Nursery Manager

Milton Keynes, UK SMART Education Recruitment Ready to take the next step in your Early Years leadership career? This permanent Nursery Manager opportunity in Milton Keynes offers a salary of up to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience. As Nursery Manager, you'll play a vital role in shaping a nurturing, dynamic and stimulating environment where young children can develop confidence, curiosity and lifelong learning skills. If you're enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated to making a genuine impact, this position offers you the chance to lead a thriving nursery team and drive the quality of provision forward. What’s in it for you? Competitive salary of up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience) Permanent Nursery Manager post Monday to Friday working pattern Term-time working with 6 weeks holiday club Take ownership of nursery quality and provision development Lead and inspire an Early Years team Supportive education environment Opportunities for continuous professional development Rewarding leadership role with real impact on children, families and staff  The Role As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and daily operation of the nursery. Your key mission is to ensure the highest quality Early Years education and care, focusing on learning through play, individual development and safeguarding. Lead, support and motivate a dedicated nursery team Foster a positive and collaborative work culture Manage staff levels, rotas and deployment Oversee staff development, performance, mentoring and appraisals Deliver a high-quality play-based curriculum aligned to the EYFS Monitor planning, assessment and children’s progress Create a rich learning environment that encourages creativity and independence Promote inclusive practice, supporting children with additional needs Maintain accurate documentation for attendance, safeguarding, incidents and progress Ensure exceptional health, safety and hygiene standards Manage resources, equipment and nursery budgets Build strong relationships with parents and carers, communicating children’s progress and wellbeing Lead parent meetings, reports and nursery events Support smooth transitions for children entering Reception Contribute to the wider life and development of the setting  Safeguarding & Leadership Safeguarding is central to this role. You will ensure best safeguarding practices are embedded throughout the nursery, with all staff trained and compliant with statutory requirements. The position may include acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL and working with external agencies as needed. Skills and Experience To succeed as Nursery Manager, you should demonstrate: Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum Level 5 or 6 Early Years qualification (desirable) Significant experience in an Early Years setting Leadership or supervisory experience Thorough understanding of the EYFS framework Experience in a school-based or independent nursery (advantageous) Strong organisational, communication and team management skills Confidence working with parents, carers and professionals Ability to inspire, motivate and develop your team A nurturing, approachable and proactive manner Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain Safeguarding training (DSL training/qualification desirable)  Location and Package Location: Milton Keynes Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience) Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Monday to Friday Term-time: 36 weeks plus 6 weeks holiday club Nursery operating hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm (rota system) Attendance at relevant meetings, INSET days and events required  If you are an established Nursery Manager or Early Years leader ready to take full ownership of provision, develop your team and maintain excellent educational and care standards, your next leadership opportunity awaits in Milton Keynes. Apply now to explore this rewarding permanent Nursery Manager position