Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager – Acorn at Hedgerows, Netherfield

About the Role

At Acorn Early Years, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life. We are looking for a passionate and values-driven Nursery Manager to lead Hedgerows Nursery, creating a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children, families, and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

This role is rooted in our commitment to working alongside families and communities, particularly those facing social and economic challenges and in partnership with the adjoining Family Centre. You will play a vital role in building strong relationships, supporting early intervention, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

What You’ll Be Doing

Inspiring Leadership

• Lead with compassion, integrity, and a clear commitment to putting children first
• Create a positive, inclusive culture where staff feel supported, motivated, and proud of their work
• Guide the team to deliver high-quality, child-centred practice in line with the EYFS
• Take responsibility for the safe, effective, and compliant day-to-day running of the nursery

High-Quality Care and Learning

• Champion a nurturing, play-based approach that recognises every child as unique
• Create enabling environments that reflect children’s interests, needs, and backgrounds
• Ensure all children, especially those facing disadvantage, are supported to flourish
• Use observation and assessment meaningfully to understand and support each child’s journey

Working in Partnership with Families & Community

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with parents and carers as partners in learning
• Work closely with family centres, health professionals, and local services to support families holistically
• Act with empathy, understanding, and professionalism when supporting families facing challenges
• Promote inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for all within the community

Safeguarding & Inclusion

• Place safeguarding and wellbeing at the heart of everything you do
• Lead a culture where children feel safe, secure, and valued
• Support staff to confidently recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns
• Champion inclusive practice that respects diversity and removes barriers to learning

Supporting Your Team

• Invest in your team’s growth through coaching, mentoring, and reflective practice
• Lead supervision, appraisals, and development opportunities
• Encourage a shared commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Support staff to understand and respond to the needs of children in complex circumstances

Operational Excellence

• Ensure the nursery runs smoothly, efficiently, and sustainably
• Oversee systems such as occupancy, staffing, and parent communication with care and accuracy
• Maintain clear, organised records and ensure compliance with all statutory requirements
• Manage concerns and feedback constructively, always seeking positive outcomes

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and a passion for child-centred practice
• Experience working with families and communities facing disadvantage
• Understanding of the impact of poverty, inequality, and social barriers on children’s development
• Strong safeguarding knowledge, particularly for vulnerable children and families
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills

Desirable

• Experience within highly deprived communities
• Knowledge of early help processes and local support services
• Experience leading or supporting an Ofsted inspection

Our Expectations

• You lead by example, demonstrating kindness, professionalism, and integrity
• You create an environment where every child and family feels welcome and respected
• You communicate openly and effectively with children, families, staff, and partners
• You stay informed and committed to best practice in early years and safeguarding
• You play an active role in shaping the future of Hedgerows Nursery and Acorn Early Years

Safer Recruitment & Inclusion

At Acorn Early Years, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate difference and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who share our values.

All applicants must:

• Have the right to work in the UK
• Provide two satisfactory references
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check

As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer:

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 65% Childcare discount Pro-rata according to contracted hours
• Generous family leave
• Christmas closure
• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays (and the option to buy more)
• 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Cyclescheme
• Techscheme
• Length of Service awards
• Summer and Christmas parties
• Pay advances for when times are tough
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme