Job Description

Nursery Manager - Forest Village Kindergarten (Merton/Morden)

Full-time | Open 51 weeks per year

Overview

Forest Village Kindergarten is a warm, community-focused forest school and daycare setting in the Merton/Morden area, caring for approximately 25 children. We are seeking an experienced and committed

Nursery Manager

to lead our team and oversee the smooth running of daily operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a passion for early childhood education, and a genuine love of the outdoors.

This is a fantastic opportunity to guide a small, close-knit setting where children's curiosity, independence, and wellbeing are at the centre of everything we do.

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operations of the nursery and ensure full compliance with all regulatory and safeguarding requirements Lead, motivate, and support nursery staff to deliver high-quality childcare and forest-school-inspired learning Plan, implement and oversee age-appropriate activities that promote children's learning, social skills, and emotional development Foster strong relationships with children, families, and staff through clear communication and a warm, personalised approach Oversee staff recruitment, training, rotas, and performance management Maintain accurate documentation including attendance, children's progress, and health records Ensure the nursery environment--both indoor and outdoor--is safe, clean, organised, and engaging Liaise with external professionals or agencies when specialised support is needed Promote a positive, collaborative team culture rooted in professionalism, care, and continuous improvement

Experience & Skills

Proven leadership or management experience in a nursery or early years education setting Strong practical experience working directly with young children Good knowledge of early childhood development principles and EYFS best practice Confident communication skills in English, both written and verbal Sound understanding of safeguarding procedures and child protection requirements A passion for outdoor learning or experience in forest school environments is highly desirable Valid driving licence

not required

This role is ideal for a motivated childcare professional who is passionate about early years education and outdoor learning. The successful candidate will play a key part in shaping a nurturing, stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 26,960.76-45,692.58 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Discounted or free food Free parking On-site parking Unlimited paid holidays
Work Location: In person