Nursery Manager

FirstGroup plc; Wicken; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, Buckinghamshire, is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead a warm and caring EYFS environment. You will manage the nursery team, oversee staffing and budgets, and ensure safeguarding and regulatory standards are met while delivering a play-based curriculum.

The role focuses on partnership with parents, progress tracking, and smooth transitions to Reception, all within a supportive school community.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification minimum.
• Level 5 or 6 qualification desirable; DSL desirable.
• Paediatric First Aid desirable or willing to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a nursery team with a positive, collaborative atmosphere.
• Oversee day-to-day running, staffing, rotas and ratios.
• Ensure full EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
• Deliver a play-based curriculum that sparks curiosity and learning.
• Monitor progress through planning, assessment and development tracking.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and carers.
• Lead parent meetings, reports and nursery events.
• Support children transitioning to Reception with colleagues.
• Participate in inspections and school improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Organisation

Communication

Safeguarding

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted knowledge

Education

Level 3 EY qualification

Level 5/6 qualification

Paediatric First Aid

DSL qualification

Job description

Job DescriptionJoin a Nurturing Environment Where Every Moment Matters! Job Title: Nursery ManagerLocation: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, BuckinghamSalary: Up to £40,000 per annum (depending on experience)Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to FridayContract: Permanent | 52 weeksAbout Akeley Wood Junior SchoolAkeley Wood Junior School is a warm, vibrant, and caring community nestled in stunning rural surroundings near Buckingham. Our Nursery provides a joyful, stimulating, and secure space where children aged 12 months to 4 years can explore, play, and learn with confidence.We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated Nursery Manager to join our Early Years team. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to begin or further develop a rewarding career in early childhood education!The RoleAre you passionate about giving children the very best start in life? As our Nursery Manager, you will lead our nursery provision and be responsible for
the day-to-day management and overall leadership of the nursery. Your mission? To create a caring, engaging, and inspiring environment where children can truly flourish!As a Nursery Manager, you will: Lead and inspire a dedicated nursery team, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere. Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring excellent staffing, rotas, and ratios. Champion outstanding practice by ensuring full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and all regulatory requirements. Deliver an engaging, play-based curriculum that sparks curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Monitor and celebrate children's progress through effective planning, assessment, and development tracking. Foster an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Promote the highest standards of health, safety, wellbeing, and safeguarding throughout the setting. Effectively manage nursery resources, equipment, and budgets to support
exceptional learning experiences. Build strong partnerships with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in their child’s development. Lead parent meetings, prepare reports, and coordinate events that strengthen the nursery community. Support children as they transition into Reception, collaborating closely with colleagues across the school. Play an active role in inspections, school improvement initiatives, and the wider life of the school community.What You'll Bring Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum) Level 5 or 6 qualification (desirable) DSL Qualification (desirable) Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills Excellent organisational and time management abilities Clear and confident communication skills Ability to build positive relationships with parents, staff, and external partners Strong understanding of safeguarding and child welfare practices Ability to inspire, motivate, and support
both staff and childrenExperience: Significant experience working within an early years setting Proven leadership or supervisory experience Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations Experience in a school-based or independent nursery setting (desirable)