Nursery jobs in United Kingdom

We’re seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead Sandcastles through a period of maternity cover. You’ll be a visible, values‑driven leader who inspires staff, delights families, and ensures high‑quality provision every day. You will steward our EYFS curriculum, champion safeguarding and inclusion, and cultivate the culture that makes Sandcastles special.

• A happy, high‑achieving nursery embedded within a thriving Prep School community.
• Supportive leadership team and dedicated, experienced practitioners.
• Opportunities for professional development and collaboration across the school.
• Beautiful setting, well‑equipped indoor rooms and inspiring outdoor spaces.

The nursery manager is directly responsible to the Headteacher, Deputy Heads & School Business Manager.

Hours: Full time (40 hours per week) year round.

Opening hours: 8am – 5:30pm

Fixed term contract of up to 12 months. Maternity Cover role.

Starting early-mid February, exact date to be confirmed

Salary: £36,000 – £38,000 pa depending on experience and qualifications

• 5% employer pension
• Shopping discount card
• Staff discount on nursery fees
• Free lunch during term time
• Access to the group’s counselling scheme
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships, up to L5
• On site parking
• Personal accident at work cover

• Lead day‑to‑day operations across Dolphin, Turtle and Starfish Rooms; model exemplary practice and maintain our high standards of care and education.
• Embed the EYFS, ensuring a rich, varied and sequenced curriculum with effective observation, assessment and planning.
• Sustain and evidence high‑quality outcomes aligned with our recent ISI Excellent inspection, and prepare for ongoing compliance/quality visits.

• Serve as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) (or Deputy), ensuring statutory compliance with KCSIE, EYFS Statutory Framework and safeguarding policies.
• Maintain meticulous records (child protection, accidents, medication, SEND support, staff training).
• Ensure health & safety, risk assessments (including outdoor learning/Nature Garden and water/summer swimming activities) and robust ratios at all times.

• Line‑manage, coach and develop an experienced Early Years team; lead supervision, appraisals and CPD tailored to pedagogy and practice.
• Champion inclusive practice for all children, working closely with families and external professionals.

• Build warm, professional relationships with parents/carers; communicate children’s progress clearly and celebrate successes.
• Represent Sandcastles at open mornings, stay‑and‑plays, and transition events with the Prep School (including specialist sessions in Music, French and Sport).

• Oversee rotas to support wraparound care (8:00–17:30), term‑time and year‑round offers, and holiday operating patterns.
• Manage admissions processes/waiting lists in partnership with the School Office/Admissions; support smooth transitions within nursery and into Reception.
• Work within agreed budgets; maintain inventory, resources and environments that are light, airy and well‑resourced for curiosity‑driven learning.

• Nursery qualification such as CACHE Diploma in ChildCare and Education, NVQ Level 3, 4 or 5 in Children’sCare.
• Proven leadership experience in an EYFS setting with strong curriculum knowledge and a track record of quality improvement.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS Statutory Framework and KCSIE.
• Strong people leadership: coaching, supervision, performance management and workforce planning.
• Excellent communication, organisation and partnership skills with parents and multi‑agency professionals.

• Experience in independent/ISI‑inspected settings and familiarity with inspection frameworks.
• Confidence coordinating specialist provisions (e.g., Music, French and Sport) and outdoor learning.

• Professionalism in all areas such as punctuality, work ethic, honesty, reliability and collaboration.
• Willingness to work throughout the school.
• A positive and child‑centred approach to teaching with the ability to inspire an enthusiasm for learning.
• Commitment to the safety and welfare of all pupils.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work effectively under pressure.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, the School’s ethos.
• Good sense of humour and the flexibility and willingness to be involved in School life.

For full details please see the job description. Please note, if you submit an application after 19th December, it will be reviewed week commencing 5th January.