Job Description

All candidates must complete a Farleigh School Academic Staff Application Form in order to apply for the position, this can be found on the school website. Please visit the Staff Vacancies page on the school website for the full job description and application form. We are unable to accept CV's in place of a completed application form.

Farleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo appropriate Child Protection Screening, including references from past employers and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Farleigh School is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated and motivated Nursery Manager to join us at a truly exciting time. With the planned opening of our brand-new nursery in September 2026, we are seeking to appoint a Nursery Manager from January 2026 to lead on preparations and operational planning, ensuring the nursery continues to reflect the established ethos and high standards of the wider school community.

The new nursery space will be in its own dedicated building with outside space, close to the large Pre-Prep woods for Forest School play, and with the extensive Farleigh grounds on the doorstep of the nursery building. This is a new venture with a chance to evolve and develop a successful all round nursery within a successful independent school. We are excited to bring the Farleigh ethos to even the youngest of children "this is where it all begins". With close links to the Kindergarten and Pre-Prep, we believe that the new Farleigh nursery will bring something special for both children and nursery staff.

The Nursery Manager will be responsible for the smooth day-to-day operation of the nursery. With extensive experience in Early Years education and a strong background in managing Early Years settings, you will bring a thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, relevant policies, and safeguarding requirements. Confident in your leadership abilities, you will line manage the Deputy Manager and other Early Years practitioners, ensuring high standards of care and education are consistently maintained.

You will be a warm, nurturing professional, ready to create an exceptional Early Years environment, a confident leader with a can-do attitude, and the ability to inspire, lead and support staff. We are looking for a highly organised individual, able to juggle the demands of a busy environment and who inspires the confidence of parents and carers.

We are seeking an individual to work full-time, all year round:

Monday - Friday 7.30am - 6.00pm

Particular Tasks & Responsibilities:

Safeguarding & Compliance

Promote and safeguard the welfare of children, ensuring full compliance with school safeguarding policies. Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Nursery. Ensure all staff understand and follow safeguarding procedures. Maintain compliance with all relevant legislation, including Health & Safety, Food Safety, and EYFS standards. Implement the school's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy across all Nursery operations.
Leadership & Management

Oversee the daily running of the Nursery, including staff rotas, session bookings, and holiday cover. Recruit, induct, train, and appraise Nursery staff, ensuring high-quality childcare and education. Line manage Nursery staff and liaise with other departments (e.g. HR, IT, Maintenance, Catering). Foster a positive, professional team culture and support staff development through training plans and performance reviews.
Childcare & Education

Ensure a child-centred, inclusive environment that meets individual needs within a group setting. Deliver rich, age-appropriate learning experiences aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Support children with special educational needs and promote inclusive practices. Work with the Kindergarten Coordinator to ensure smooth transitions for children moving into Kindergarten. Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external agencies.
Quality Assurance & Inspections

Lead on quality assurance and continuous improvement through self-evaluation and reflective practice. Prepare for and support inspections by regulatory bodies, implementing any recommendations. Ensure accurate reporting on occupancy, quality, and standards.
Finance & Administration

Work with the Finance department to manage Early Years Funding and staff costs within budget. Maintain accurate records for attendance, bookings, and financial reporting. Manage administrative tasks including inventory, equipment orders, and personnel records.
Marketing & Community Engagement

Collaborate with the Marketing team to promote the Nursery and School within the local community. Represent the Nursery at events and engage with prospective and current families.
Health & Safety

Ensure a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors. Lead on emergency, safeguarding, and security procedures, including during school holidays. Ensure staff hold appropriate first aid qualifications and training is up to date. Liaise with the Estates Bursar and Maintenance team to maintain a safe working environment.
General Duties

Organise staff rotas, holidays, and breaks. Manage bookings for additional sessions and flexible term-time options. Resolve complaints and concerns promptly, reporting to the Head of Pre-Prep and Head of School as appropriate. Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by management.

The ideal candidate will have:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience in a childcare setting At least 3 years' experience in a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager role NVQ level 3 in Childcare (or above) GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/5 or equivalent preferred)

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and its practical application Up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures Proven experience in delivering high-quality learning opportunities for children aged 0-5 Confident in leading, mentoring, and motivating a team, with a hands-on leadership style Excellent planning, organisational, and time management skills Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, colleagues, and external agencies Sound understanding of nursery operations and compliance requirements

Personal Attributes:

Passionate about early childhood development and committed to delivering outstanding care and education Supportive, approachable, and highly organised A team player with a proactive, "can-do" attitude High attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement A sense of humour, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person