Job Description

Are you ready to shape the future?

At The Cottage, we don't just provide childcare; we nurture the next generation. We are looking for a visionary, high-energy, and deeply passionate Childcare Manager to lead our nursery setting.

This is more than a management role. It is an opportunity for an ambitious early years professional to take full ownership of a setting, mentoring a dedicated team and ensuring every child in our care has the best possible start in life.

This role is not that of a blended Business Manager/Nursery Manager; we have purposely stripped out the administration side of the business so the role can focus fully on being a Childcare Manager.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

As our Childcare Manager, you will be the heartbeat of the setting. Your mission is to create a safe, stimulating, and joyful environment where children thrive.

Inspiring Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of practitioners, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning. Educational Excellence: Oversee the delivery of a creative and robust EYFS curriculum that sparks curiosity and supports individual growth. Operational Integrity: Manage the day-to-day running of the nursery, including occupancy levels, health and safety, and compliance with all regulatory bodies (e.g., Ofsted). Parent Partnerships: Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and guardians, ensuring clear communication and a "community feel." Safeguarding: Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring the highest standards of child protection are upheld at all times.

About You

We are looking for someone who "lives and breathes" early years education. You might be an experienced Deputy Manager looking for your first managerial role, or an established Manager seeking a new challenge in this sector.

The Passion*: You are "extremely passionate" about developing little lives. You understand that the first five years are the most critical.
The Qualifications*: You hold a minimum of a Level 3 in Childcare (Level 5 or Degree preferred) and have a solid understanding of Ofsted requirements.
The Mindset*: You are a problem-solver with a "can-do" attitude. You lead by example and aren't afraid to get stuck in on the nursery floor.
The Skills*: Excellent communication, strong organisational abilities, and a warm, approachable personality.

What We Offer

We value our leaders and believe in rewarding the dedication it takes to run a high-quality setting.

Competitive Salary: (dependent on experience). Professional Growth: We invest in your future with funded training, leadership coaching, and career progression opportunities. Work-Life Balance: Generous holiday entitlement and more. Bonus Structure: Performance-related bonuses linked to occupancy and quality benchmarks. A Supportive Culture: You will work directly with the owners who are committed to providing the resources you need to succeed.

How to Apply

If you are ready to make your mark and lead a nursery that puts children at the centre of everything, we want to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are passionate about early years to derby@cottagenursery.co.uk, attention: Debbie Bull

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Childcare Company events Company pension Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Work Location: In person