Nursery Manager

RELOCATION PACKAGES AVAILABLE!

Nursery Manager

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United KingdomHampshire

Job type: Full TimePermanent

Salary: £35,000 Hour

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future.

With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.

Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.

About the Nursery Manager Role

Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and looking for a fresh new challenge?

As a Nursery Manager, you’ll help create a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children in our care. You’ll supervise children, ensure their safety, and organize activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. While some days might be challenging, you’ll also laugh, have fun, and make lasting memories with our children during one of the most important development stages of their lives!

About the Nursery

Tops Lakeside Nursery is a 61-place eco-friendly day nursery and preschool in Cosham, Portsmouth, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. Our newly built, open-plan setting offers bright, natural learning spaces, including an extended cabin classroom to support our growing preschool. We provide a warm, friendly environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn through a broad, child-led curriculum that supports independence, language, and social development. Outdoors, children enjoy mud kitchens, nature-based play, and hands-on exploration, while indoors they take part in activities such as cooking, yoga, Boogie Mites, and storytelling, helping them grow in confidence and curiosity.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.

• £700 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey with us
• Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website

What does the role involve?

• Proven experience in managing nursery settings effectively
• Excellent communication with children, staff, and parents
• Creativity in planning engaging, educational activities
• Positive attitude to foster a secure, happy environment
• Interviewing potential candidates from recruitment
• Managing and maintaining the nursery budget
• Coordinating marketing materials and campaigns
• Overseeing facility and equipment maintenance
• Providing updates to parents on child progress and behaviour
• Handling enrolment, payment, and policy enquiries
• Planning age-appropriate annual events and activities
• Preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing feedback

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures

Important Safeguarding Information
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries

#INDHP