Nursery School Manager

Pathfinder Child Care Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's nursery in the UK is seeking a motivated Nursery Manager to provide leadership and maintain high standards of care. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 or higher Early Years qualification and experience in a senior role. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, championing outdoor education, and building strong relationships with parents. This role requires excellent communication skills and a passion for play-based learning.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Level 5+ preferred.
• Experience in management or senior leadership role.
• Passion for outdoor, play-based learning.
• Strong administrative ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to build positive relationships with parents.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong, supportive leadership to the team.
• Ensure highest standards of care, learning, and safeguarding.
• Champion outdoor education throughout the curriculum.
• Oversee day-to-day operations with the senior team.
• Drive quality improvement in a child-centred environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Relationship building

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5 Early Years qualification

Job description

At The Old Fire Station Nursery, we believe children learn best through exploration, curiosity, and connection with the natural world. Our setting provides rich outdoor experiences that encourage independence, creativity, and wellbeing — whatever the weather!

As Nursery Manager, you will:

• Provide strong, supportive leadership to the whole team.
• Ensure the highest standards of care, learning, and safeguarding.
• Champion outdoor education and embed it meaningfully throughout the curriculum.
• Oversee day-to-day operations alongside a well-established senior team, including staffing, compliance, administration, and parent partnerships.
• Work closely with senior leaders to drive quality improvement and maintain an inspiring, child‑centred environment.

About You

You’ll be a confident, motivated leader with:

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ preferred).
• Proven experience in a management or senior leadership role within early years.
• Passionate about outdoor, play‑based learning.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with strong administrative ability and a detail‑driven approach to accuracy, compliance, and daily operations.
• A proven ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with parents and carers.
• A commitment to staff development and creating a positive, collaborative team culture.