Nursery Manager

Humber Recruitment are resourcing a Nursery Manager for a brand-new Nursery and new client of ours in Grimsby, on a full-time basis.

Reports To: Head of Operations / Managing Director
Responsible For: Deputy Manager, Room Leaders, SENCo, Practitioners, Apprentices, Students and Bank Staff
Salary – Starting at £32,000 per annum – Review of salaries as nursery expands
Hours: Full Time – 40 hours per week, flexible shifts between 7:00am – 6:00pm

Overall, Purpose of the Role

The Nursery Manager holds full responsibility for the operational, educational, safeguarding, compliance and financial performance of the nursery. The postholder ensures the provision of safe, high-quality early education and care, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements, leads and develops staff effectively, and maintains strong partnerships with parents, professionals and the client’s wider Group.

The client’s Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families. All staff are expected to share this commitment and actively promote a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation.

Strategic Leadership, Governance & Quality Improvement

• Lead the development, implementation and annual review of the Self-Evaluation Form (SEF).
• Create, implement and monitor a Quality Improvement Plan with measurable outcomes.
• Ensure the setting achieves and maintains a minimum Good Ofsted rating.
• Embed a culture of reflective practice, ethical leadership and continuous professional development.
• Work closely with the client’s Directors and Head Office to ensure governance accountability and transparent reporting.
• Implement all recommendations following regulatory inspections.

Safeguarding & Welfare (Designated Safeguarding Lead)

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the setting.
• Ensure safeguarding is prioritised daily and concerns are acted upon immediately and appropriately.
• Maintain accurate, secure safeguarding records and oversee referrals to external agencies.
• Lead safer recruitment, including maintaining a compliant Single Central Record.
• Ensure all staff complete safeguarding training and annual updates.
• Promote a culture where whistleblowing procedures are understood and accessible.

Quality of Education & Curriculum Leadership

• Take responsibility for long-term, medium-term and sessional curriculum planning in line with the EYFS.
• Define, implement and monitor curriculum intent, implementation and impact.
• Ensure planning reflects children’s interests, developmental needs and individual starting points.
• Oversee observation, assessment and record-keeping systems to track progress and identify gaps.
• Promote school readiness and strong transitions with receiving schools.
• Lead SEND provision and work closely with the SENCo and external professionals.

Staff Management & Workforce Development

• Lead the day-to-day management, supervision and deployment of staff.
• Ensure effective induction, probation, supervision, appraisals and performance management processes are in place.
• Identify training needs and ensure mandatory and role-specific training compliance.
• Support staff wellbeing, promote retention strategies and maintain positive staff morale.
• Chair and contribute to team meetings and staff development activities.

Operational & Financial Accountability

• Manage the nursery budget, including staffing budgets, occupancy levels and funded entitlement claims.
• Ensure accurate invoicing, income collection and funding submissions.
• Oversee petty cash systems and ensure value for money in resource management.
• Monitor staffing ratios and deployment to meet both statutory and business needs.

Health, Safety & Premises Compliance

• Ensure the nursery is a safe, clean and secure environment for children, staff and visitors.
• Oversee statutory compliance, including fire safety, gas, electrical and legionella checks.
• Ensure risk assessments, COSHH, infection control and emergency procedures are implemented and reviewed.
• Monitor accident and incident trends and implement preventative measures.
• Maintain accurate records including attendance, accidents, incidents and health and safety documentation.

Partnership Working & Communication

• Build strong, professional relationships with parents and carers, encouraging involvement and open communication.
• Liaise with the local authority, Ofsted and other professionals as required.
• Maintain positive working relationships across the wider client Group.
• Ensure accurate, timely reporting and high-quality written communication.

 General

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records relating to children, staff and operational matters.
• Attend training, conferences and meetings to support continuous professional development.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties in line with the nursery’s business objectives.
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and professionalism at all times.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or above).
• Advanced DSL safeguarding training.
• Minimum 2–3 years of leadership or management experience within an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
• Experience managing budgets, staffing and occupancy.

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership with high emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Ability to analyse data and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

To apply for the position, click the apply button below or at the top of the page and complete the form. For more information on the role, call our team on 01472 729768 and we will be happy to assist. You can visit our jobs page to see our full list of available vacancies.

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