Salary: £38,000 £40,000 per annum
Start Date: ASAP
Qualification: NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, valid and recognised in the UK
Experience: Minimum 2 years’ nursery experience
Role Type: Room-based Nursery Manager / Management Team
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced, proactive and passionate Nursery Manager to join a small and friendly nursery. The successful candidate will work as part of a management team of three, alongside the nursery owner, and another manager.
This is a very hands-on, childcare-focused management role. The successful candidate will be expected to lead by example as a practitioner, spending time working with the children and supporting staff rather than being based in an office full-time.
The nursery is a small, quiet setting creating a close-knit and personal environment for both children and staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Work as part of a three-person management team to oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery.
- Lead by example and remain actively involved in the rooms and with the children.
- Support, guide and motivate the nursery team.
- Maintain high standards of childcare, safeguarding and staff practice.
- Build positive relationships with parents and communicate confidently and professionally.
- Share management responsibilities with the other managers.
- Take responsibility for areas such as safeguarding, fire safety/training and other nursery compliance requirements.
- Support the nursery in preparation for and during the upcoming Ofsted inspection.
- Ensure policies, procedures and records are maintained to a high standard.
- Promote a positive, organised and nurturing environment for children and staff.
- Work collaboratively with the owner and other manager rather than working independently.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be:
- Must have NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare, with a qualification that is valid and recognised in the UK.
- Experienced in a nursery setting, with at least two years' relevant experience.
- Confident and competent in childcare practice and nursery management.
- A strong team leader who is happy to share responsibilities and work collaboratively.
- Proactive, organised and able to take initiative.
- Warm, approachable and able to build strong relationships with children, staff and parents.
- Comfortable with Ofsted requirements and able to contribute confidently to an inspection.
- Happy to be room-based and hands-on, rather than looking for a purely office-based management position.
- Passionate about childcare and committed to leading by example.