Nursery Manager
Busy Bees
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Busy Bees Worplesdon is seeking a senior nursery leader to take full day-to-day responsibility for our 64-place setting, ensuring outstanding education, safeguarding and operational performance. You will shape the team, culture, and practice with regional and central support, driving quality and impact in a rural setting between Guildford and Woking.
We offer flexible working options (32-40 hours over 4 days) and a generous package including a salary of up to £52,000 with up to 25% performance
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager in a high-quality setting.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
- A track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards.
- Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider leadership structure.
- A child-centred approach with high expectations for quality.
Responsibilities
- Lead & Inspire: Drive excellence and motivate your team.
- Quality Improvement: Enhance educational programs and operational processes.
- Compliance: Ensure a safe and secure environment, meeting all regulations.
- Financial Oversight: Manage budgets and resources effectively.
- Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
- Professional Development: Foster team growth to provide exceptional care.
Skills
Education
Job description
Busy Bees is the UK's leading early years providers, with nurseries dedicated to giving children the very best start in life through safe, caring, and high-quality early education.
What this means for you is the chance to lead your nursery with real confidence, backed by a large, supportive organisation that helps you focus on what you do best. You'll benefit from strong operational support, ongoing training, and clear progression opportunities to grow your career.
You'll also have the freedom to shape your setting in a way that reflects your leadership style and makes a real difference in your local community. If you're a passionate early years professional ready for your next step, this is your opportunity to grow with us.
This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, including quality of education, staff leadership, safeguarding, and operational performance.
You will have the autonomy to shape your team, culture, and practice, supported by a dedicated regional and central support structure.
Nestled in a truly idyllic rural setting, Busy Bees Worplesdon is a unique 64-place nursery surrounded by beautiful woodland and open countryside in the charming village of Worplesdon, conveniently located between Guildford and Woking.
Set within four beautifully converted single-storey barns, our nursery offers bright, spacious learning environments that flow seamlessly into purpose-designed outdoor play areas. Children enjoy an exceptional early years experience, with endless opportunities for adventure, discovery and hands‑on learning.
What makes Noah's Ark truly special is our incredible outdoor provision. From exploring our private onsite farm and meeting the animals, to daily woodland walks and engaging Forest School sessions, children are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of nature through safe, enriching play.
- Up to 25% annual salary bonus
- Up to 33 days holiday inlclusive of bank holidays
- Your birthday off - our gift to you!
- 50% Childcare discount
- Full central support (HR, Recruitment, Quality, Safety etc)
- Access to high quality training and leadership development
- Clear progression pathways into area management and wider operational roles
- Enhanced family leave & return to work bonus
- Menopause & Mental health support, financial wellbeing tools, and a 24/7 Employee assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme & easy access pension plan
- Discounted Private Medical insurance
- Opportunities to travel internationally and explore best practise in early years with our Global Talent exchange programme.
- Lead & Inspire: Drive excellence and motivate your team.
- Quality Improvement: Enhance educational programs and operational processes.
- Compliance: Ensure a safe and secure environment, meeting all regulations.
- Financial Oversight: Manage budgets and resources effectively.
- Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
- Professional Development: Foster team growth to provide exceptional care.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager in a high-quality setting
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams
- Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements
- A track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards
- Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider leadership structure
- A child-centred approach with high expectations for quality
- NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3.
- Experience as a Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- A focus on delivering high-quality childcare and early education.
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