Join as Nursery Manager at our Forest School – Beautiful Setting and Great Benefits *
We’re looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and confident *Nursery Manager* with at least 3 years leadership experience to lead our well-established team at *Woodlands Nursery & Forest School* — a unique early years setting in Melton Mowbray where outdoor learning and child-led exploration are at the core of everything we do.
Our goal is to create a truly wonderful and enriching educational, caring and nurturing experience, not only for our children but also their families. Woodlands is more than just a nursery — it’s a place where children are free to explore muddy puddles, build dens, and learn through the rhythm of the seasons. It's a setting where staff feel empowered, families feel welcome, and children feel at home.
*As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the nursery, maintaining high standards across care, education, and compliance. You’ll lead and support a passionate team, promote child-centred learning, and ensure strong relationships with families.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on leadership position and is committed to delivering quality early years education — both indoors and out.
As Nursery Manager, you’ll have the autonomy to lead your setting with confidence and creativity, shaping the day-to-day environment in a way that reflects your vision and values. Minimum *3 years’ experience* in a management/leadership role within early years
· *Level 3 or higher* Early Years/Childcare qualification
· Strong knowledge of the *EYFS*, safeguarding, SEND and Ofsted requirements
· Confident using nursery management systems (e.g. Excellent communication and team-building skills
· A genuine interest in outdoor learning and forest school values
*As Nursery Manager, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
· Manage day-to-day operations and ensure high standards of care and education
· Lead, mentor and support staff through supervision and training
· Ensure compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and health & safety
· Monitor and grow nursery occupancy, including organising promotional events
· Sound knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and SEND
· Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture
*A competitive salary starting from £35,000+ based on experience
· Additional holiday days after several years with us
· Staff childcare discount
· A free hot lunch provided daily
· Our PlayTime employee benefits platform – discounts at 100s of retailers
· In house training and career development
· Contributory pension scheme
· We take safeguarding seriously. In line with our duty to safeguard children and our Safer Recruitment Policy, you will be subject to our stringent vetting procedures and an enhanced DBS check should your application be successful.
Learn more about Woodlands at
Job Type: Full-time
Childcare
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Store discount