Nursery Manager

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Long service awards

Day off for your birthday

Training and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager for a warm Early Years setting. The role focuses on maintaining high standards of care and education, while guiding a dedicated team to support children’s learning through play.

The position offers a competitive £40,000 per annum, with strong emphasis on outdoor learning, safeguarding, and a home-from-home environment that supports families and staff alike.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above) is essential.
• Previous experience as Nursery Manager is essential.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding.
• Proven ability to lead and develop an Early Years team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the nursery with high care/education standards.
• Lead, motivate and support the Early Years team and drive professional development.
• Ensure learning experiences align with EYFS guidance.
• Promote engaging, play-based activities in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Maintain safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Experience in nursery management

Staff leadership

Communication skills

Outdoor learning

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery Manager – Level 3+

£40,000 per Annum

Home-from-Home Nursery | Excellent Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a warm, welcoming Early Years setting where children are encouraged to explore, develop confidence and enjoy learning through play.

The nursery offers a genuine home-from-home environment, with plenty of space for children to play, discover new interests and develop essential skills. Outdoor learning is an important part of nursery life, with engaging indoor and outdoor experiences designed to encourage independence, creativity and curiosity.

We're looking for a confident, hands-on Nursery Manager who can inspire their team, maintain high standards of care and education, and create a positive environment where children, families and practitioners feel supported.

What We're Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above – essential
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager – essential
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding
• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing an Early Years team
• Confidence managing nursery operations, staffing, occupancy and budgets
• A passion for child-led learning and outdoor exploration
• Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills
• A proactive, supportive and hands-on management approach

What's On Offer

• £40,000 per annum
• Discounted childcare
• Long service awards
• Day off for your birthday
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme

Leading the Nursery

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring high standards of care and education
• Lead, motivate and support the Early Years team, encouraging professional development
• Ensure learning experiences are delivered in line with the EYFS
• Promote engaging, play-based activities across indoor and outdoor environments
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance
• Manage staffing, recruitment, occupancy and nursery performance
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Oversee observations, assessments and the quality of teaching and learning
• Lead Ofsted preparation and support continuous improvement across the setting

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.