Trainee Nursery Manager

Lime Tree Nursery; Rotherham; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization is seeking a Trainee Nursery Manager in Rotherham. This role involves assisting the Nursery Manager, leading staff, and delivering high-quality childcare. Ideal candidates have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in leadership roles. The position offers a clear progression pathway to Nursery Manager, ongoing training, and various employee benefits including a sign-on bonus and childcare discounts, within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Staff childcare discount

Paid leave on your birthday

Team socials and staff functions

Up to £500 sign-on bonus upon successful completion of probation

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and child development.
• Experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner, Deputy, or similar.
• Warm, confident communicator who can motivate and support others.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in daily operations and step in during their absence.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the staff team while developing management skills.
• Deliver a child-led curriculum and create enriching environments.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Child Development Knowledge

Organisational Skills

Team Player

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Location: Multiple locations around Barnsley, North Notts, Rotherham and Sheffield. Hours: Up to 40 hours per week. Salary: Up to £28,600.

Are you ready to take the next big step in your early years career? Join Lime Tree Nursery as our Trainee Nursery Manager, where you’ll not only help lead a warm, nurturing setting, but also receive dedicated training and development to progress into a future Nursery Manager role.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Early Years professional who is passionate about high-quality childcare and eager to grow their leadership skills within a supportive, forward-thinking nursery group.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the setting and confidently stepping into the Manager role during their absence.
• Leading, mentoring, and inspiring a passionate staff team while strengthening your own management skills.
• Helping deliver an ambitious, child-led curriculum and creating enabling environments where children can flourish.
• Ensuring the nursery meets and exceeds EYFS and Ofsted requirements, with the aim of achieving a minimum ‘Good’ rating.
• Building strong, positive relationships with parents and families and ensuring communication is warm, professional, and supportive.
• Assisting with key administrative tasks, including staffing ratios, record keeping, budgeting, petty cash, and maintaining accurate data.
• Welcoming new families, supporting the key person system, and helping maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.

Your Pathway to Nursery Manager

This role is perfect for someone looking to step up. You will receive:

• Hands-on leadership experience
• Regular mentoring from the Nursery Manager and Area Manager
• Opportunities to lead within the setting
• Management training, supervisions, and tailored CPD
• A clear progression route toward becoming a Nursery Manager

If you’re ready to grow, we’re ready to help you get there!

What We’re Looking For

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and child development.
• Experience as a Room Leader, Senior Practitioner, Deputy, or similar.
• A warm, confident communicator who can motivate and support others.
• Someone organised, proactive, and focused on delivering high-quality practice.
• A team player who wants to develop into a management role.

Why Join Us?

• Clear progression to Nursery Manager
• Ongoing training and CPD tailored to your development
• Supportive, friendly nursery teams
• Staff childcare discount
• Qualification-related pay
• Paid leave on your birthday
• Team socials and staff functions
• Receive up to a £500 sign-on bonus upon successful completion of your probation period!