Head of Nursery

Job summary

We are looking to appoint a passionate and dedicated Head of Nursery for our warm, welcoming nursery.

The role of Head of Nursery at Joint Colleges Nursery (JCN) offers an unusual opportunity to take a senior leadership role at a not-for-profit charitable trust which is run for the benefit of its children and members.

The Head of Nursery is accountable to the Management Committee and responsible for the smooth running of all aspects of the business. The Management Committee is predominantly made up of current parents, supporting the nursery and the Head with a range of expertise and experience.

The Role

As Head of Nursery, you will be responsible to the Management Committee for the overall leadership, performance, and development of the setting. You should nurture an inclusive and ‘family-like’ culture, whilst making operational, financial and administrative decisions to ensure the enduring success of the nursery setting.

Key responsibilities include:

? Providing strategic and operational leadership across all areas of the nursery

? Ensuring full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements

? Leading, developing, and inspiring a team of early years practitioners

? Building strong relationships with parents, staff, and external stakeholders

? Managing occupancy, staffing, and financial performance in collaboration with the Management Committee

As Head of Nursery you will, at times, be included in the child-staff ratio. This is to support staff, model best practice and build relationships with the children.

About You

We are seeking an experienced and committed leader who can combine strong operational discipline with a passion for early years education.

We are looking for someone who is

? Passionate about early childhood education and innovative in approach

? Resilient, tenacious and steadfast in the face of challenges

? Truly dedicated to providing high quality care and learning for young children

? A brilliant communicator with children, parents, staff and external stakeholders.

And has

? Strong leadership and management skills

? Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail

Essential requirements

? Recognized qualifications in early years education (minimum Early Years Educator Level 3) and management.

? Proven experience in a leadership role within an early years setting (minimum of 3 years as Nursery Manager, Deputy, 3rd in charge).

? In-depth knowledge of early years legislation, including in-depth knowledge of safeguarding and child protection with relevant training or certification

? Comprehensive understanding of the EYFS and experience with OFSTED inspections or equivalent regulatory bodies.

? Strong skills in parent engagement and communication

? Extensive experience in staff mentoring and career development.

? Basic IT skills specifically in Excel and PowerPoint.

Desirable

? Advanced qualifications in childcare, education, or management.

? Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or equivalent

? Experience and qualification in delivering STEM curriculum

What We Offer

? The opportunity to lead a values-driven, community-focused nursery

? A high level of autonomy to shape the nursery’s direction

? 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (increasing by one day for each year of service to a maximum of 30 days)

? An extra day off for your birthday

? Highly subsidised childcare within the nursery (up to a free place – age dependent)

? Opportunity to join the company pension scheme

? Ongoing training and professional development

? Free home-cooked meals

? On-site parking

? Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free travel loan

Safeguarding Statement

Joint Colleges Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and appropriate safeguarding checks.

Apply

If you are an experienced early years leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Friday 5 June 2026