Nursery Manager

Kids Planet Day Nurseries Ltd.; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent nursery group in Tees Valley is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will oversee daily operations, ensuring high-quality care and educational standards. Responsibilities include nurturing relationships with families and team leadership to foster a collaborative environment. This role requires a Level 3 qualification in early years and a strong understanding of safeguarding and EYFS regulations. A competitive salary, bonus scheme, and additional benefits are offered, along with a supportive team culture.

Benefits

80% Childcare Discount

Exclusive Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme

Life Insurance cover

Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks

Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption

Wellbeing goodies and fun events

Long service awards

Competitive salary and pension plan

Qualifications

• Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring high-quality care and education.
• Lead, mentor and support the nursery team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Knowledge of EYFS

Safeguarding children

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in early years

GCSE in Maths (or equivalent)

Job description

Nursery Manager - Kids Planet Darlington

Brinkburn Rd, Darlington DL3 6DX, UK

Job Description

Posted Monday 26 January 2026 at 01:00

Kids Planet is an independent, family run group of nurseries providing the highest standard of nursery care across the UK.

What if your next job meant more than just work, what if it meant shaping futures, every day?

Kids Planet is a proud family-run business, we do things with heart and we’re passionate about giving every child the best possible start. No two settings are the same, but all of them are built around our shared values: care, curiosity, and a genuine love for early years.

Join Kids Planet Darlington as a Nursery Manager!

We’re now looking for a Nursery Manager to join our team, someone who’s ready to get stuck in, spark imaginations, and help children thrive.

Why Kids Planet Darlington?

Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26

Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women 2025

Crowned NMT’s Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running

80% Childcare Discount – T&Cs apply

What we’ll offer our Nursery Manager:

An exclusive Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme to reward your leadership and impact.

Life Insurance cover and access to a health plan.

Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!

Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.

Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.

Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.

Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.

Take the day off on your birthday, it’s all about you!

Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.

Friendly central support team always on hand to help.

How you’ll make a difference as a Nursery Manager:

By managing the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and the nursery’s policies and procedures.

Through leading, mentoring, and supporting the nursery team, promoting a positive, collaborative, and professional culture while ensuring staff development and performance are maintained to a high standard.

By building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with families and external agencies, supporting each child’s development and wellbeing, and ensuring the nursery is always prepared for Ofsted inspections.

What a Nursery Manager needs:

Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.

Excellent understanding of EYFS.

Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.

Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.

In line with legal regulations, you must hold a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths or gain it within 2 years of starting.

Sound like the place for you?

Apply today to join Kids Planet Darlington.

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.

Kids Planet is committed to equal opportunities for all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our staff and children. Applications are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.