Head of Nursery

Job summary

At Westonbirt Prep School, we have a creative and ambitious curriculum, a team of talented and enthusiastic staff and the glorious Gloucestershire countryside combine to create the perfect conditions for learning.

We’re looking for an inspirational, passionate and qualified Early Years professional to join us as Head of Nursery and lead an incredible team of staff and children, someone who will feel excited about working with us to realise our ambitious plans for our succesful nursery.

As Head of Nursery, you will be responsible for the overall leadership (to include SEND), management, and development of the nursery. 

You will also enjoy the support that comes with being part of a wider school – housekeeping, catering, admissions, finance and office functions are taken care of for you, leaving you time to focus on your team and the children.

Why Westonbirt Nursery:

Westonbirt Nursery is a year-round day nursery for children aged 2 to 4 years, located in a beautiful rural setting in the heart of the Cotswolds. Occupying the ground floor of one of the Westonbirt Prep School buildings, our friendly and successful nursery enjoys its own outdoor spaces, with views over rolling farmland. Here, children are encouraged to learn through play and every day is a new adventure full of exciting discoveries.

Our nursery has received significant recent investment, allowing for an extensive refurbishment in classrooms and communal areas and the purchase of new facilities and learning and play equipment, making this a particularly exciting time to be part of the nursery.

In addition to the creation of new outdoor learning spaces, we have also opened a new classroom – taking our total room numbers up to four – in response to demand for nursery places.

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours: 40 hours per week, hours to be agreed with the successful candidate. A full-time year-round role is preferred. A term-time plus role is possible, subject to further discussion.

Salary: £38,000-£42,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• 5% employer pension contribution
• 25 days paid holiday + bank holidays
• Means tested staff discount on school fees
• Save money with a prepaid cashback card
• Complementary lunch
• Cycle to work and EV scheme
• Access to the group’s counselling scheme
• On-site parking
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships
• 5 days paid CPD training per year

A supportive family of Nursery Managers at other nurseries across the Wishford Education group

Job Description:

As part of the role you will be responsible for:

• Leadership & Vision
• Team Management
• Operational & Administrative Management
• Curriculum & Learning Environment
• SEND Leadership
• Safeguarding, Health & Safety
• Parent & Community Partnerships
• Quality & Compliance 

Person Specification:

As Head of Nursery you will have:

• Previous experience in a leadership or management role within an Early Years setting.
• A full and relevant Level 3, 4, or 5 qualification in Early Years (e.g., CACHE, NVQ)or a higher qualification.
• Paediatric First Aid certification (12 hours) and a commitment to maintain.
• A passion for early years education and a comprehensive knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding procedures, and all relevant legislation.
• A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.
• A warm, approachable, and child-centred manner.
• Willingness to work flexibly as required around the needs of the nursery.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• The ability to lead with positivity, empathy, and professionalism.
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Please read the attached candidate pack for the full job description.