Nursery manager

Job Description

Wakefield, West Yorkshire £17.00 per hour 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday 

About the Role

At Reed Education, we are seeking on behalf of our wonderful client, an experienced, driven and inspirational Nursery Manager to lead a well-established early years setting in Wakefield.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, while building a positive, high-performing culture that enables children, staff and families to thrive.

You will play a pivotal role in maintaining exceptional standards of care, education and safeguarding, while also ensuring the nursery operates efficiently, remains compliant and continues to grow as a valued part of the local community. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, inspire and motivate a team of early years professionals to deliver outstanding practice
• Create a supportive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
• Provide regular supervision, coaching and performance management
• Identify and drive continuous professional development across the team

Quality & Curriculum

• Work in partnership with the Deputy Manager to oversee delivery of the EYFS curriculum
• Ensure high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across all rooms
• Monitor, evaluate and continuously improve practice and outcomes for children

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring safeguarding is embedded in all practice
• Maintain full compliance with EYFS, Ofsted and regulatory requirements
• Lead the setting through inspections with confidence and strong preparation

Parent & Community Engagement

• Build strong, trusted relationships with parents and carers
• Promote open communication and partnership working
• Represent the nursery within the local community and with external agencies

Operations & Business Management

• Manage occupancy levels and support sustainable business growth
• Oversee administrative systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
• Ensure the nursery operates effectively, safely and profitably 

About You

We are looking for a confident leader who is committed to delivering excellence in early years education:

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (Level 5+ desirable)
• Proven experience in a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager role
• Strong working knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted frameworks
• Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills
• Commercially aware, with the ability to balance quality and performance
• Passionate about providing outstanding care and education

What's on Offer

• Competitive pay of £17.00 per hour
• Bonus scheme
• 28 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Company pension
• Free on-site parking
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities