Senior Early Years Manager

Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools; Thornbury; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Life Assurance

Annual leave 25 days + BH

DBS Update Service

Blue Light Card

Digital GP access

SPARK APP Health & Wellbeing

Long service recognition

Job summary

Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools in Thornbury, Bristol, is seeking an experienced Senior Early Years Manager to lead our Thornbury Nursery and drive high-quality care and education. You will oversee day-to-day operations, inspire a talented team, build strong relationships with families, and ensure EYFS compliance while delivering a safe, nurturing learning environment for every child.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive culture as

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare is required.
• Proven leadership experience in an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and people management skills.
• Proactive, approachable leadership with passion for high-quality care.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the nursery in line with EYFS and Ofsted standards.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of practitioners to deliver outstanding childcare.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and resources effectively.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the local community.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain a safe, nurturing environment.

Skills

Leadership experience

EYFS knowledge

Communication

People management

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 Early Years/Childcare

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Early Years Manager to lead our Thornbury Nursery in Bristol. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact by shaping a high-quality, learning environment where children can thrive, while building a rewarding leadership career within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation at an exciting time of growth.

Senior Early Years Manager

Thornbury, Bristol

Up to £45,000.00 per annum plus performance related bonus

Full-time

You’ll lead the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care and education. By inspiring your team and fostering strong relationships with families, you’ll create a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment where every child can flourish.

What we offer:

We offer a range of meaningful benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. Our benefits aren’t just perks, they’re part of a culture that puts people first and we continue to build our range of benefits designed to support health, wellbeing and satisfaction of our workforce. Some of these include:

• Pension & Life Assurance*
• In addition to 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays and more!**
• An additional day each year to celebrate something personal to you*
• Funded DBS Update Service
• Funded Blue Light Card Membership
• Access to digital GP 24/7 with on-demand counselling services
• Extensive Health and Wellbeing services through the SPARK APP
• Recognition and celebration for Long Service

Thornbury nursery is a well-established nursery with a strong community presence and a dedicated team. The nursery is entering an exciting new phase, focused on strengthening leadership, enhancing quality, and building an environment where both children and staff can truly thrive.

This is a great opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a growing setting. With increased interest in the local area and continued development plans, you’ll play a central role in shaping the nursery’s future and making a lasting difference.

We invest in you as much as you invest in the children and your team. You’ll benefit from structured training, leadership mentoring, and clear progression pathways, supporting your continued growth and career advancement.

What you’ll do:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery in line with EYFS and Ofsted standards
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of practitioners to deliver outstanding childcare
• Manage budgets, staffing, and resources effectively
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the local community
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain a safe, nurturing environment

What we’re looking for:

• Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years/Childcare
• Proven leadership experience in an early years setting
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
• Excellent organisational, communication, and people management skills
• A proactive, approachable leadership style and passion for high-quality care

*Subject to eligibility criteria

**up to an additional four gifted days off during Christmas closedown or if the setting is open 52-weeks of the year, an additional four days to your annual leave entitlement, pro rata

Safeguarding commitment:

Happy Days Nurseries are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. All successful candidates will undergo the required vetting process.