Nursery Manager — Lead Early Years & Team Growth

Kids Planet Day Nurseries Ltd.; Stapleton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nursery Manager Bonus

Life Insurance

Health plan

Free meals

KP Academy training

Enhanced family leave

Wellbeing events

Birthday day off

Pension

Supportive central team

Job summary

Kids Planet High Bank is hiring a Nursery Manager to lead daily operations, drive high-quality care and education, and inspire a positive team culture. You will ensure EYFS compliance, safeguarding, and strong family partnerships.

The role requires senior leadership experience in a nursery, Level 3 early years qualification, and Maths GCSE. A DBS check is mandatory, and a range of staff benefits and training are offered.

Qualifications

• Must hold at least UK Level 3 early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS and safeguarding.
• Senior leadership experience in a nursery setting.
• GCSE Maths (or equivalent) required within 2 years.
• Enhanced DBS check is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day nursery operations ensuring EYFS standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the nursery team.
• Build strong relationships with families and external agencies.
• Prepare for Ofsted inspections.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Staff development

Communication

Education

UK Level 3 Early Years qualification

GCSE Maths or equivalent

Job description

What if your next job meant more than just work, what if it meant shaping futures, every day?

Kids Planet is a proud family-run business, we do things with heart and we’re passionate about giving every child the best possible start. No two settings are the same, but all of them are built around our shared values: care, curiosity, and a genuine love for early years.

Join Kids Planet High Bank as a Nursery Manager!

We’re now looking for a Nursery Manager to join our team, someone who’s ready to get stuck in, spark imaginations, and help children thrive.

Why Kids Planet High Bank?

• Based on a farm with cows, a goat, chickens, ducks and a pig
• Lot of outdoor space including a park, forest school area, a gardening patch and playing field
• Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26
• Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women, for the second year running
• Crowned NMT’s Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running
• Awarded one of the UK's Best Workplaces in Education & Training by Great Place to Work 2026
• 80% Childcare Discount – T&Cs apply

What we’ll offer our Nursery Manager:

• An exclusive Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme to reward your leadership and impact.
• Life Insurance cover and access to a health plan.
• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!
• Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.
• Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.
• Take the day off on your birthday, it’s all about you!
• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Friendly central support team always on hand to help.

How you’ll make a difference as a Nursery Manager:

• By managing the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and the nursery’s policies and procedures.
• Through leading, mentoring, and supporting the nursery team, promoting a positive, collaborative, and professional culture while ensuring staff development and performance are maintained to a high standard.
• By building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with families and external agencies, supporting each child’s development and wellbeing, and ensuring the nursery is always prepared for Ofsted inspections.

What a Nursery Manager needs:

• Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.
• In line with legal regulations, you must hold a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths or gain it within 2 years of starting.

Sound like the place for you?

Apply today to join Kids Planet High Bank.

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.