Head of Nursery School

Position: Head of Nursery School (Permanent)
Location: Elmbridge

Head of Nursery School

Salary: £37,500 – £45,000 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)

Hours:

Full time, 42 hours per week
Days:
Monday to Friday
Nursery opening hours: 7:30am – 6:30pm

Overview

My client is seeking an experienced and values-led Head of Nursery School to provide strong strategic and operational leadership within a well-established early years setting. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for educational quality, compliance, team management and the overall performance of the nursery.

The successful candidate will ensure that children receive rich, stimulating learning experiences in a warm, nurturing environment, while leading and developing a high-performing staff team.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

Lead the day-to-day management of the nursery, ensuring high standards of care and education

Oversee the planning and delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Monitor children’s progress and analyse data to drive continuous improvement

Maintain compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, health & safety and statutory requirements

Act as the senior point of contact for inspections and external agencies

Ensure policies, procedures and risk assessments are reviewed and kept up to date

Quality & Compliance

Lead Ofsted inspections and be accountable for inspection outcomes

Maintain accurate records for children and staff, including training and suitability checks

Ensure staff ratios and conditions of registration are met at all times

Manage safeguarding concerns, complaints, incidents and accidents appropriately

Team Management

Recruit, induct, develop and retain a high-quality staff team

Conduct appraisals, supervision and performance management

Identify training needs and deliver or coordinate staff development

Manage rotas, annual leave and sickness absence

Promote a positive, collaborative and professional staff culture

Parent & Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong relationships with parents and carers

Ensure clear, timely and professional communication with families

Oversee parents’ evenings, newsletters and regular updates

Liaise with external professionals and agencies in the best interests of children

Financial & Administrative

Monitor budgets and expenditure to ensure cost efficiency

Support occupancy management and capacity planning

Oversee administrative functions and accurate record-keeping

Person Specification

Essential

Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)

Recognised management qualification

Paediatric First Aid certificate

Minimum two years’ experience managing an early years or educational setting

Strong understanding of Ofsted, EYFS and regulatory compliance

Proven leadership and organisational skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

Competent IT skills and experience with digital nursery systems

Desirable

Degree or foundation degree in Early Years

Experience leading successful Ofsted inspections

Personal Qualities

Passionate about early years education

Values-driven and able to lead by example

Calm, professional and resilient under pressure

Collaborative, trustworthy and approachable

Highly organised with strong attention to detail

Safeguarding

This role involves working with children and is subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS clearance and appropriate references.

To apply , please submit your CV for a confidential discussion