Head of Nursery

<p><b>Head of Nursery</b></p> <p>Our client is looking to appoint a passionate and dedicated Head of Nursery for their warm, welcoming nursery. This role offers an unusual opportunity to take a senior leadership role at a not-for-profit charitable trust which is run for the benefit of its children and members.</p> <p>The Head of Nursery is accountable to the Management Committee and responsible for the smooth running of all aspects of the business.</p> <p>The Management Committee is predominantly made up of current parents, supporting the nursery and the Head with a range of expertise and experience.</p> <p><b>The Role</b></p> <p>As Head of Nursery, you will be responsible to the Management Committee for the overall leadership, performance, and development of the setting. You should nurture an inclusive and &#039;family-like&#039; culture, whilst making operational, financial and administrative decisions to ensure the enduring success of the nursery setting.</p> <p><b>Key responsibilities include:</b></p> <ul> <li>Providing strategic and operational leadership across all areas of the nursery</li> <li>Ensuring full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements</li> <li>Leading, developing, and inspiring a team of early years practitioners</li> <li>Building strong relationships with parents, staff, and external stakeholders</li> <li>Managing occupancy, staffing, and financial performance in collaboration with the Management Committee</li> </ul> <p>As Head of Nursery you will, at times, be included in the child-staff ratio. This is to support staff, model best practice and build relationships with the children.</p> <p><b>About You</b></p> <p>Our client is seeking an experienced and committed leader who can combine strong operational discipline with a passion for early years education. They are looking for someone who is:</p> <ul> <li>Passionate about early childhood education and innovative in approach</li> <li>Resilient, tenacious and steadfast in the face of challenges</li> <li>Truly dedicated to providing high quality care and learning for young children</li> <li>A brilliant communicator with children, parents, staff and external stakeholders</li> </ul> <p><b>And has</b></p> <ul> <li>Strong leadership and management skills</li> <li>Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail</li> </ul> <p><b>Essential requirements</b></p> <ul> <li>Recognised qualifications in early years education (minimum Early Years Educator Level 3) and management.</li> <li>Proven experience in a leadership role within an early years setting (minimum of 3 years as Nursery Manager, Deputy, 3rd in charge).</li> <li>In-depth knowledge of early years legislation, including in-depth knowledge of safeguarding and child protection with relevant training or certification</li> <li>Comprehensive understanding of the EYFS and experience with OFSTED inspections or equivalent regulatory bodies.</li> <li>Strong skills in parent engagement and communication</li> <li>Extensive experience in staff mentoring and career development.</li> <li>Basic IT skills specifically in Excel and PowerPoint.</li> </ul> <p><b>Desirable</b></p> <ul> <li>Advanced qualifications in childcare, education, or management.</li> <li>Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or equivalent</li> <li>Experience and qualification in delivering STEM curriculum</li> </ul> <p><b>What&#039;s On Offer</b></p> <ul> <li>The opportunity to lead a values-driven, community-focused nursery</li> <li>A high level of autonomy to shape the nursery&#039;s direction</li> <li>25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (increasing by one day for each year of service to a maximum of 30 days)</li> <li>An extra day off for your birthday</li> <li>Highly subsidised childcare within the nursery (up to a free place &#8211; age dependent)</li> <li>Opportunity to join the company pension scheme</li> <li>Ongoing training and professional development</li> <li>Free home-cooked meals</li> <li>On-site parking</li> <li>Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free travel loan</li> </ul> <p><b>Safeguarding Statement</b></p> <p>Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and appropriate safeguarding checks.</p> <p><b>Apply</b></p> <p>If you are an experienced early years leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you. Closing Date: Friday 5 June 2026</p>