Nursery Manager- Level 3

Nursery Manager / Level 3 Nursery Unit Manager

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, passionate and highly motivated Level 3 Qualified Nursery Unit Manager to join our nursery team and take responsibility for the day-to-day running of a designated nursery unit.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Level 3 Practitioner looking to progress into a Nursery Manager position, or an existing Room Leader or Unit Manager looking for a new challenge.

You will be a confident early years professional who can lead by example, motivate a team and create a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive. Working closely with the Nursery Manager and wider leadership team, you will ensure consistently high standards of care, safeguarding, teaching and learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the effective day-to-day running of your designated nursery unit.

• Lead, motivate and support Early Years Practitioners and support staff.

• Allocate responsibilities effectively and ensure high standards of practice are maintained.

• Support the Nursery Manager with the overall operation of the nursery.

• Mentor and support less experienced practitioners, apprentices and new team members.

• Deliver high-quality care, learning and development opportunities in line with the EYFS.

• Create stimulating, engaging and age-appropriate activities based on children's individual needs and interests.

• Monitor children's development and ensure observations, assessments, planning and next steps are completed accurately.

• Promote children's independence, confidence, communication and social development.

• Support children with additional needs/SEND and work collaboratively with parents, carers and relevant professionals.

• Ensure safeguarding and child protection procedures are understood and consistently followed.

• Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment, including appropriate supervision, risk assessments and accurate recording of accidents, incidents and medication.

• Maintain high standards of hygiene, health and safety and ensure nursery policies and procedures are followed.

• Contribute to quality improvement, self-evaluation and preparation for Ofsted inspections.

• Build positive and professional relationships with parents and carers, communicating effectively about children's care, development and progress.

• Work collaboratively with the Nursery Manager and wider team to maintain and continually improve nursery standards.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years/Childcare or an equivalent recognised qualification.

• Previous experience working within an early years or nursery setting.

• Experience leading a room, unit or team, or strong evidence that you are ready to progress into a leadership role.

• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.

• Good understanding of children's development from birth to five years.

• Excellent communication, leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to lead, motivate and support colleagues effectively.

• Ability to build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.

• Professional, positive and proactive approach with the ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Genuine commitment to providing outstanding care and education.

Desirable:

Previous experience as a Room Leader, Unit Manager, Deputy Nursery Manager or Senior Early Years Practitioner would be advantageous. Experience supporting children with SEND, mentoring junior staff, Ofsted inspections, nursery management systems and quality improvement would also be beneficial.

Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding/DSL and Food Hygiene qualifications are desirable.

About You

We are looking for someone who is warm, caring, nurturing and genuinely passionate about early years education. You will be a confident and positive leader who is approachable, organised and reliable.

You should be comfortable taking ownership of your unit, making decisions, delegating responsibilities and supporting colleagues while working collaboratively with the wider management team.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain a safe and high-quality environment, ensure the EYFS is implemented effectively, maintain accurate children's records, support staff development and build excellent relationships with families.

Flexibility is important, and you should be willing to support across the nursery when required.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check where applicable, qualification verification, references and other required pre-employment checks.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory completion of these checks.