Nursery Manager

Fennies Nurseries; West Wickham; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Pension scheme

Referral bonus

Childcare discount

Leadership development

Wellbeing support

Free meals

Annual leave 25 days

Job summary

Fennies Nurseries in the United Kingdom is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead a team of passionate educators and deliver exceptional early years education for children and families. You will create a positive, inspiring environment and maintain high standards of care and learning.

You will drive EYFS excellence, support staff development, and build strong relationships with families and the local community while preparing for Ofsted inspections and upholding safeguarding requirements.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and child development.
• Experience leading teams in an early years setting.
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above).

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of early years professionals to deliver exceptional care and education.
• Drive high standards across EYFS practice, delivering the Fennies 4D curriculum.
• Maintain safeguarding and compliance at all times.
• Build strong relationships with families and the local community.
• Create a culture where educators feel supported, developed and empowered.
• Lead continuous improvement across quality, occupancy and team engagement.
• Prepare the nursery for Ofsted inspection and maintain exceptional standards.
• Champion Fennies’ mission to deliver an inspiring early education.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

GCSE Maths and English

Job description

• Salary: up to £65,000
• Annual bonus: potential to earn a further £6,000

Lead a nursery where an exceptional early years education, inspiring teams, a thriving community and happy children come together.

At Fennies, we nurture our people to build a thriving community for children, families and educators. If you’re a passionate leader ready to drive outstanding practice and develop a high-performing team, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Why join Fennies?

We invest in and support our leaders so they can build exceptional nurseries.

Competitive salary and bonus

• Up to £65,000 annual salary
• Up to £6,000 annual performance-related bonus
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• £500 referral bonus*

Childcare discount and support

• Up to 75% discount on childcare

Leadership Development

• Personalised Clifton Strengths leadership coaching
• Dedicated learning and development programmes
• Mentoring and support from regional leadership
• A full central support team to enable you to focus on exceptional quality of care and education

Wellbeing And Lifestyle Benefits

• 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year of service (up to 30) plus bank holidays
• BUPA Wellbeing Support
• Free daily meals from the Fennies Café

A community of committed, high-achieving educators

• Regular leadership forums and networking
• Summer BBQs, Christmas events and company celebrations
• Recognition and reward through the Fennies Club long service awards

About The Role

As Nursery Manager, you will lead a team of passionate educators to deliver an exceptional early years education while creating a positive and inspiring environment for children, families and staff.

You Will

• Lead and inspire a team of early years professionals to deliver exceptional care and education
• Drive high standards across EYFS practice, delivering the Fennies 4D curriculum
• Maintain the highest standards in safeguarding and compliance at all times
• Build strong relationships with families and the local community
• Create a culture where educators feel supported, developed and empowered
• Lead continuous improvement across quality, occupancy and team engagement
• Prepare the nursery for Ofsted inspection and maintain exceptional standards
• Champion Fennies’ mission to deliver an inspiring early education

What We’re Looking For

You’re a confident and passionate early years leader who thrives on developing people and creating exceptional environments for children.

You Will Have

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, Birth to 5 Matters and child development
• Experience leading teams in an early years setting
• A track record of delivering high standards of care and education
• Experience of strong practice as a Key Person and in leading and implementing safeguarding, health and safety, first aid and critical care policies.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above); or equivalent

Most importantly, you will bring energy, empathy and ambition to create a nursery where children and educators thrive.

Education

We’re family-owned and family-run; this guides our culture, our decision-making, and what it feels like to be part of our team. We have a strong sense of community, with connections that bring us together and the systems and processes that mean our educators can focus on what they do best. Quality matters to us – starting with our people and curriculum - through to our beautiful buildings and inspiring environments. We’re investing in Fennies, in our teams, and into the education we provide our children. Our People Promise inspires us to build the kind of culture that is ambitious, passionate and supportive. We provide the environment where you can:

• Be Yourself
• Come Together
• Be All In
• Go Further

Diversity and Inclusion

At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

Safeguarding

Fennies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity. In line with Safer Recruitment guidance, online searches (including social media) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates.

• T&Cs apply in relation to referral bonus eligibility