Nursery Manager — Lead Compassionate, Child-Centred Care

Acorn Early Years Foundation; Northampton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay scales

Childcare discount pro-rata

Generous family leave

Christmas closure

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

4 training days

Job summary

Acorn Early Years Foundation invites applications for a Nursery Manager at Brafield-on-the-Green. The role leads a warm, nurturing environment delivering high-quality, child-centred care aligned with EYFS standards.

You will champion safeguarding, work closely with families and health professionals, and develop staff through coaching and appraisals. Applicants must be committed to inclusivity and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and a passion for child-centred practice.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge.
• Experience leading or supporting an Ofsted inspection.
• Knowledge of early help processes and local support services.
• Create an environment where every child and family feels welcome and respected.

Responsibilities

• Lead with compassion, integrity, and a clear commitment to putting children first.
• Create a positive, inclusive culture where staff feel supported and motivated.
• Guide the team to deliver high-quality, child-centred practice in line with the EYFS.
• Take responsibility for the safe, effective, and compliant day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Build trusting relationships with families and health professionals to support holistic care.
• Invest in staff development through coaching, supervision, and reflective practice.

Skills

Nursery management experience

EYFS knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Ofsted experience

Job description

Acorn Early Years Foundation invites applications for a Nursery Manager at Brafield-on-the-Green. The role leads a warm, nurturing environment delivering high-quality, child-centred care aligned with EYFS standards.

You will champion safeguarding, work closely with families and health professionals, and develop staff through coaching and appraisals. Applicants must be committed to inclusivity and continuous learning.