Nursery manager/Lead

Lullaby Lane Childcare ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A nurturing childcare provider in London seeks a Nursery Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure high standards of care and education. The role requires strong leadership skills and a background in early years education policy compliance. Competitive salary up to £45,000 plus benefits, including leadership training and a flexible workweek. This position offers a supportive work culture and the opportunity for professional development.

Benefits

Paid CPD & leadership development

Paid performance-linked bonus

Childcare discount

Extra time off perks

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams and passing compliance checks (Ofsted/EYFS).
• Skilled in funding mechanics, budgeting, and occupancy growth.
• Proven experience in embedding outstanding EYFS practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations ensuring quality and safety standards.
• Manage funding, finance, and budgeting for the nursery.
• Recruit and develop a motivated team.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Level 3+ Early Years qualification

Level 5/6 or leadership qualification

Job description

Overview

Lullaby Lane Childcare - Forest Hill, SE23 Up to £45,000pa + Benefits 4-5 days (Mon-Fri or Tue-Fri) Permanent -

Lullaby Lane is a growing, home-from-home setting with a warm community feel and big ambitions. Our founder is heading into maternity leave, so we're hiring a confident, commercial, and caring Nursery Manager/Setting Lead to run the day-to-day and drive quality—from EYFS practice and safeguarding to funding, staffing, and parent partnerships.

If you love leading people, know your way around funding and Ofsted, and enjoy making smart operational decisions, you'll thrive here.

What you'll lead

• Daily operations & quality: Embed outstanding EYFS practice, safeguarding, H&S, risk assessments, audits, supervisions, and coaching.
• Funding & finance: 15/30 hours, invoicing cycles, occupancy, forecasting, and smart fee comms with families.
• People & culture: Recruit, rota, induct, and develop a small, motivated team; run appraisals and coaching.
• Parent & LA relationships: Confident, warm communication; timely documentation and reporting.
• Continuous improvement: Policies, self-evaluation, action plans, training calendars, and room environment upgrades.

What we're looking for

• Level 3+ Early Years (Level 5/6 or leadership qualification welcome).
• Evidence of leading teams and passing compliance checks (Ofsted/EYFS).
• Proven skill with funding mechanics, budgeting, and occupancy growth.
• A calm problem-solver with excellent judgement, organisation and communication.

Why you'll love working here

• Leadership autonomy to run the setting day-to-day and shape improvements.
• Paid CPD & leadership development (safeguarding refreshers, management training, optional NPQEYL-style pathway).
• 4-day week option (Tue-Fri) or 5-day week for work-life balance.
• Paid performance-linked bonus tied to quality and occupancy milestones.
• Childcare discount (priority places for staff children).
• Extra time off perks: Christmas closure period and your birthday off.
• Wellbeing & recognition: Regular 1:1s, coaching, team appreciation moments.

The package Up to £45,000 per annum with performance bonuses + benefits based on qualifications and experience.

Full-time, permanent. Start date: ASAP (we'll wait for the right person).

Forest Hill, SE23-great transport links.

How to apply

Email your CV and a short cover note to with the subject: "Nursery Manager - Your Name ".