Job Title - Nursery Manager
Location - Maidstone
Hours - Full Time, Term Time only
Start Date - ASAP
Your newpany
The nursery is part of a warm, inclusive, andmunity‑focused primary school located in Kent. The school ismitted to providing a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Early Years provision is a key part of the school’s vision, with a strong emphasis on play‑based learning, outdoor exploration, and building positive relationships with families.
The school prides itself on:
1. A child‑centred ethos that celebrates individuality and encourages curiosity
2. A supportive and collaborative staff team who work closely across year groups
3. A well‑resourced Early Years environment, including dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces
4. A strongmitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and high‑quality early education
5. Positive partnerships with parents and the widermunity
Your new role
The Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and day‑to‑day management of the nursery provision within a primary school in Kent. The role ensures that children aged 3–4 receive a safe, nurturing, and stimulating early years experience aligned with the EYFS framework. The manager leads the nursery team, oversees curriculum delivery, ensurespliance with statutory requirements, and builds strong relationships with parents and the wider schoolmunity.
Key responsibilities
6. Leadership & Management — Lead, motivate, and support nursery practitioners to deliver high‑quality early years education.
7. Curriculum & Pedagogy — Plan, implement, and evaluate a rich EYFS curriculum that supports children’s learning, development, and school readiness.
8. Safeguarding & Welfare — Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or deputy), ensuring all safeguarding policies are followed and children’s welfare is prioritised.
9. Operational Management — Oversee daily operations including staffing, rotas, room organisation, resources, and health & safetypliance.
10. Assessment & Record‑Keeping — Monitor children’s progress, maintain accurate records, and ensure high‑quality observations and assessments.
11. Parent &munity Partnerships — Build positive relationships with families, provide regularmunication, and support transitions into Reception.
12. Quality Assurance — Lead continuous improvement, prepare for Ofsted inspections, and ensure the nursery meets all statutory and school‑based standards.
13. Inclusion & SEND Support — Work closely with the SENCO to ensure inclusive practice and tailored support for children with additional needs.
14. Budget & Resource Management — Manage nursery resources effectively and contribute to budget planning.
What you'll need to succeed
Essential
15. Level 3+ Early Years Qualification (Level 6 desirable)
16. Strong knowledge of the EYFS, child development, and early years pedagogy
17. Experience leading or supervising staff in an early years setting
18. Excellent understanding of safeguarding, health & safety, and statutory requirements
19. Strongmunication and organisational skills
20. Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
Desirable
21. Experience working within a school‑based nursery
22. Paediatric First Aid qualification
23. DSL training
24. Experience supporting children with SEND
What you'll get in return
25. Supportive Leadership — A weing Senior Leadership Teammitted to staff wellbeing and professional growth.
26. Professional Development — Access to high‑quality CPD, including EYFS training, safeguarding updates, and leadership development pathways.
27. Collaborative Team Culture — Work alongside a friendly, experienced Early Years team who share ideas, resources, and best practice.
28. Well‑Resourced Environment — A thoughtfully designed nursery space with excellent indoor and outdoor learning areas.
29. Opportunities to Shape Provision — Freedom to lead, innovate, and develop the nursery’s vision and curriculum.
30. Family‑Friendly Policies — Supportive policies around work–life balance, including term‑time working patterns depending on the contract.
31. Pension & Holiday Entitlement — Access to the Localernment Pension Scheme and generous holiday allowances (contract‑dependent).