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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Leadership & Vision: Provide confident, nurturing leadership for the nursery, ensuring the team delivers care and education that reflect the nursery’s ethos, values, and commitment to giving every child the best
start.

Team Management: Support and guide the nursery staff team, including organising rotas, overseeing day?to?day deployment, leading performance and development conversations, and fostering a positive, collaborative working
environment.

Operational & Administrative Management: Manage the nursery budget and resources responsibly, ensuring smooth running of all administrative tasks. Oversee admissions, maintain accurate attendance records, and ensure all paperwork is completed to a high standard.

Curriculum & Learning Environment: Oversee the effective delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, ensuring the environment is engaging, nurturing, and centred around children’s interests and developmental needs—so every child can thrive.

SEND Leadership: Lead on support for children with additional needs, developing and monitoring Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and providing guidance to staff.

Safeguarding, Health & Safety: Champion the highest standards of safeguarding and wellbeing. Ensure all health, safety, and statutory requirements are met consistently and that staff fully understand and follow the nursery’s policies and procedures.

Parent & Community Partnerships: Build warm, positive relationships with parents and carers. Maintain open, honest communication and work in partnership to support each child’s development. Contribute positively to the wider nursery and school community.

Quality & Compliance: Ensure the nursery meets all regulatory expectations and is inspection?ready at all times. Lead a culture of continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and enhancing the quality of provision.

This role reports to the Assistant Head (Pre?Prep) and Headmistress, providing regular updates and supporting wider organisational development as part of the leadership team.

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