Nursery Manager

SMART Education Recruitment; Wicken; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary up to £40,000

Permanent role

Mon-Fri schedule

Term-time + 6 weeks holiday club

Leadership role with impact

CPD opportunities

Supportive education environment

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager in Milton Keynes to lead a dynamic Early Years team and deliver high-quality play-based learning aligned to the EYFS. You will oversee daily operations, safeguarding and staff development, while building strong relationships with families.

This permanent, Monday-to-Friday role offers a salary up to £40,000 per annum, term-time working with 6 weeks holiday club, and opportunities for professional development within a supportive

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum.
• Level 5 or 6 Early Years qualification desirable.
• Significant experience in an Early Years setting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Solid understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Experience in a school-based or independent nursery is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and motivate a dedicated nursery team.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work culture.
• Manage staff levels, rotas and deployment.
• Oversee staff development, mentoring and appraisals.
• Deliver a high-quality play-based curriculum aligned to the EYFS.
• Monitor planning, assessment and children's progress.
• Create a rich learning environment encouraging creativity and independence.
• Promote inclusive practice and support children with additional needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation for attendance, safeguarding and progress.
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene standards.
• Manage resources and nursery budgets.
• Build relationships with parents and carers; communicate progress.
• Lead parent meetings, reports and nursery events.
• Support transitions for children entering Reception.
• Contribute to wider life and development of the setting.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Communication

Child development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5 or 6 Early Years qualification (desirable)

Job description

Ready to take the next step in your Early Years leadership career? This permanent Nursery Manager opportunity in Milton Keynes offers a salary of up to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience.

As Nursery Manager, you'll play a vital role in shaping a nurturing, dynamic and stimulating environment where young children can develop confidence, curiosity and lifelong learning skills. If you're enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated to making a genuine impact, this position offers you the chance to lead a thriving nursery team and drive the quality of provision forward.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary of up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• Permanent Nursery Manager post
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Term-time working with 6 weeks holiday club
• Take ownership of nursery quality and provision development
• Lead and inspire an Early Years team
• Supportive education environment
• Opportunities for continuous professional development
• Rewarding leadership role with real impact on children, families and staff

The Role

As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and daily operation of the nursery. Your key mission is to ensure the highest quality Early Years education and care, focusing on learning through play, individual development and safeguarding.

• Lead, support and motivate a dedicated nursery team
• Foster a positive and collaborative work culture
• Manage staff levels, rotas and deployment
• Oversee staff development, performance, mentoring and appraisals
• Deliver a high-quality play-based curriculum aligned to the EYFS
• Monitor planning, assessment and children's progress
• Create a rich learning environment that encourages creativity and independence
• Promote inclusive practice, supporting children with additional needs
• Maintain accurate documentation for attendance, safeguarding, incidents and progress
• Ensure exceptional health, safety and hygiene standards
• Manage resources, equipment and nursery budgets
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers, communicating children's progress and wellbeing
• Lead parent meetings, reports and nursery events
• Support smooth transitions for children entering Reception
• Contribute to the wider life and development of the setting

Safeguarding & Leadership

Safeguarding is central to this role. You will ensure best safeguarding practices are embedded throughout the nursery, with all staff trained and compliant with statutory requirements. The position may include acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL and working with external agencies as needed.

Skills and Experience

To succeed as Nursery Manager, you should demonstrate:

• Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum
• Level 5 or 6 Early Years qualification (desirable)
• Significant experience in an Early Years setting
• Leadership or supervisory experience
• Thorough understanding of the EYFS framework
• Experience in a school-based or independent nursery (advantageous)
• Strong organisational, communication and team management skills
• Confidence working with parents, carers and professionals
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop your team
• A nurturing, approachable and proactive manner
• Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare
• Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain
• Safeguarding training (DSL training/qualification desirable)

Location and Package

• Location: Milton Keynes
• Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
• Term-time: 36 weeks plus 6 weeks holiday club
• Nursery operating hours: 8:00am - 6:00pm (rota system)
• Attendance at relevant meetings, INSET days and events required

If you are an established Nursery Manager or Early Years leader ready to take full ownership of provision, develop your team and maintain excellent educational and care standards, your next leadership opportunity awaits in Milton Keynes.