Nursery Manager - LS28

Protocol Education; Pudsey; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Ownership of setting

Professional development

Long-term career progression

Friendly team environment

Job summary

Protocol Education is seeking a Nursery Manager for a thriving setting in LS28. You will lead daily operations, inspire a dedicated team, and ensure outstanding care, learning and safeguarding for children aged 0-5.

The role requires Level 3 EYFS (Level 5+ desirable), substantial nursery leadership experience, and a strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification minimum (Level 5+ desirable).
• Significant experience in a nursery/early years setting.
• Previous management or senior leadership experience within childcare.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Excellent safeguarding, compliance, and Ofsted knowledge.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop staff.
• Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead and inspire a team of Early Years professionals.
• Ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and care across the setting.
• Maintain compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and health & safety regulations.
• Prepare for and manage Ofsted inspections.
• Manage staff recruitment, induction, supervision, and performance reviews.
• Monitor occupancy, budgets, and nursery performance targets.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and external agencies.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain outstanding standards throughout the nursery.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted readiness

Safeguarding policy

Communication

Problem-solving

Budgeting

Staff development

Recruitment

Education

Level 3 EYFS qualification

Level 5+ desirable

Tools

DBS checks

Job description

Nursery Manager - LS28

Full-Time | Permanent Position | Competitive Salary | Leadership Opportunity

Are you an experienced Early Years leader with a passion for delivering exceptional childcare and education? We are seeking a dedicated and inspiring Nursery Manager to lead a thriving nursery setting in LS28, ensuring the highest standards of care, learning, and safeguarding for children aged 0-5.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious nursery professional to take ownership of a well-established setting, lead a committed team, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and their families.

The Role

As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the nursery, ensuring outstanding practice across all areas of the setting. You will lead, develop, and motivate your team while maintaining a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can flourish.

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 Early Years Qualification as a minimum (Level 5 or above desirable)
• Significant experience working within a nursery or Early Years setting
• Previous management or senior leadership experience within childcare
• Strong understanding of the EYFS Framework
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and Ofsted requirements
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff
• Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery
• Lead and inspire a team of Early Years professionals
• Ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and care across the setting
• Maintain compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and health & safety regulations
• Prepare for and manage Ofsted inspections
• Manage staff recruitment, induction, supervision, and performance reviews
• Monitor occupancy, budgets, and nursery performance targets
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and external agencies
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain outstanding standards throughout the nursery

About You

You will be a passionate and experienced Early Years leader who is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for children. You will be confident managing a team, supporting staff development, and creating a positive culture where both children and practitioners can thrive.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary package
• Supportive ownership and leadership structure
• Professional development and training opportunities
• The opportunity to lead and shape a successful nursery
• A friendly and dedicated team environment
• Long-term career progression opportunities

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay.

This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers.

All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.