidence and development.

What’s in it for you?

• £28,000–£30,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Permanently employed as Nursery Manager
• Full-time working, Monday to Friday
• Lead, develop, and inspire your own Early Years team
• Shape the quality and direction of nursery provision for the very youngest learners
• Genuine chance to make a difference in a supportive, inclusive environment
• Perfect for Deputy Managers looking for their next step in leadership

The Role

As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the nursery, leading the Early Years team, and ensuring consistently high standards in care, education, safeguarding, and compliance. The setting uses the EYFS framework with a play-based, child-centred ethos focused on building confidence and curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support the Early Years team
• Oversee daily nursery operations and ensure staffing levels meet statutory requirements
• Promote and ensure high-quality delivery of the EYFS curriculum
• Drive continuous development of practice and provision
• Support children’s individual learning journeys through effective planning, observation, and assessment
• Champion a safe, inclusive environment for all children, including those with additional needs
• Maintain robust safeguarding and health & safety procedures
• Build partnerships with parents and carers
• Maintain accurate records and compliance with statutory documentation
• Lead by example, including supporting within nursery rooms as needed

Safeguarding & Inclusion

Safeguarding is at the heart of this role. You will ensure all staff understand and follow safeguarding requirements. Experience supporting children with SEND, such as autism or communication needs, will be highly valued. The setting prides itself on welcoming and supporting all children and families.

Skills and Experience

To thrive in this position, you should have:

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum requirement)
• Significant experience within an Early Years setting
• Leadership, supervisory or management experience
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding duties
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• The ability to lead a team with professionalism, approachability, and enthusiasm
• A genuine commitment to high-quality, inclusive Early Years education

Previous experience as a Nursery Manager, Deputy, or Senior Early Years Leader will be valuable. Experience of SEND and inclusive practice is also advantageous.

Location and Package

• Location: Smethwick
• Position: Nursery Manager (Permanent, full-time)
• Salary: £28,000–£30,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
• Start Date: ASAP

This is your chance to lead in a setting where you’ll be valued and your expertise will help shape young lives every day.

If you are ready to make your mark and bring your passion for Early Years to a setting that truly values excellence and inclusion, this opportunity is for you.