Job Description

Location:

Great Shelford Cambridge - CB22 5EQ

Hours:

Full time (40 hours per week)

Salary:

40,000

Contract:

Permanent

Company Overview

Shelford Day Nursery is part of the STEMtacular Childcare group, a pioneering early years provider delivering high-quality education through a STEM-rich, inquiry-led curriculum for children aged 0-5 years. Our approach integrates EYFS 2025 with hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. We are committed to excellence, inclusion, and strong partnerships with families and the wider community.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and visionary

Nursery Manager

to lead our dedicated team and ensure exceptional standards of care, learning, and operational effectiveness across the setting.

As Nursery Manager, you will:

Provide strong leadership, promoting a positive, professional, and reflective staff culture Ensure full compliance with EYFS 2025, Ofsted requirements, health & safety, and safeguarding procedures Oversee planning, assessment, and high-quality teaching and learning across all rooms Lead supervision, performance management, and professional development Manage budgets, staffing levels, resources, and occupancy effectively Build strong, trusting relationships with parents, carers, external agencies, and the wider community Drive continuous improvement through robust quality assurance and reflective practice Champion inclusive practice and support children with SEND alongside the nursery SENCo Promote STEM-rich, inquiry-led provision that enhances children's curiosity and development

Requirements

Essential:

Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum) - Level 5+ desirable 4 yrs post qualifying experience Significant experience in a leadership or management role within early years Strong knowledge of EYFS 2025, safeguarding, safer recruitment, and Ofsted requirements Excellent communication, organisational, and people-management skills Ability to inspire, mentor, and lead a team to deliver outstanding outcomes

Desirable:

Experience delivering STEM-based or inquiry-led learning DSL training and experience Experience managing budgets, occupancy, and operational systems

What We Offer

A supportive, forward-thinking organisation with a strong commitment to staff wellbeing Opportunities for professional development and career progression A dynamic curriculum and inspiring learning environment Competitive salary and benefits package

Safeguarding Statement

STEMtacular Childcare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff and volunteers must share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check, two references, and, where applicable, overseas police checks.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Recruitment decisions are made solely on the basis of skills, qualifications, and suitability for the role.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV as part of the initial application stage on Indeed. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will then be invited to complete our full application form before progressing to the interview stage.

Full :

Main Purpose of Job:

The Nursery Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the nursery offers outstanding care and education in line with EYFS 2025, Ofsted requirements and STEMtacular Childcare ethos. The post-holder will lead a motivated team to deliver a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where every child thrives.

Leadership & Management

Provide day-to-day leadership and line management for all staff, promoting a positive, reflective and inclusive culture. Implement and monitor nursery policies, procedures and practice to maintain high standards of care and safety. Hold overall responsibility for the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring continuous improvement and strong outcomes for children. Work with the Regional Manager to develop the nursery improvement plan, set targets and monitor progress. Lead staff induction, supervision, performance management and appraisals. Support and collaborate with the Regional manager to meet recruitment needs.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring robust safeguarding procedures and timely action in accordance with statutory guidance. Maintain accurate records of all safeguarding concerns and liaise with external agencies when required. Ensure all staff receive regular safeguarding training and are confident in their responsibilities.

Curriculum & Assessment

Ensure the EYFS (2025) requirements are fully implemented and that the curriculum is play-based, developmentally appropriate and STEM-rich. Oversee planning, observation and assessment systems; use data to identify individual and cohort needs and to inform practice. Support staff to plan differentiated provision for all ages and for children with SEND, ensuring inclusion and appropriate challenge.

Operations, Compliance & Health & Safety

Ensure the nursery operates to legal, regulatory and health & safety standards (including food hygiene, fire safety, premises maintenance, risk assessments and staff ratios). Manage admissions, maintain registers and oversee daily routines. Ensure all records (children's files, staff records, medication logs, incident/accident records) are accurate, secure and GDPR-compliant. Oversee the management and safe use of outdoor spaces, any forest school activities and any element involving fires or a fire pit ensuring specific risk assessments, training and parental consent are in place.

Finance & Resource Management

Work with the Regional Manager to manage the nursery budget, including staff costs, supplies and equipment. Support income generation, occupancy growth and efficient use of resources. Oversee purchasing, inventory and maintenance of equipment, ensuring resources are age-appropriate and support the STEM curriculum.

Partnership & Community Engagement

Build strong partnerships with parents/carers through effective communication, parent meetings and involvement in children's learning. Work with external professionals (health visitors, SEND services, local authority, Ofsted) to support children and the nursery. Promote the nursery within the local community and identify opportunities for outreach or partnership working.

Staff Development & Wellbeing

Identify training needs and create a culture of continuous professional development (CPD), coaching and reflective practice. Implement effective supervision, mentoring and opportunities for career progression for staff. Promote staff wellbeing, workload management and a supportive team environment.

Additional Information

This post is exempt from The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as the position involves working within the close proximity of young children. The post holder will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure and to be a member of the DBS Update Service.

All staff will be subject to regular supervision sessions and will be required to sign a suitability declaration on an annual basis to ensure that ongoing suitability is monitored.

All staff must hold an in-date paediatric first aid certificate.

All employees are made aware of their responsibility to notify their Line manager(s) immediately of any changes to their circumstances that may affect their suitability to work with children - this is also the case in terms of any changes to the circumstances of those who live with the member of staff.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-43,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking Sick pay
Application question(s):

To apply for this role you must hold a Full & relevant Gov approved Early Years qualification at a minimum of Level 3 - Do you meet this criteria?
Work Location: In person