73 Social Care Jobs in Essex

Job Description

Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)

Up to £45,000 per year | 40 Hours per Week | All Year Round | 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Lead a nursery where children are encouraged to learn through exploration, and your leadership will help shape the future of both the team and the setting.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager to join a well-established nursery on a 12-month maternity cover contract, with the potential for the role to be extended. The nursery is looking for a confident and organised Nursery Manager who can build on its strong foundations while maintaining the high standards of care and education already in place.

The nursery provides carefully designed learning environments tailored to each stage of a child's development. Age-appropriate rooms are equipped with natural resources that encourage children to explore, investigate, and learn through play. Children also enjoy access to both a large and small garden, creating opportunities for outdoor learning, physical development, and imaginative play throughout the year.

What We’re Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Minimum of one year's experience as a Nursery Manager is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Experience managing the operational and commercial aspects of a nursery.
• A proactive leader with a passion for delivering exceptional early years education.

What’s On Offer

• Salary of up to £45,000 per year
• Bonus scheme
• Pension scheme
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Long service awards
• Regular team events
• Opportunity to lead an established nursery with a supportive team and well-resourced learning environments

Nursery Manager Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the nursery.
• Support, develop, and inspire the nursery team to deliver exceptional childcare and education.
• Ensure compliance with the EYFS framework, safeguarding legislation, and all statutory requirements.
• Monitor quality across the nursery and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee staffing, recruitment, supervisions, and performance management.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and external professionals.
• Manage occupancy, budgets, and resources while maintaining excellent standards.
• Prepare the nursery for inspections and ensure regulatory compliance at all times.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL247474/JG

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