Job Title: Nursery Manager – Temp – Maternity Cover, 9-12 months (with the opportunity to move to another site).
Location: Maida Vale
Salary: £50,000
Join a family run nursery where you’re truly valued…
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager to join our team on a 9–12 month maternity cover contract, with the opportunity to move into a permanent role at another nursery within our growing group. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team, inspire high-quality early years education, and make a real difference to children’s lives in a supportive, family-run environment.
Role Summary:
As Nursery Manager, you’ll be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance. You’ll lead and support your team while creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive. You’ll ensure the nursery operates in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Ofsted requirements and all relevant legislation, while continuously driving quality improvement across the setting.
Why Join Abacus Ark Nursery?
- 4-Day Working Week – Work full-time hours across just 4 days and enjoy 3 days off every week for better work-life balance.
- 32 Days Annual Leave (Includes 8 Bank Holidays, 4 Personal Wellbeing Days)
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Medical Cashback Plan – Health Shield plan worth over £1,000 per year (including GP Anytime, health screening, health cash plans, MyGymDiscounts, SkinVision, online health assessments, massages, dental, optical and more)
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Training & Career Development – including specialised training and support/funding with enrolling onto further qualifications
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Progression opportunities within the company
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New site openings – further opportunities available
We invest heavily in our team with:
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Blue Light Card access with major high street stores/food/cinema/holiday/travel discounts (various discounts between 10-20% off
- Manager Bonus Incentive
- Long service rewards
- Mental health and wellbeing support
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Annual inset training days (fun & interactive)
- Team social events and celebrations
- Company pension
- Ongoing professional development
- Leadership development opportunities
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Supportive team culture and mentorship from experienced early years professionals
- Inclusive and positive working environment
- First aid and safeguarding training
Key Responsibilities:
- Safeguarding & wellbeing: Ensuring all children are safe, protected, and well cared for in line with legal requirements.
- Leadership & staff management: Supervising, training, and supporting staff, including performance management and professional development.
- Curriculum & quality of education: Overseeing the delivery of a high-quality early years curriculum and ensuring it meets statutory frameworks (e.g., EYFS in the UK).
- Compliance & regulation: Making sure the nursery meets all legal, Ofsted, and health & safety requirements.
- Parental engagement: Building strong relationships with parents and communicating effectively about children’s progress and wellbeing.
- Operational management: Managing budgets, staffing ratios, resources, and day-to-day running of the nursery.
- Quality improvement: Monitoring standards through observations, assessments, and audits, and driving continuous improvement.
Professional Requirements
· Must have experience as a deputy/manager in a childcare setting
· Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum); Level 5 or above preferred.
· Strong understanding of EYFS, curriculum planning, and child development.
· Experience in mentoring staff and supporting team development.
· Good knowledge of Ofsted and safeguarding requirements.
· Ability to lead a team.
