Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)

Blenheim Schools; Kettering; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Quinton House School in the United Kingdom is seeking a Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover) to lead the nursery provision for children aged 2-4, ensuring EYFS-aligned learning in a safe, nurturing environment. You will oversee staffing, compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, curriculum delivery, progress tracking, and parent engagement, while managing resources and budget.

This full-time role starts October 2026, offering a salary up to £26,600 per annum and the opportunity to shape early years in a

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
• Level 5 or 6 qualification (desirable).
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain).
• Safeguarding training (DSL training desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing, rotas and ratios.
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Deliver a high-quality, play-based curriculum aligned with EYFS principles.
• Monitor children's development, including planning, assessment and progress tracking.
• Promote inclusive practice and support children with additional needs.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene and safeguarding.
• Manage nursery resources, equipment and budget effectively.
• Build strong relationships with parents and provide updates on progress.
• Lead parent meetings, reports and nursery events.
• Support transitions into Reception and collaborate with wider school staff.
• Contribute to inspections, school initiatives and the wider life of the school.

Skills

Leadership

Organisation

Communication

Safeguarding knowledge

Staff motivation

Education

EYFS Level 3

EY Level 5/6

Paediatric First Aid

Safeguarding training

Job description

A Kinder, More Human Approach to Education

Location: Quinton House SchoolJob Title: Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)Contract: Full Time, Fixed TermHours: 39 hours per weekSalary: Up to £26,600 per Annum (Includes Management Allowance)Start Date: October 2026

About The School - Quinton House

Quinton House is a co-educational independent school for ages 2-18. At Quinton we believe in preparing every child for the world that awaits them. We do this by focusing on the timeless fundamentals of character development. For over 80 years we've poured our efforts and expertise into shaping curious, inspired, flexible and resilient young people.

Our ethos is to focus on understanding our students, their interests and their needs to make sure that they have the support and encouragement required to help them shine.

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual to inspire our children. The Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and day-to-day running of the school's nursery provision. The role ensures a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children aged 2-4 years can learn and develop in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, while supporting the school's ethos and values.

What you will be doing

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team, fostering a positive and professional working environment
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing, rotas, and ratios
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding requirements, and relevant regulatory standards
• Deliver a high-quality, play-based curriculum aligned with EYFS principles
• Monitor children's development, including planning, assessment, and progress tracking
• Promote inclusive practice and support children with additional needs
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene, and safeguarding at all times
• Manage nursery resources, equipment, and budget effectively
• Build strong relationships with parents and provide regular updates on children's progress
• Lead parent meetings, reports, and nursery events
• Support transitions into Reception and collaborate with wider school staff
• Contribute to inspections, school initiatives, and the wider life of the school

What you'll bring

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)
• Level 5 or 6 qualification (desirable)
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
• Safeguarding training (DSL training desirable)

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• Clear and confident communication skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with parents, staff, and external partners
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child welfare practices
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and support both staff and children

Experience

• Significant experience working within an early years setting
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations
• Experience in a school-based or independent nursery setting (desirable)

Why Join Quinton House School?

• A welcoming, supportive culture where both staff and students are known as individuals
• Small class sizes allowing meaningful connections and impactful teaching
• Beautiful surroundings paired with modern resources
• Strong academic outcomes and ambitious further‑education pathways
• A broad co‑curricular programme designed to inspire and extend learning
• A collaborative staff body that values creativity, innovation and shared success

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales .