Nursery Manager

Location: Saffron Walden
Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term (October 2025 – December 2026 or until postholder returns)
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday | 7:30am – 6:00pm | 52 weeks per year
Salary: £39,360 – £40,817 per annum

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager to lead our nursery setting for children aged 1–3 years. This is a maternity cover position, offering an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the daily management and delivery of high-quality early years education and care.

The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring children receive the highest standards of learning, safety, and wellbeing. You will work closely with the Early Years team, supporting staff, leading practice, and creating a stimulating and nurturing environment that promotes children’s development in line with EYFS standards and the ethos of the Stephen Perse Foundation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operation of the nursery, ensuring a safe, caring, and engaging environment for all children.

• Oversee staff performance and ensure appropriate supervision and ratios are maintained throughout the day (07:30 – 18:00).

• Act as a key person within the nursery, managing the day-to-day running of a designated room.

• Support and mentor colleagues, fostering professional development and reflective practice.

• Develop and implement high-quality learning opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, in line with the EYFS framework.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies, including fire safety and safeguarding procedures.

• Work collaboratively with the leadership team to continuously evaluate and improve the quality of provision and outcomes for children.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

• Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or equivalent Level 6 full and relevant early years qualification.

• Evidence of recent EYFS-related training.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Nursery Manager, Lead Practitioner, or Room Leader.

• At least 1 year’s experience working within a baby room setting.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• A reflective and creative approach to early years practice.

• Ability to build positive relationships with children, staff, and parents.

• Excellent organisational skills and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care and education.

How to Apply

If you’re an enthusiastic and dedicated Early Years professional looking for your next opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact Kyle Bailey at:
[email protected]
01245 335 533

All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.



Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and will require you to supply good professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.



Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each environment.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer, and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.