nursery manager jobs

We are recruiting an experienced Nursery Room Leader to join our supportive and forward thinking team at Step Start Nurseries. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident early years professional looking to step into or continue a leadership role within a nursery that genuinely values development, wellbeing and career progression.

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department for Education after 6 months in the role, subject to eligibility. You are eligible if you have never worked in a nursery before, have worked in a nursery before but not in the last 6 months, or have worked in a nursery within the last 6 months on a temporary contract.

This is a full time role of 40 hours per week, worked across 4 or 5 days to support a healthy work life balance. Additional hours may be available if desired.

As a Room Leader, you will be responsible for the day to day running of your room, ensuring outstanding care and education for all children. You will lead and support your team, maintain ratios, oversee planning and observations, and ensure the EYFS framework is embedded in daily practice. You will act as a role model, supporting staff development while maintaining a positive and inclusive room environment.

At Step Start Nurseries, we are passionate about growing our leaders from within. You will be supported with ongoing training, leadership development and clear progression opportunities into senior and management roles across the company.

Benefits include paid annual leave, pension scheme, career progression, reward and incentive schemes, wellbeing programme, Mental Health First Aiders, birthday vouchers, plus a paid day off after 12 months service, access to annual awards evenings and the Step Start Educational Conference.

Applicants must hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education and have at least 1 year experience in a senior or room-based leadership role within a nursery setting. You should be confident leading a team, passionate about early years education, an excellent communicator and able to remain calm and organised in a fast paced environment.

Responsibilities include leading the room team, planning and delivering engaging activities, monitoring children’s progress, building strong relationships with parents and carers, supporting staff performance and development, ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed, supporting with daily care routines including meals and hygiene, and working alongside health and social care professionals where required.

If you are ready to take the next step in your early years career within a supportive and ambitious organisation, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join Step Start Nurseries as a Room Leader.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £29,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• Nursery: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Level 3 or above in Early Years (required)

Work Location: In person