Job Title: Nursery Manager (Immediate Start)
Location: DA11 7RU (Northfleet / Gravesend, Kent)
About Us:
We are a friendly and ambitious early years setting committed to providing high-quality care and education for children aged 0-5. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn — and where staff are supported, empowered and encouraged to grow. We’re seeking a dedicated and experienced Nursery Manager to join us immediately and help lead our team to excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead, manage and inspire the nursery team to deliver excellent early years provision in line with the latest legislation and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Oversee daily operations of the setting: staffing, rota, safeguarding, health & safety, budgets, and compliance.
• Ensure high standards of care and education, curriculum planning, assessment and learning journeys for children.
• Maintain strong relationships with children, families, staff and external partners (e.g., local schools, health visitors).
• Recruit, train, appraise and support staff, ensuring continuous professional development, supervision and performance management.
• Lead on safeguarding and child protection, maintain accurate records, and ensure the setting remains compliant with regulatory requirements (e.g., Ofsted inspections).
• Promote a warm, inclusive, engaging (and fun) environment that supports children’s holistic development: social, emotional, physical and cognitive.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (attendance, retention, child outcomes) and contribute to strategic planning.
Candidate Requirements:
• Level 3 or higher qualification in Early Years (e.g., NVQ Level 3/4, CACHE Diploma) required; Level 5 or above desirable.
• Proven experience in a supervisory or management role in an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, current safeguarding legislation and Ofsted requirements.
• Excellent leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills — you’ll lead by example, motivate your team, and maintain high morale.
• Ability to manage budgets, staffing rotas, regulatory compliance and day-to-day operational challenges.
• A genuine passion for early years, children’s development and building partnerships with families.
• DBS clearance (enhanced) and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Location: Able to commute to the DA11 7RU area (Northfleet/Gravesend).
• Immediate availability is preferred.
What We Offer:
• Competitive salary (to be discussed in interview) and benefits package.
• A supportive, friendly work environment where your leadership is valued.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A well-resourced setting with enthusiastic children and a strong, committed team.
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the right person for this role to [Contact Email] (or call [Contact Number] for more details). We’re looking to fill this position immediately, so early applications are encouraged.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming the right candidate to help us lead our nursery to even greater success.
