Nursery Manager – Ilford
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum
Full-time | 37.5–40 hours per week
Hours: 7:30am–6:00pm Monday–Thursday | 7:30am–4:00pm Friday

Great Starts Recruitment are working on behalf of a well-established, community-focused early years nursery in Ilford, East London, to recruit an experienced Nursery Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for a confident and motivated Early Years Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager ready to step up, to lead a high-quality childcare setting while working closely with a supportive Senior Management Team. The role also offers exposure to multi-site nursery management, supporting professional growth within a respected nursery group.

Key Responsibilities

* Manage the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring high standards of early years education and care
* Lead, motivate and support a team of Early Years Practitioners
* Work closely with Senior Management to drive quality, consistency and continuous improvement
* Ensure compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, safeguarding and statutory requirements
* Oversee staffing, rotas, room management and staff deployment
* Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and external professionals
* Monitor nursery occupancy levels, budgets and administrative processes
* Support staff training, supervision and performance management
* Promote an inclusive, stimulating and child-centred learning environment
* Support other nursery settings within the group where required Person Specification
* Level 3 Childcare qualification (Level 5 or above desirable)
* Proven experience as a Nursery Manager, Deputy Nursery Manager or Early Years Manager
* Strong working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
* Experience preparing for and managing Ofsted inspections
* Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
* Ability to manage, mentor and develop early years teams
* Passion for delivering outstanding childcare and early education
* Flexible approach with willingness to support multi-site working Benefits
* Competitive salary of £35,000–£40,000 per annum
* Supportive senior leadership and structured management support
* Opportunities for career progression and multi-site management experience
* Ongoing professional development and training
* Staff childcare discounts (where applicable)
* Positive, collaborative working environment
This role is ideal for an experienced Nursery Manager or Early Years Leader seeking a stable opportunity within a growing nursery group.

The nursery is looking for someone to start ASAP as the current manager has been promoted. If you are interested in this role, please do not hesitate to apply.