Nursery Manager jobs in United Kingdom

Location: Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £35,000 Annum

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we believe valuing people is key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee—you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success. With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

Do you have early years leadership experience and are looking for a fresh new challenge? As a Nursery Manager, you will help create a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children in our care. You’ll supervise children, ensure their safety, and organise activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. While some days might be challenging, you’ll also laugh, have fun, and make lasting memories with the children during one of the most important developmental stages of their lives.

Tops Mini Mariners Nursery is a 36‑place day nursery & preschool situated in Mini Mariners, Taunton. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, toothbrushing, football fun and more.

• £3,000 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey with us
• Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Annual Bonus Scheme: As an Employee‑Owned Company, you’ll share in our success through profit‑share bonuses each May
• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and the Each Person platform (gym, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance – including a birthday off & a wellbeing day

• Proven experience in managing nursery settings effectively
• Excellent communication with children, staff, and parents
• Creativity in planning engaging, educational activities
• Positive attitude to foster a secure, happy environment
• Interviewing potential candidates from recruitment
• Managing and maintaining the nursery budget
• Coordinating marketing materials and campaigns
• Overseeing facility and equipment maintenance
• Providing updates to parents on child progress and behaviour
• Handling enrolment, payment, and policy enquiries
• Planning age‑appropriate annual events and activities
• Preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing feedback

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required
• Solid knowledge of the EYFS
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (you’ll need to cover the cost if you do not yet have one)
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles – i.e., not on the Children’s Barred List
• Successfully complete background and reference checks

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.