Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager – Independent Place Nursery

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager or Deputy ready for their next challenge

Independent Place Nursery is looking for a warm, confident and experienced Nursery Manager to lead our established team and continue building on the strong practice and relationships already in place.

We would love to hear from an experienced Nursery Manager looking for their next opportunity, or a strong and experienced Deputy Nursery Manager with at least 3 years’ experience who is ready to take the next step into a Manager role.

Independent Place is a unique 49-place nursery tucked away within a quiet, private gated complex. Being a smaller setting means we really know our children, families and each other. We have a long-serving and experienced team and are proud to be an Ofsted Outstanding nursery.

Why We’re Recruiting

After eight years of managing Independent Place Nursery, our current Nursery Manager is moving into a new Early Years Coordinator role within the organisation.

The successful candidate will benefit from a structured induction and handover with the current Manager, as well as ongoing support as they settle into the role.

Whether you are an experienced Manager looking for a fresh challenge or an experienced Deputy ready to progress, you will be joining a well-established nursery with a strong team, supportive leadership and excellent foundations already in place.

Experience & Qualifications

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Nursery Manager, or at least 3 years’ experience as a Deputy Nursery Manager and is ready to step up

• Holds a recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

• Has strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and current Early Years requirements

• Has been involved in an Ofsted inspection, ideally with experience supporting or leading the process

• Has experience leading, developing and supporting a nursery team

• Has a good understanding of SEND and inclusive practice

QTS is desirable but not essential.

The Role

As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of Independent Place Nursery, ensuring consistently high standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance.

A key part of the role will be supporting and developing the team. We are looking for someone who is approachable, visible and confident, and who understands the importance of staff wellbeing, clear expectations and strong teamwork.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, supporting and motivating the staff team

• Managing the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery

• Supporting staff supervision, development and performance

• Maintaining strong safeguarding practice

• Monitoring and developing the quality of Early Years provision

• Managing staffing, ratios and deployment

• Building strong and positive relationships with parents and families

• Supporting recruitment and induction

• Maintaining policies, procedures and regulatory compliance

• Ensuring ongoing Ofsted readiness

• Supporting children with SEND and promoting inclusive practice

Key Skills

We are looking for someone who is:

• A strong and supportive leader

• An excellent communicator

• Organised and able to prioritise effectively

• Calm and confident under pressure

• Approachable, fair and consistent

• Supportive while able to maintain clear boundaries and expectations

• Positive and solutions-focused

• Able to motivate and bring a team together

• Passionate about high-quality Early Years care and education

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who will value the strong team and culture already in place, while bringing their own ideas, experience and leadership to Independent Place.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience

• Company pension

• Employee childcare discount

• Free on-site parking

• Ongoing training and professional development

• Support from the wider senior leadership team

• Structured induction and handover

• The opportunity to lead an established, successful and supportive nursery

If you are an experienced Nursery Manager looking for your next opportunity, or a strong Deputy Nursery Manager ready for a new challenge and the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

• Previous Nursery Manager experience, or a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Deputy Nursery Manager

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding

• Experience leading and supporting an Early Years team

• United Kingdom work authorisation

Safeguarding

Independent Place Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, qualification checks, right-to-work checks and an appropriate enhanced DBS check.