Nursery Manager (Milton Keynes)

Blenheim Schools; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Blenheim Schools is recruiting a Nursery Manager for our Akeley Wood Nursery, near Buckingham. You will lead the Early Years team, ensure high standards of care and education, and drive outstanding outcomes for children aged 12 months to 4 years.

We offer a permanent, term-time role with a 40-hour week, salary up to £40,000 depending on experience, and support staff development and safeguarding compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Significant experience in an Early Years setting
• Leadership or management experience within a nursery
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop others
• Child-centred approach and commitment to delivering exceptional care and learning experiences
• Level 5 or 6 EYFS and DSL qualification desired
• Paediatric First Aid certification desired

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the Early Years team
• Manage day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing, rotas and occupancy
• Ensure EYFS compliance and safeguarding
• Drive outstanding teaching, learning and play-based experiences
• Monitor children's progress and support positive outcomes
• Build partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies
• Manage resources and budgets
• Support school improvement initiatives and inspection readiness
• Create a culture where children, families and colleagues feel valued

Skills

Early Years leadership

Strong communication

Organisational skills

Staff development

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5 or 6 EYFS leadership

DSL qualification

Paediatric First Aid certificate

Job description

Join a nurturing environment where every moment matters.

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Location: Akeley Wood Nursery and Junior School, Akeley, Buckingham

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | Term Time only

About Akeley Wood Junior School

Akeley Wood Junior School is a warm, vibrant and caring community set within stunning rural surroundings near Buckingham. Our Nursery provides a joyful, stimulating and secure space where children aged 12 months to 4 years can explore, play and learn with confidence.

The Role

We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Nursery Manager to lead our thriving nursery provision and create an exceptional start to every child's educational journey. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a nurturing, inspiring, and high-quality early years environment where children flourish, families feel supported, and staff are empowered to succeed.

As Nursery Manager, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact, driving high standards of care and education while leading a dedicated team that shares your commitment to giving children the very best start in life, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and early years education.

You’ll create an engaging and stimulating environment where children feel safe, happy, and inspired to learn through play, while supporting your team to deliver outstanding outcomes for every child.

What you will be doing

• Leading, motivating and developing a dedicated Early Years team
• Managing the day-to-day running of the nursery, including staffing, rotas and occupancy
• Ensuring compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and all regulatory requirements
• Driving outstanding teaching, learning and play-based experiences
• Monitoring children's progress and supporting positive outcomes
• Building strong partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies
• Managing resources and budgets effectively
• Supporting school improvement initiatives and inspection readiness
• Creating a culture where children, families and colleagues feel valued and supported

What you’ll bring

• We’re looking for a confident and caring leader who is passionate about Early Years education and committed to helping children reach their full potential.
• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification required
• Significant experience working within an Early Years setting
• Leadership or management experience within a nursery environment
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop others
• A child-centred approach and commitment to delivering exceptional care and learning experiences
• Level 5 or 6 Early Years and DSL qualification desired
• Paediatric First Aid certification desired

About Blenheim Schools

Blenheim Schools is a growing family of innovative, high-quality independent schools committed to enabling outstanding futures for every student. Our ethos centres on truly understanding each child, their talents, character and aspirations by providing a personalised, ambitious education that helps every child to thrive.

We deliver a broad, enriching curriculum supported by tailored teaching and exceptional pastoral care. We celebrate individuality, nurture confidence and champion every learner so they can discover their strengths and achieve their potential.

Joining Blenheim Schools means becoming part of a collaborative, forward-thinking community that values creativity, inclusion and professional growth. Our teams are united by a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and by a commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for students and families.

We are proud to be part of OFG Education, which in 2025 was officially certified as a Great Place to Work® for the sixth consecutive year.