Nursery Manager

Join Our Team at Old Dairy Farm Nursery

Are you an experienced, passionate and inspirational Nursery Manager looking for an exciting new opportunity?

Old Dairy Farm Nursery is a beautiful, purpose-built nursery set within a working farm in the Hampshire countryside, just outside Petersfield.

Guided by our ethos, ‘Nurturing and learning through play, exploration and imagination’, our newly opened nursery building, inspiring indoor and outdoor learning environments and established Forest School provision provide a nurturing and stimulating setting where children are encouraged to explore, discover and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Our approach is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, placing children at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for an exceptional Nursery Manager to join our leadership team and help us deliver the highest standards of early years education and care.

The Role

Working closely with the Nursery Director and wider management team, you will lead the day-to-day nursery operation, ensuring exceptional standards of education, safeguarding, care and professional practice. This is a hands-on leadership role, actively supporting practitioners and leading by example.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead, inspire and motivate a dedicated team of early years professionals.

· Deliver high-quality education and care in line with the EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

· Champion our Reggio Emilia-inspired, child-led approach to learning.

· Maintain excellent safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and welfare standards.

· Coach and develop practitioners through mentoring, supervision and professional development.

· Oversee curriculum planning, observations and assessments for meaningful learning.

· Promote inclusion and ensure children with SEND receive appropriate support.

· Ensure nursery policies, procedures and statutory requirements are consistently implemented.

· Build positive relationships with parents, families and external professionals.

· Oversee staff deployment, rotas, recruitment and performance management.

· Work collaboratively with the Nursery Director on quality assurance and continuous improvement; agree significant operational, policy and strategic decisions with the Director.

· Foster a team culture of professionalism, communication and mutual respect.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Requirements

· At least two years’ experience as a Nursery Manager or in a comparable senior leadership role.

· Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare.

· Excellent knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.

· Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a nursery team.

· Strong organisational, communication and people-management skills.

· Confidence with day-to-day operations, compliance and quality assurance.

· A proactive, positive and solution-focused approach.

· A genuine passion for exceptional early years education.

Desirable

· Level 5 or 6 qualification, degree in Early Childhood Studies or Early Years Professional Status.

· Experience with Reggio Emilia-inspired or child-led practice.

· Knowledge of Forest School and outdoor learning.

· Experience supporting SEND and inclusive practice.

· Commercial awareness of occupancy, staffing and budgets.

Above all, we seek a kind, approachable, professional and inspirational leader who brings out the best in their team.

Training & Professional Development

· Ongoing training and continuous professional development.

· Leadership mentoring and management support.

· Opportunities to deepen knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach.

· Specialist early years training and opportunities to shape our curriculum.

What We Offer

· Competitive salary of £40,000–£45,000, dependent on qualifications and experience.

· Beautiful, purpose-built nursery with exceptional indoor and outdoor environments.

· Supportive and experienced leadership team.

· Professional development and career progression opportunities.

· Company pension scheme and staff childcare discount.

· Staff wellbeing support, team events and social activities.

· Free on-site parking and a friendly, collaborative working environment.

· Cycle to work scheme

· An opportunity to make a real difference within an independently owned nursery.

Working Hours & Location

Old Dairy Farm Nursery, Stroud, near Petersfield, Hampshire. Full-time, Monday to Friday, working within nursery opening hours of 7:15am–6:30pm. This permanent, nursery-based position requires flexibility to meet operational needs.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

Old Dairy Farm Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and appropriate safer recruitment checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced Nursery Manager passionate about early years education, inspiring others and exceptional learning opportunities, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and interest in the role.

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent | Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per year | Work Location: In person | UK work authorisation required

Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person