Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Welcoming culture

Small class sizes

Modern resources

Career development

Job summary

Quinton House School in Northampton seeks a Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover) to lead the nursery for 2–4 year olds, ensuring a safe, nurturing EYFS-aligned environment.

You will oversee staffing, rotas, budgets and parental communications, delivering a play-based curriculum and supporting transitions to Reception as part of the school ethos.

Qualifications

• EYFS knowledge and safeguarding experience.
• Experience leading an early years team in a school setting.
• Familiar with Ofsted expectations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team to sustain a professional environment.
• Oversee day-to-day nursery operations, staffing, rotas and ratios.
• Ensure EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory standards compliance.
• Deliver a high-quality, play-based EYFS curriculum.
• Monitor development with planning, assessment and progress tracking.
• Promote inclusive practice and support children with additional needs.
• Manage nursery resources, equipment and budget.
• Build strong relationships with parents and provide updates.
• Lead parent meetings, reports and nursery events.
• Support transitions into Reception and collaborate with staff.
• Contribute to inspections and school life initiatives.

Skills

Strong leadership

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Safeguarding knowledge

Inspire and motivate

Education

Level 5 or 6 qualification

Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Job Title: Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term

Hours: 39 hours per week

Salary: 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 5 or 6 qualification (desirable)
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)

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

Quinton House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, Social Media Check and safeguarding procedures.