Nursery Manager

Humly South; Sheet; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Humly is recruiting a Nursery Manager for a family-run setting in Petersfield. Lead day-to-day operations, champion child-led learning inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, and drive high-quality teaching while ensuring safeguarding and Ofsted compliance.

You will report to the Nursery Director and work with the Operations Manager to guide the team, observe and document children's progress, and promote strong partnerships with families.

Qualifications

• Prior UK Nursery Manager experience required
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring needs of children, parents and staff are met
• Lead, supervise and develop staff, monitor teaching quality and professional development
• Manage workload, delegate tasks and provide constructive feedback
• Contribute to development of new ideas to improve the nursery experience
• Oversee observation, assessment and recording systems to monitor children’s progress

Job description

Nursery Manager

Location: Petersfield

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 dependant on experience

Hours: 41 hours per week, Monday-Friday (negotiable)

Contract: Permanent

About the Role

Prior UK Nursery Manager experience required

Humly is recruiting on behalf of a unique, family-run nursery seeking a passionate, motivated and inspirational Nursery Manager to lead its team and deliver an exciting, child-led approach to early years education.

The setting's educational philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, encouraging children to explore, discover and learn through meaningful experiences. With a strong focus on creating inspiring learning environments, the nursery provides opportunities for children to connect with nature, explore the outdoors and develop their curiosity.

Reporting to the Nursery Director and working closely with the Operations Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery while leading and developing its teaching approach.

You will play a key role in creating an inspiring environment that supports children's learning and development, recognising the environment as an important part of the learning experience.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, support and develop a team. You will promote high-quality teaching practices and ensure children's learning, thinking and progress are effectively observed, documented and celebrated.

Key Responsibilities

Nursery Operations & Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the needs of children, parents and staff are consistently met.
• Maintain nursery policies and procedures, promoting a collaborative approach between families and the staff team.
• Lead, supervise and support staff, monitoring the quality of teaching and encouraging continuous professional development.
• Manage workload effectively, prioritising responsibilities, delegating tasks and providing constructive feedback.
• Contribute to the development of new ideas and approaches to improve the nursery experience.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), monitoring safeguarding concerns and following relevant local authority procedures.
• Ensure the setting meets and exceeds applicable Ofsted requirements.
• Maintain compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), working towards and maintaining high standards of care and education.
• Keep up to date with current early years guidance, legislation and best practice.
• Promote equality, inclusion and non-discriminatory practice, ensuring children, parents and staff feel valued and respected.

Teaching, Learning & Development

• Lead and coordinate the nursery's educational approach and pedagogy.
• Create an inspiring, welcoming and thoughtfully designed environment that encourages children's curiosity, exploration and learning.
• Oversee observation, assessment and record-keeping systems to ensure children's progress and development are regularly monitored.
• Monitor the quality of observations, assessments and learning records, ensuring these are maintained accurately and kept up to date on the nursery's digital platform.
• Support staff in evidencing children's learning journeys and documenting their ideas, thinking and development.
• Organise and oversee the key person system and ensure staff provide consistent, high-quality support to children.

Parent & Family Engagement

• Welcome prospective families and support nursery enquiries and visits.
• Maintain effective daily communication with parents, responding to questions and providing reassurance when needed.
• Build positive relationships with families and encourage strong communication between parents and the nursery team.

About You

• Has strong leadership and communication skills.
• Can lead, motivate, train and develop an early years team.
• Is passionate about child-led learning and high-quality early years education.
• Understands the importance of observation, assessment and documenting children's learning.
• Has a good understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Can manage competing priorities and support the smooth running of a nursery.
• Is committed to inclusion, equality and creating a positive environment for children, families and colleagues.
• Takes a proactive approach to professional development and keeping up to date with current early years practice.

Working Hours & Salary

• Monday to Friday.
• 41 hours per week, with some flexibility to negotiate hours.
• Salary dependent on qualifications and experience.