Nursery Manager

SMART Education Recruitment; West Bromwich; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized education agency is seeking a Temporary Nursery Manager to oversee daily operations during maternity leave. The role requires a strong leader who ensures compliance with Ofsted standards and leads a dedicated team in a nurturing environment for children aged 0–5 years. Candidates must have an NVQ Level 3 Early Years qualification, managerial experience, and excellent communication skills. This temporary position offers a pay rate of £120 - £130 per day, full-time Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 Early Years qualification or above required, Level 4 desirable.
• Minimum 2 years' managerial experience in a nursery.
• Strong leadership and people management skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily nursery operations ensuring a safe, stimulating environment.
• Lead, manage, and support nursery staff including recruitment and training.
• Develop and implement educational programmes aligned with EYFS requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Understanding of Ofsted standards

Record keeping

Education

NVQ Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Title : Temporary Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)

Location : West Midlands

Hours : Full-time, Monday to Friday (40 hours)

Contract : Temporary – Maternity Cover (from Dec to Feb)

Pay : £120 - £130 per day

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Temporary Nursery Manager to cover maternity leave from December. The successful candidate will oversee the daily operations of a busy nursery setting, ensuring it remains a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment for children aged 0–5 years. You will lead and support a team of staff, maintain full regulatory compliance, and build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the wider community.

About the Role

This role requires a strong leader who can manage a team, deliver high-quality early years provision, and ensure the nursery meets all Ofsted, safeguarding, health and safety, and EYFS requirements. You will work closely with the CEO to maintain standards, manage resources effectively, and drive continuous improvement across the setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily nursery operations and ensure a safe, stimulating environment
• Lead, manage, and support nursery staff, including recruitment, training, and supervision
• Develop and implement EYFS-aligned educational programmes
• Maintain full compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, and legislative requirements
• Build strong relationships with parents / carers, providing regular updates
• Manage budgets, resources, occupancy, and staffing levels
• Conduct assessments and monitor children’s development
• Organise events and promote community involvement
• Ensure high-quality provision for all children, regardless of background or ability
• Work with the CEO to maintain Ofsted registration and implement improvements

Essential Requirements

• NVQ Level 3 Early Years qualification or above (Level 4 desirable)
• Minimum 2 years’ managerial experience within a nursery setting
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent understanding of Ofsted standards, EYFS, safeguarding and health & safety
• Paediatric First Aid
• DSL training
• Strong communication, organisation, and record-keeping skills
• Ability to create a nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment

About Smart Education

Smart Education is a specialist Education and Early Years agency, recruiting for both permanent and temporary roles including Teachers, Teaching Assistants, SEND professionals, Nursery Nurses, and Tutors. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.

If you are passionate about early years leadership and have the skills and experience to manage a successful nursery provision, we would love to hear from you. Apply today