Join as Nursery Manager at our Forest School - Beautiful Setting and Great Benefits
Were 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 - its a place where children are free to explore muddy puddles, build dens, and learn through the rhythm of the seasons. Its a setting where staff feel empowered, families feel welcome, and children feel at home.
About the role
As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the nursery, maintaining high standards across care, education, and compliance. Youll 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, youll 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. While well give you the space to make decisions and take ownership, youll never be alone - our codirectors and leadership team are always on hand to provide support, guidance, and a collaborative sounding board when you need it.
What Were Looking For:
A warm, ambitious and skilled leader who with:
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. Famly)
A practical, solutions-focused leader who leads by example
Excellent communication and team-building skills
A genuine interest in outdoor learning and forest school values
Key Responsibilities
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
Build strong partnerships with parents and external agencies
Sound knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and SEND
Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture
Employee benefits that youll love
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
Fun work events throughout the year to celebrate our team
Our recruitment process
Successful candidates will be invited to interview at the setting as part of our safer recruitment process.
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
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Childcare
Company events
Company pension
Employee discount
Free parking
Health & wellbeing programme
On-site parking
Store discount
Work Location: In person