Nursery Manager

Overview

Nursery Manager — Bright Start Nursery, London E16. Bright Start Nursery is seeking an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager to lead a brand-new, purpose-built nursery overlooking the Thames. This is a unique opportunity to shape the culture, quality, and success of a new setting from day one.

Location:

Royal Wharf, London E16 (close to Pontoon Dock, West Silvertown DLR and the Elizabeth Line)

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience

Hours:

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (shifts between 07:30 and 18:30)

Reporting to:
Nursery Director

• 35 days holiday including bank holidays
• Nest pension
• 3 paid INSET days per year
• Fully funded training and CPD
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Discounted childcare
• Team social events

You will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the nursery, ensuring outstanding outcomes for children, high standards of care and education, and full regulatory compliance. You will lead and inspire a team of early years professionals while building strong partnerships with families.

• Lead the nursery to deliver high-quality EYFS provision and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, health and safety, and statutory requirements
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead or support the DSL where delegated
• Recruit, manage, develop, and retain a motivated and high-performing staff team
• Carry out staff supervisions, appraisals, coaching, and performance management
• Build positive relationships with parents and respond professionally to feedback
• Manage occupancy, admissions, staffing levels, and daily operations
• Oversee budgets, resources, policies, and operational procedures
• Ensure a safe, stimulating, and well-organised learning environment
• Support inclusive practice and the needs of children with SEND

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5/6 preferred)
• Significant experience in nursery management or senior leadership
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding, and SEND
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills

• Degree in Early Childhood Studies
• DSL qualification
• Experience leading large teams or multiple rooms