Nursery Manager

Rotherly; Winchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery provider in Winchester is seeking an exceptional Nursery Manager to lead and manage their team at Rotherly Day Nursery. The successful candidate will ensure high-quality care for children aged 0-4 and foster an inclusive environment. Candidates must have a Level 3 qualification in childcare, a minimum of 5 years of nursery experience, and demonstrate leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits, including generous leave and a welcome bonus.

Benefits

24 days paid leave, increasing to 27 after 5 years

Generous employer contribution pension scheme (17.8%)

Free on-site gym

Reduced rate for own childcare costs

Welcome bonus of £500 after 6 months

Enhanced parental leave

Access to 24-7 Employee Support Line

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience working in a nursery setting.
• Experience working at Deputy Nursery Manager level is desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of Early Years curriculum policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team effectively.
• Create a stimulating, caring environment for children.
• Work with HR and finance teams to ensure operational success.

Skills

Leadership skills

Effective communication

Team management

Commitment to inclusive practice

Education

Level 3 NVQ in Childcare or equivalent

English qualifications to GCSE Grade 4 or equivalent

Job description

40 hours per week (working pattern to be agreed according to operational needs)

52 weeks per year

Rotherly Day Nursery is looking for an exceptional and qualified person to lead and manage the nursery in providing a high quality, Early Years provision.

Rotherly Day Nursery requires a leader who is able to create a stimulating, caring environment that is physically and emotionally secure, in accordance with all relevant legislation. The role will be working alongside a part-time manager in leading a team of room leaders/deputy managers, practitioners and apprentices.

The successful applicant will be supported by a wider team of HR, finance and site-team as well as working under the strategic leadership of the Nominated Individual/Head of Primary Phase and Nursery. Rotherly Day Nursery benefits from specialist EYFS teacher and SENDCo support provided by The Westgate School.

Call us on 01962 854757 to discuss the role in more detail and to arrange a visit.

The successful applicant will be required to work across all age groups 0-4 years and should have a minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare and relevant experience of early years but with a commitment to work towards an NVQ 4 or degree qualification.

The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic person who is dedicated to early years with a passion for inclusive practice, partnership with parents and carers, professional development, and making a difference to children’s outcomes.

Benefits of working at Rotherly Day Nursery:

• A working pattern of 40 hours per week with overtime where needed
• 24 days paid leave, increasing to 27 days after 5 years, as well as Bank/Public holidays
• Generous employer contribution pension scheme (17.8%)
• Free on-site gym
• Reduced rate for own childcare costs within our nursery
• HCC discount scheme; variety of discounts on retail outlets, day trips, insurance
• Optical care up to £60 per year
• Welcome bonus of £500 after 6 months and then £500 bonus after 1 year in post
• Preferential admission to The Westgate School for children in primary and/or secondary phase employed for 2.5 years or more (terms & conditions apply)
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, paternity, adoption)
• Up to three days paid compassionate leave
• Access to 24-7 Employee Support Line
• Free on-site parking

The successful candidate will:

• Have Level 3 NVQ Childcare or equivalent qualified (essential)
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience working in a nursery setting (essential)
• Have previous experience working at Deputy Nursery Manager level (desirable)
• Have obtained English qualifications to GCSE Grade 4, or their equivalent (essential)
• Demonstrate understanding of policies, procedures and government legislation relating to the Early Years curriculum and KCSiE (essential)
• Have previous experience of leading and managing a team (essential)
• Assert leadership skills to support and mentor colleagues and students, including appraisal process (essential)
• Have effective communication skills with a range of audiences and through a variety of approaches (essential)

Safeguarding:

Rotherly Day Nursery and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search in order to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

Visits are welcome, please contact us to arrange.

Application Deadline: Midday, Friday 9th January 2026

Interview Date: Monday 19th Janaury 2026