Montessori Lead Guide & Nursery Manager - West Hampstead

The Montessori Nest The Montesori Nest is a new nursery opening in West Hampstead in March 2026

The Montessori Nest is part of a small family of nursery settings with big ambitions. Our shared mission is to nurture independent, confident and joy-filled learners, and believe this happens best when the adults around them feel both trusted and inspired.

We’re looking for a Montessori Trainee Guide Or Trained Lead Guide, a Deputy Manager & Lead Guide and Nursery Manager to join our warm, purpose-led team at The Montessori Nest; someone who’s calm, observant, and genuinely passionate about supporting children to learn through exploration and discovery.

• Job type:
  Full time, permanent
• Location:
  
  West Hampstead
• Hours:
  
  36 - 40
• Qualification:
  
  Level 2 or 3 Childcare

As a Guide, you’ll help create a calm, purposeful space where every child feels safe, curious, and eager to learn. You’ll observe closely, introduce activities that spark interest, and support each child to grow in confidence and independence - always with patience, respect, and gentle guidance.

If you already hold a Level 2 Early Years qualification, that’s a real advantage, but we’re also happy to train the right person and support you as you work towards your Montessori Level 3. If you're a trained A to I Guide, we will support you with personal development plans. We’ll give you time and encouragement to complete your training, and we’ll invest in your growth as an educator and a valued member of our team.

• Job type:
  Full time, permanent
• Location:
  
  West Hampstead
• Hours:
  
  36 - 40
• Qualification:
  
  Level 3 Childcare

Working closely with the Manager, you will help create a calm, purposeful environment where every child feels safe and curious, and is supported in their learning. As a Lead Guide, you will observe children closely, introduce meaningful activities, and support each child’s growing independence with patience, respect, and gentle guidance.

• Job type:
  Full time, permanent
• Location:
  
  West Hampstead
• Hours:
  
  36 - 40
• Qualification:
  
  Level 3 Childcare

This is a hands‑on leadership role, combining time spent working directly with the children with dedicated time each day to oversee the running of the nursery and support the team.

As an experienced Babies and Toddlers Guide, you will create a calm, purposeful environment where every child feels safe, and is supported to grow in curiosity, confidence and independence. You will observe closely, introduce thoughtful activities, and guide children with patience and respect.

Alongside your time in the room, you will oversee ratios, rotas, staffing, safeguarding, compliance, and policies; ensuring the setting remains aligned with Ofsted’s recommended practices.

Working closely with the owner and the wider team, you will help establish clear routines and ways of working so practice across the nursery is consistent and remains true to our Montessori values. You will build warm, trusting relationships with families and support the team with clarity and care.

• Job type:
  Part time, permanent
• Shift patterns:
  Monday - Friday 11am - 3pm or 11am - 4pm
• Experience:
  
  2 years (required)
• Qualification:
  
  Level 2 or 3 Early Years Diploma (required)

• Supporting children in potty training
• Encouraging children to be independent, creative and resourceful
• Providing a safe and stimulating environment that facilitates learning, organising and supervising play and work activities
• Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of children
• Helping with outside play

• Have excellent knowledge of children under 3
• Hold an NVQ Level 2 in childcare, for willing to work towards one
• Ideally Hold a Montessori qualification.
• Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with both students and parents.
• Be offered supportive training, coaching and mentoring on a regular basis.

The nursery is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people. Safer Recruitment policies will be followed and background checks and an enhanced DBS will be required.