About BrightSteps

BrightSteps Montessori School is a brand-new, independent nursery in Bracknell welcoming children from 6 months to 5 years. Our vision is a calm, nurturing and inspiring environment where every child feels secure, respected and able to develop independence, curiosity and a love of learning. We combine Montessori-inspired practice with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

We are seeking a Nursery Manager to join our founding team and establish the culture, quality and day-to-day operations of BrightSteps from the outset. This is an opportunity to build a setting in which children flourish, families feel connected and practitioners are supported to do their best work.

Role purpose

The Nursery Manager is accountable to the Nursery Director for the safe, effective and high-quality day-to-day operation of the nursery. The Nursery Manager will lead staff, safeguard children, oversee the EYFS curriculum and Montessori-inspired environment, maintain compliance and strong parent partnerships, and manage nursery operations and continuous improvement. The Nursery Manager will undertake any Ofsted-registered manager responsibilities where formally designated and approved.

Key responsibilities

1 | Safeguarding and children’s welfare

·       Lead a safeguarding-first culture; act as Designated Safeguarding Lead where appointed, with appropriate training and cover arrangements.

·       Ensure staff understand reporting, recording, escalation, whistleblowing, allegations and safer-working procedures.

·       Respond promptly to concerns, work with relevant agencies and ensure accurate, confidential records.

·       Oversee safe supervision, child protection, inclusion, wellbeing, hygiene, medication, accidents, allergies and appropriate care routines.

·       Maintain effective arrangements for safer recruitment, staff suitability, attendance and collection, and secure access to the premises.

2 | Educational leadership and Montessori practice

·       Lead delivery of an ambitious, inclusive EYFS curriculum that reflects each child’s needs, interests and stage of development.

·       Embed Montessori principles of independence, respect, choice, purposeful activity and an accessible prepared environment without compromising EYFS requirements.

·       Coach practitioners in high-quality interactions, observation, assessment, planning and support for children’s next steps.

·       Oversee age-appropriate provision in the baby room and toddler/preschool room, including meaningful outdoor learning.

·       Work with the SENCO and families to identify additional needs early and coordinate appropriate support.

3 | People leadership and nursery culture

·       Recruit, induct, deploy and support a capable team; ensure staffing arrangements meet applicable ratios and qualification requirements.

·       Lead regular supervision, appraisal, training, coaching and proportionate performance management.

·       Create a respectful, collaborative environment in which staff feel heard, supported and accountable.

·       Maintain clear handovers, effective rotas, appropriate cover and consistent practice across rooms.

·       Model professional conduct, reflective practice and constructive communication.

4 | Compliance, quality and inspection readiness

·       Maintain day-to-day compliance with the applicable EYFS statutory framework, Ofsted registration conditions and relevant health and safety requirements.

·       Oversee policies, risk assessments, training records, fire and emergency arrangements, premises checks and required registers.

·       Conduct room observations, audits and improvement reviews; maintain a practical nursery development plan and follow up actions.

·       Prepare staff and records for inspection and respond constructively to feedback, concerns and incidents.

·       Report significant safeguarding, regulatory or operational matters promptly to the Owner/Director and relevant authorities where required.

5 | Families and community

·       Build trusting relationships with families through warm, professional and timely communication.

·       Oversee admissions, settling-in, parent meetings, complaints and sensitive conversations.

·       Maintain confidentiality and ensure children’s individual needs, cultures and family circumstances are respected.

·       Represent BrightSteps positively in the local community and support relationships with relevant professionals.

6 | Operations and founding-team responsibilities

·       Manage daily opening and closing arrangements, staff deployment, room readiness, resources and administrative systems.

·       Monitor occupancy, enquiries, attendance and operational performance; provide regular updates to the Nursery Director.

·       Support sensible purchasing and budget management within agreed delegated authority.

·       Before opening, help establish routines, staff induction, learning environments, documentation and operational readiness.

·       As the nursery grows, identify improvements and help shape a sustainable, child-centred culture.

Person specification

Essential

·       A full and relevant Level 3 early-years qualification or above.

·       At least two years of practical experience working in an early years setting or an early years leadership role.

·       Previous experience in a leadership role is essential, such as Room Leader, Deputy Manager or Nursery Manager.

·       Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training and strong safeguarding knowledge.

·       Strong working knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, child development and inclusive practice.

·       Ability to manage staffing, quality, parent relationships and operational priorities with sound judgement.

·       Clear written and verbal communication, strong organisation and accurate record keeping.

·       A respectful, child-centred leadership style and enthusiasm for Montessori-inspired practice.

·       Willingness and ability to meet all applicable suitability and registration requirements for the post.

Desirable

·       Current paediatric first aid qualification.

·       Level 2 maths qualification, such as GCSE grade 4/C or above.

·       Montessori training or experience in a Montessori setting.

·       Experience of opening a new nursery, leading Ofsted inspection preparation, or managing improvement plans.

·       Experience with SEND provision, recruitment, budgeting and occupancy management.

What joining BrightSteps offers

The opportunity to be part of the founding leadership team, help shape the nursery’s culture and systems, and build a warm and purposeful Montessori-inspired environment. Professional development and the final employment package will be discussed during recruitment; no unconfirmed benefits are promised in this description.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

BrightSteps Montessori School is committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare. Appointment is subject to appropriate safer-recruitment and pre-employment checks, including identity, right to work, qualifications, references, employment history, enhanced DBS and relevant suitability checks. BrightSteps welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates and is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment.

How to apply
To apply, please email your CV to brightstepsmontessorischool.com. 
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete our formal application form as part of BrightSteps Montessori School’s commitment to safer recruitment and safeguarding practices.

Hours: Nursery opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:30pm; working pattern to be agreed

Salary: Competitive salary, dependent on qualifications and experience