Nursery Manager

Are you passionate about nurturing young minds, and creating a magical learning environment?

This role would suit an experienced Early Years professional with the ability to lead and inspire an incredible team of staff and children. We are looking for a leader who truly thrives in outdoor learning and brings a creative passion to grow and develop our outdoor forest area, turning it into a cornerstone of our nursery’s identity.

If you are a strategic thinker who isn't afraid to get stuck in outside and is excited about cultivating both our team and our natural spaces, we have a fantastic package for you and a warm welcome awaits!

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours of work: 40 hours, 51 weeks a year

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £40,000.00 - £43,000.00 pa based on qualifications and experience.

£1,000.00 joining bonus! - paid on successfully passing 6 months probation.

Benefits:

• 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

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, an Area Manager and 2 Deputies, and be ready to take an already successful nursery to new heights. The nursery was inspected by Ofsted in June 2025 and rated Good in all areas.

In particular, the inspector praised the positive interactions between staff and children.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive, family-like team culture.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A beautiful, homely setting where children and staff feel valued.

Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth understanding of the EYFS framework and early childhood development.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Engage in continuous professional development, staying informed on sector developments, regulatory changes, and best practices in Early Years education.
• Be financially aware and target-drive, with proven experience in managing budgets, controlling costs and achieving financial objectives.
• 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).

Person Specification:

Qualifications

• Level 3, 4, or 5 qualification in Early Years (e.g., CACHE, NVQ).
• Experience in nursery management is desirable but not essential, or leadership experience in a large setting (90+ occupancy).
• Proven track record of delivering high standards in early years education and care.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Safeguarding
• Nursery Profitability
• Management and Leadership
• Teaching & Learning
• Parent & Community Engagement

Personal Qualities

• A warm, approachable, and child-centred leader.
• Willingness to work flexibly as required around the needs of the nursery.
• Passionate about creating a homely, happy, and high-achieving environment.
• Resilient, proactive, and solutions focused.
• A team player with a sense of humour and a “can-do” attitude.
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Please read the candidate pack for the full job description.