Early Years Registered Manager

January/February 2027 start | Competitive salary | Unique forest nursery & pre-school

Lead an exceptional team in an extraordinary setting

Our long term and highly appreciated Registered Manager is retiring, and we’re looking for an exceptional Early Years Registered Manager to lead Alfresco Childcare into its next exciting chapter.

Alfresco has grown significantly and is thriving. We have an established, highly experienced team, a strong reputation for quality, and a genuinely unique environment where the gardens, meadow and forest become part of the classroom every day.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Early Years leader to take the reins of a successful setting, inspire an excellent team and help shape what comes next.

Why Alfresco?

We believe great childcare starts with great people — and we’ve invested heavily in building a team you’ll be proud to lead.

• An exceptional, fully qualified team – you’ll be joining a stable, experienced staff team where everyone is fully qualified. We don’t rely heavily on apprentices to deliver our provision; instead, we invest in developing and retaining experienced practitioners.
• A culture of professional development – we actively support ongoing training, learning and development so that our team can continue to grow and excel.
• A genuinely unique setting – work surrounded by beautiful gardens, meadow and woodland, with incredible views and nature on your doorstep.
• A highly competitive salary package – we offer one of the strongest salary packages in the local area.
• High-quality private childcare – be part of a setting that is ambitious about the quality of care and education we provide to children and families.
• A nature-led approach – our forest nursery and pre-school puts outdoor learning, exploration and connection with nature at the heart of what we do.
• A supportive culture – your leadership, ideas and contribution will be valued. We want our new manager to have the confidence and freedom to make a real difference.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced, passionate Early Years professional who wants to lead from the front and make a lasting impact.

Ideally, you will have:

• At least two years’ experience as an Early Years Registered Manager, preferably in a full day care setting or similar, or have significant equivalent leadership experience. You will have led an Ofsted inspection and be familiar with the Ofsted requirements and the Early Years Inspection Handbook.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding, child development and high-quality early years practice.
• A genuine passion for providing outstanding care, education and experiences for young children.
• A hands-on leadership style — someone who is visible, approachable and willing to get involved.
• The ability to inspire, support and challenge a talented team to achieve their very best.
• A warm, nurturing approach to children, families and colleagues.
• The confidence to lead a successful setting while continuing to look for ways to improve and develop.
• A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor learning, nature and our unique forest nursery approach.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who cares deeply about children, takes pride in their work and wants to create an environment where children thrive, practitioners flourish and families feel genuinely supported.

An Exciting Time to Join Us

Taking over from an established and respected manager is a significant opportunity.

You’ll inherit a strong foundation: an experienced and qualified team, an established setting and a thriving nursery. Your role will be to build on that success, bring your own leadership style and help us take Alfresco into its next phase.

If you’re an ambitious Early Years leader who is looking for somewhere genuinely different to make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.

Come and See What Makes Alfresco Special

The best way to understand Alfresco is to see it for yourself.

Check out our facebook page to see what our children have been getting up to recently – https://www.facebook.com/share/19QnV9pGFk/

Visit www.alfrescochildcare.co.uk and watch our videos to discover our setting, our approach and what makes us different.

For an informal, confidential conversation about the role:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01793 790271

Come and grow with us at Alfresco Childcare — where the gardens, meadow and forest are the classrooms, and every day is an adventure.

Alfresco Childcare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and an enhanced DBS will be required.

Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bishopstone SN6 8PW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Do you hold a recognised level 3 childcare qualification or above?

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person