Job Title: Temporary Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)
Location: West Midlands
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday (40 hours)
Contract: Temporary – Maternity Cover (from Dec to Feb
Pay: £120 - £130 per day
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Temporary Nursery Manager to cover maternity leave from December. The successful candidate will oversee the daily operations of a busy nursery setting, ensuring it remains a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment for children aged 0–5 years. You will lead and support a team of staff, maintain full regulatory compliance, and build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the wider community.
About the Role
This role requires a strong leader who can manage a team, deliver high-quality early years provision, and ensure the nursery meets all Ofsted, safeguarding, health and safety, and EYFS requirements. You will work closely with the CEO to maintain standards, manage resources effectively, and drive continuous improvement across the setting.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee daily nursery operations and ensure a safe, stimulating environment
Lead, manage, and support nursery staff, including recruitment, training, and supervision
Develop and implement EYFS-aligned educational programmes
Maintain full compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, and legislative requirements
Build strong relationships with parents/carers, providing regular updates
Manage budgets, resources, occupancy, and staffing levels
Conduct assessments and monitor children’s development
Organise events and promote community involvement
Ensure high-quality provision for all children, regardless of background or ability
Work with the CEO to maintain Ofsted registration and implement improvements
Essential Requirements
NVQ Level 3 Early Years qualification or above (Level 4 desirable)
Minimum 2 years’ managerial experience within a nursery setting
Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent understanding of Ofsted standards, EYFS, safeguarding and health & safety
Paediatric First Aid
DSL training
Strong communication, organisation, and record-keeping skills
Ability to create a nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment
About Smart Education:
Smart Education is a specialist Education and Early Years agency, recruiting for both permanent and temporary roles including Teachers, Teaching Assistants, SEND professionals, Nursery Nurses, and Tutors. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.
If you are passionate about early years leadership and have the skills and experience to manage a successful nursery provision, we would love to hear from you. Apply today