Nursery Manager Job at Wishford Schools (Devizes)

Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and ambitious Nursery Manager at Heathcote House Nursery in the beautiful market town of Devizes. The successful candidate will be passionate about delivering high-quality Early Years provision and experienced in managing a setting with 90-100+ children attending. You will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of the nursery with the support of Wishford Education, and be ready to take an already successful nursery to new heights.

Job Responsibility

Manage the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring compliance with EYFS, and health and safety standards
Lead the next stage of nursery growth, including marketing and implementation
Have an up to date working knowledge of the Early Years Framework and all other statutory guidance
Inspire a large and friendly team of early years professionals and provide regular training and continued staff support
Monitor and maintain high standards of care, education, and safeguarding
Work closely with the Nursery Area Manager and the support team from Wishford Education to manage child occupancy, financial budgets, and staffing
Work with Talent Acquisition Partner to recruit and induct new staff members
Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the nursery, ensuring all staff understand and comply with safeguarding procedures
Lead on all safeguarding matters, including referrals, staff training, and liaising with external agencies, and ensuring full compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, and local authority regulations
Maintain accurate, confidential records for children, staff, and incidents
Keep safeguarding logs, accident/incident reports, and child development records up to date
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practices
Take overall responsibility for the safety and the well-being of all children in the setting, conducting regular risk assessments, and promoting a culture of vigilance and proactive safeguarding among all staff
Maximise nursery occupancy through proactive enrolment strategies and excellent parent engagement
Ensure efficient staff deployment aligned with child ratios and budget constraints
Oversee procurement and use of resources to ensure quality and cost-efficiency
Lead local marketing initiatives and promote the nursery through events and community outreach
Work with the Nursery Marketing and Admissions Executive to manage the nursery’s online presence
Monitor and respond to parent feedback and online reviews, mainly on DayNurseries.com, to maintain a positive reputation
Build strong relationships with the local community to enhance visibility and trust
Work with the Nursery Finance Business Partner to achieve financial targets, manage nursery budgets, and monitor income and expenditure
Oversee fee collection processes and manage outstanding charges professionally and sensitively
Motivate and inspire your nursery team
Foster a positive, collaborative team culture that encourages high morale and staff engagement
Conduct regular performance reviews, support senior/room leaders, and set clear goals, targets and expectations
Promote a healthy work-life balance and implement wellbeing initiatives
Identify training needs, support continuous professional development, and ensure all staff meet required qualifications and standards
Create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children flourish
Lead the delivery of the EYFS curriculum with creativity and care
Oversee planning, assessment, and evaluation to ensure high-quality learning experiences
Support children with additional needs in collaboration with the Nursery Area Manager and external agencies
Build strong, positive relationships with parents through regular communication, meetings, and events
Ensure new families feel welcomed and supported from their first visit
Represent the nursery with professionalism, warmth, and integrity at all times
Foster strong relationships with families, ensuring open communication and trust

Requirements

Level 3, 4, or 5 qualification in Early Years (e.g., CACHE, NVQ)
Minimum 3 years’ experience in nursery management, ideally in a large setting (90+ occupancy)
Proven track record of delivering high standards in early years education and care
In-depth understanding of the EYFS framework and early childhood development
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent communication, organisation, and time management
Confident in using data to drive improvement and inform planning
IT literate, with experience using nursery management systems (e.g., EYWorks)
Be financially aware and target-drive, with proven experience in managing budgets, controlling costs and achieving financial objectives

What we offer

5% employer pension
EV scheme through Octopus
Cycle to work scheme and shopping discounts
50% fee discount for the sessions your child attends on the days you work in the nursery
Access to the group’s counselling scheme
3 x days of paid CPD / training per year
25 days holiday per year
Paid bank holidays off plus Christmas closure
Access to fully funded apprenticeships, up to L5
Accident at work insurance cover
Staff uniform provided
£1,000.00 joining bonus – paid on successfully passing 6 months probation

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