As Nursery Manager, you'll play a vital role in shaping a nurturing, dynamic and stimulating environment where young children can develop confidence, curiosity and lifelong learning skills. If you're enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated to making a genuine impact, this position offers you the chance to lead a thriving nursery team and drive the quality of provision forward.
What’s in it for you?
Competitive salary of up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Permanent Nursery Manager post
Monday to Friday working pattern
Term-time working with 6 weeks holiday club
Take ownership of nursery quality and provision development
Lead and inspire an Early Years team
Supportive education environment
Opportunities for continuous professional development
Rewarding leadership role with real impact on children, families and staff
The Role
As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and daily operation of the nursery. Your key mission is to ensure the highest quality Early Years education and care, focusing on learning through play, individual development and safeguarding.
Lead, support and motivate a dedicated nursery team
Foster a positive and collaborative work culture
Manage staff levels, rotas and deployment
Oversee staff development, performance, mentoring and appraisals
Deliver a high-quality play-based curriculum aligned to the EYFS
Monitor planning, assessment and children’s progress
Create a rich learning environment that encourages creativity and independence
Promote inclusive practice, supporting children with additional needs
Maintain accurate documentation for attendance, safeguarding, incidents and progress
Ensure exceptional health, safety and hygiene standards
Manage resources, equipment and nursery budgets
Build strong relationships with parents and carers, communicating children’s progress and wellbeing
Lead parent meetings, reports and nursery events
Support smooth transitions for children entering Reception
Contribute to the wider life and development of the setting
Safeguarding & Leadership
Safeguarding is central to this role. You will ensure best safeguarding practices are embedded throughout the nursery, with all staff trained and compliant with statutory requirements. The position may include acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL and working with external agencies as needed.
Skills and Experience
To succeed as Nursery Manager, you should demonstrate:
Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum
Level 5 or 6 Early Years qualification (desirable)
Significant experience in an Early Years setting
Leadership or supervisory experience
Thorough understanding of the EYFS framework
Experience in a school-based or independent nursery (advantageous)
Strong organisational, communication and team management skills
Confidence working with parents, carers and professionals
Ability to inspire, motivate and develop your team
A nurturing, approachable and proactive manner
Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare
Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain
Safeguarding training (DSL training/qualification desirable)
Location and Package
Location: Milton Keynes
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
Term-time: 36 weeks plus 6 weeks holiday club
Nursery operating hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm (rota system)
Attendance at relevant meetings, INSET days and events required
If you are an established Nursery Manager or Early Years leader ready to take full ownership of provision, develop your team and maintain excellent educational and care standards, your next leadership opportunity awaits in Milton Keynes.
Apply now to explore this rewarding permanent Nursery Manager position
Salary description
£35000.00 - £40000.00 per year