Nursery manager

Nursery Manager

We are building something that will shape the lives of children and families in Loughton for years to come. We are looking for the leader who will make that happen.

Join Our Outstanding and Award Winning Team at Treehouse Nursery Schools, Wanstead!

Treehouse Nursery School in East London is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a passionate and skilled Nursery Manager for our upcoming new Loughton Nursery. Situated in the heart of Loughton as a UNICEF rights respecting nursery committed to fostering personal, emotional and social growth, we’re seeking a professional who shares our vision to join our team.

At Treehouse, we are proud to be a Rights Respecting Nursery School, embedding the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into every aspect of our practice. We nurture children’s understanding of their rights, ensuring they feel valued, heard, and empowered within a supportive and inclusive environment.

If you are enthusiastic about shaping high-performing teams, fostering professional growth, and making a genuine impact within a distinctive and thriving environment, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

The ideal candidate will be a passionate, forward-thinking leader with extensive experience in Early years foundation stages and a proven track record of achieving Outstanding Ofsted results. You will play a pivotal role in setting up and managing the new preschool, building a strong team, creating a high-quality learning environment, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the setting.

The Location

Loughton sits at the edge of Epping Forest in Essex, one of those places that feels genuinely rooted. Loughton High Road is a thriving, affluent suburban hub where well-known names like Marks & Spencer and Boots sit alongside independent boutiques, neighbourhood cafes, and a high density of restaurants that reflect a community with real character and appetite for quality.

It is a community that already knows what it wants for its children. Families here are engaged, aspirational, and deeply invested in early education. The cafe culture is strong, the community ties are real, and the area has a vibrant social life that stretches from morning school runs to busy weekend evenings. This is a neighbourhood where a nursery that gets it right will become one of the most valued things on the high street.

For the right Nursery Manager, this setting is not just a job. It is a chance to become a genuinely important part of this community, to be the leader that Loughton’s families turn to, trust, and champion.

The Opportunity

Leading a Treehouse setting involves championing a curriculum that genuinely listens to children. It means leading a team with clarity, warmth, and high expectations. It means being an ambassador for early years education in your local community and a visible, trusted presence for the families who place their children in your care. As Nursery Manager at Loughton, you will have the scope to make real decisions, the support of an experienced senior leadership team behind you, and the privilege of opening a setting that will be something the whole community can be proud of.

Why Join Treehouse Nursery School?

You’ll be part of a growing organisation with ambitious goals and a compassionate mission. We offer a supportive environment where you can make a difference in children’s lives, helping us to nurture respectful and compassionate global citizens.

Who We’re Looking For?

Essential

• A Level 6 qualification in Early Years or above, such as a degree in Early Childhood Studies, Early Years Teacher Status, or equivalent. This is not a minimum threshold. It reflects the seniority and ambition of this role.
• A Montessori qualification or substantial experience working within a Montessori setting. This is a requirement for the Loughton role. You do not need to have spent your whole career in Montessori, but you must understand its principles, respect its philosophy, and be able to lead its practice with authenticity and confidence.
• Proven experience designing and delivering an exceptional, evidence-led EYFS curriculum. You know the Statutory Framework inside out, you stay current with research, and your curriculum decisions are always grounded in what the evidence says is best for children.
• Direct experience working in or leading towards an Ofsted inspection. You understand what Exceptional looks like in practice, not just on paper, and you hold yourself and your team to that standard every day.
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL, with safeguarding training that is current and embedded in everything you do.
• A deep and genuine commitment to children’s rights and the belief that every child deserves to have their voice heard, valued, and woven into their own learning journey. This is not a box we ask you to tick. It is a conviction we expect you to hold.
• Genuine creativity and empathy, and a passion for building environments where children are curious, independent, and free to be themselves. You do not just talk about child-led learning. You live it.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a genuinely collaborative mindset. You lead with warmth, bring people with you, and understand that the best outcomes for children always come from a team that trusts and challenges each other in equal measure.
• Energy, drive, and a passion for nurturing young minds that comes through in everything you do. The children and families at Loughton will feel it. So will your team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage families, professionals, and community partners in a way that reflects the very best of Treehouse.

What We Offer

We believe that the people who dedicate their careers to young children deserve the very best support, recognition, and working conditions available. Here is what life at Treehouse looks like.

Pay and Leave

• A competitive salary, reflective of your experience and the seniority of this role.
• 33 days annual leave, plus 3 additional paid days when the nursery closes over Christmas and New Year.
• A day off on your birthday, every single year, because your day matters too.
• Medical Health Insurance

Health and Wellbeing

• Virtual GP access with fast, clinically governed appointments, so you are never left waiting for the care you need.
• 24/7 confidential counselling helpline, free of charge, available any time of day or night.
• Up to 10 structured counselling sessions per issue per year, via telephone, video, online chat, or face to face.
• Day one stress intervention support, because we believe prevention is always better than long-term absence.
• Occupational health guidance and critical incident support for those moments when work gets hard.

Financial and Practical Support

• Three 30‑minute sessions with a dedicated financial adviser to help you plan with confidence.
• Legal and financial information support for everyday money and legal questions.
• The Wisdom Wellbeing App, with over 1,000 exclusive discounts, mood tracking, and preventative wellness programmes.
• Family coverage included, with partners and dependants in full-time education covered too.
• Eldercare and childcare support to help you manage your caring responsibilities alongside your career.

Community and Culture

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation that is genuinely making a difference for children and families.
• A vibrant social calendar designed to bring the team together and celebrate what we do.
• Attendance at networking dinners, conferences, and sector events as part of the role.

This is a full time permanent role, offering stability and the chance to grow in an exceptional nursery environment. If you’re ready to be a part of something greater and help us continue our important work, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Treehouse Nursery Schools, the safety and well‑being of children are our top priority. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you're passionate about early years education and want to be part of a dedicated team, we encourage you to apply!