Job Description

Forest Nursery Team Vacancies - Nursery Manager

Little Birds Forest Nursery is an exciting, unique early years setting, which offers child- led play and learning, immersed in nature. We view the child as powerful, competent, curious, full of knowledge and potential, and interested in connecting to the world around them.

Our children are outside in nature for most of the day, with the natural environment acting as the 'third teacher'.

We are a Reggio inspired nursery, with forest school and the Scandinavian 'Skogsmulle' approach at our centre.

The nursery is a small setting, up to 25 children per day. Based at the foot of the South Downs within incredible grounds we have a beautiful converted stone barn, with log burner as our indoor base and an extensive garden space with neighbouring farmland and woodland. We have a private area of woodland about five minutes walk from our nursery base that we use on a daily bases. Small minibuses take us to explore our local beaches and other areas of interest based on what the children (and staff!) are interested in.

We are looking for a Nursery Manager, who will help to support and develop our amazing small team and our nursery, working with and managing staff, working with the parents, the child, our outdoor sites and environment to help deliver a magical early years' experience.

In this exciting role, you'll work in the woodland, in the grounds and on the beach with our children supporting them every day in their play, learning and development.

You will be an integral part of the team, and will be working in and helping to provide a rich, stimulating environment to provide many opportunities for the children to learn, transform materials, ask questions and think.

You will love the outdoors and want to and be happy to work outside in all weathers, role modelling to the team and enjoying lots of 'hands-on' time with the children. The support of our incredible Operations Team means that you will have lots of time out of the office, playing with children and focussing on the well-being and development of your team.

Salary:

Very competitive salary, dependent upon experience and qualifications

We are looking for dedicated, passionate and inspiring nursery manager who can manage and motivate a team of nursery educators to start ASAP.

Candidates must have a strong track record and full understanding of EYFS.

The person must have a natural passion for delivering exceptional childcare standards along with strong interpersonal and organisational skills. Previous experience as a nursery manager is essential.

To be responsible for and to oversee the day to day management, staffing, organisation and smooth running of the Nursery. To follow the ethos of the nursery to create a welcoming and family friendly environment. To be a member of the management team and to contribute to the strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation and development of the Nursery. To be responsible at all times for high standards of care and education of children between 9 months to five years in accordance with statutory requirements. To ensure the EYFS is promoted and delivered within the setting and the principles adhered to. To ensure effective communication between the staff and all partner organisations. To order and maintain equipment, sites, and resources in the Nursery To be accountable and responsible for day to day financial systems directly relating to the Day Nursery provision. To keep a register and up to date records of all children using the setting's provision and to give regular feedback to parents about their child's development and progress.

Qualifications required/ experience:

Minimum level 3, Ideally level 4 or above in Childcare or relevant qualification, the ideal candidate will also have a higher childcare/management or leadership or teaching qualification 2 years in a supervisory role in an Early Years setting. A clear understanding of Child Development A clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Birth to Five Matters Experience in a similar role Experience of leading within a childcare setting, including with children with special educational needs Strong communication skills, both verbal and written DBS is required Desirable - Forest School qualification Level 3

Benefits for our incredible team are:

Six weeks annual leave, inclusive of public holidays A day off on your birthday Sick pay Competitive salaries Private healthcare Career progression opportunities Incredible Continuous Professional development opportunities, including study breaks in Italy and free Forest School training Regular CPD training sessions with leading names in the Early Childhood industry.
To apply please send your CV and covering letter explaining why you would like to join our team.

If you feel you have the experience and qualifications and want to be involved in this exciting new venture please apply by sending your CV to the email address.

If you have any questions about the role, please get in touch with us.

Job Type: Full-time

Job Location:

Coates, West Sussex
Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Childcare Company events Company pension Employee discount Employee mentoring programme On-site parking Private medical insurance Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Worthing: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

Diploma of Higher Education (required)
Experience:

Management: 1 year (required) Early childhood education: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 18/11/2025