Nursery Manager (Outstanding 120-place)
Location: Thurmaston, Leicester
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 a year (DOE) + £1,000 welcome bonus after probation
Job type: Full-time, Permanent
About us
Charnwood Nursery & Pre-school is Ofsted Outstanding, 120 places, and powered by a team that truly cares. We're built on ambition, warmth and early years done properly.
The role
You'll be the overall manager of a high-performing, values-led setting — with a dedicated Practice-Based Manager focusing on pedagogy and day-to-day practice support.
Key responsibilities
* Lead daily operations while shaping the long-term vision of the setting
* Recruit, induct, coach and develop a large early years team
* Own the quality-assurance cycle: audits, improvements, standards and evidence
* Safeguarding & regulation: ensure full adherence to EYFS, Ofsted and statutory frameworks
* Manage occupancy and financial targets confidently
* Build strong partnerships with families, professionals and the local community
You'll be a great fit if you have
* Full & relevant Level 3+ (Level 5/6/EYPS/EYTS welcomed)
* Proven experience managing a large nursery/early years setting
* A track record of coaching teams to Good/Outstanding practice
* Strong grasp of compliance, safeguarding and operations
* Confidence with recruitment, supervisions and appraisals
* Organised, people-focused, proactive — and two steps ahead
Benefits (highlights)
* 28 days' holiday incl. Bank Holidays plus Christmas–New Year closure
* Birthday day off every year, long-service adds up to five extra days
* Paid "quality time" days each term for deep-dive audits, planning or CPD (no ratios)
* Wellbeing: Hollie (our Manager of Happiness), Health Assured counselling app, Mental Health First Aiders
* Family-first perks: childcare discounts + money off coffee & cake at The Hub café
* Manager growth & recognition – leadership CPD, monthly Managers' Day with SLT, and peer learning to showcase wins and share best practice.
* Pension and ongoing CPD as standard
Schedule
* Full-time, weekday hours (rota within opening times)
* Occasional planned meetings/training
Work location
* In person at our Thurmaston, Leicester setting
How to apply
Click Apply with your CV. Optional: include a short paragraph on your proudest leadership win in early years.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Bereavement leave
* Childcare
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
Application question(s):
* Do you hold a full and relevant level 3 (or higher) early years qualification?
* How many years experience do you have managing a nursery/early years setting?
* Have you lead on safeguarding and EYFS/Ofsted compliance?
Work Location: In person