Job Description:

Location: Clapham Common, South West London (SW4)

Salary: £33,000 – £35,000 per annum (Dependent on Experience)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, Term-Time Only

Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday, alternating shifts: 08:00–17:00 and 09:00–18:00)

About the Role

Are you an inspirational Early Years leader looking for a prestigious senior role with a true work-life balance? We are seeking an experienced Executive Nursery Manager to take the operational helm of a beautiful setting in Clapham Common.

As a senior leader, you will hold overall responsibility for the operational, educational, safeguarding, and commercial management of the nursery, whilst also stepping into the pivotal role of Nominated Individual. Operating with delegated operational authority, you will drive outstanding standards of care, lead your team to Ofsted success, and nurture excellent relationships with our families and community.

Best of all? This is a rare Term-Time Only executive position, allowing you to lead a premier setting while enjoying your school holidays.

Benefits

• Term-time only contract – enjoy fantastic work-life balance
• Free on-site parking (a rare perk in Clapham!)
• Private healthcare perks: Dental and medical discounts
• Wellbeing support: 2 free physiotherapy sessions per month
• Comprehensive professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive corporate governance structure with dedicated financial administration backing

Key Responsibilities

• Day-to-Day Leadership: Lead daily operations, model high standards, and maintain an environment where children and staff thrive.
• Compliance & Ofsted Readiness: Act as the Nominated Individual, ensuring strict adherence to the EYFS Statutory Framework, health & safety regulations, and constant inspection readiness.
• Safeguarding Excellence: Promote a robust safeguarding culture, fulfilling Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsibilities and managing safer recruitment.
• Team Development: Recruit, induct, supervise, appraise, and mentor a high-performing staff team.
• Commercial Management: Monitor occupancy, drive quality improvements, and manage operational budgets in partnership with our Head of Finance.
• Community Engagement: Build exceptionally positive relationships with parents, families, external professionals, and regulatory bodies.

Mandatory Job Requirements

To be considered for this high-level executive role, you must meet the following criteria:

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years working in a UK nursery setting, with at least 3 years of proven experience specifically as a Nursery Manager.
• Inspection Track Record: Essential experience leading an Ofsted inspection to a successful outcome.
• Qualifications: Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Degree or higher standard preferred).
• Certifications: Current Paediatric First Aid certificate, Prevent Duty training, and Safeguarding certification.
• DBS: Enhanced DBS check registered on the DBS Update Service.
• Right to Work: Valid and unrestricted Right to Work in the UK.

Are You Ready to Lead?

If you are a visionary Early Years Manager with the experience and drive to maintain an outstanding childcare environment, we want to hear from you.