Job Description:

Nursery Manager - Chelmsford 

Permanent - Immediate Start (Monday - Friday) 40 Hours Per Week

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of a high-quality early years setting in Chelmsford. The successful candidate will provide strong leadership, ensure outstanding care and education for all children, and maintain full compliance with the EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

This role requires a confident, motivated professional who can inspire a team, build positive relationships with families, and drive continuous improvement across the setting.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage the nursery team to deliver outstanding early years practice

• Oversee staff recruitment, induction, training, and performance management

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional working environment

• Ensure effective staff deployment, rota planning, and ratio compliance

Quality of Care & Education

• Ensure the nursery delivers high-quality, child-centred care and learning in line with the EYFS

• Monitor and support planning, observations, and assessments

• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practice at all times

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (or work towards this where required)

Compliance & Standards

• Maintain full compliance with Ofsted, EYFS, health and safety, and safeguarding legislation

• Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections

• Implement and regularly review policies and procedures

• Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation

Parent & Community Engagement

• Build strong, professional relationships with parents and carers

• Address parental queries or concerns promptly and effectively

• Promote excellent communication between the nursery and families

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Manage nursery occupancy, admissions, and waiting lists

• Oversee budgets, staffing costs, and resources in line with business objectives

• Monitor nursery performance and implement improvement plans where needed

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above (Level 5 or 6 desirable)

• Proven experience in a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager role

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted frameworks

• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills

• Confident in managing teams and driving high standards

• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)

Desirable

• Experience managing budgets and occupancy

• Designated Safeguarding Lead training

• Experience leading an Ofsted inspection

About us: 

SENCare Recruitment is a niche recruitment agency that provides Special Educational Needs (SEN) professionals for SEN schools, mainstream schools, residential care homes and 1-1 home support through local authorities, across the UK.  We offer short/long term placements on a temporary and permanent basis for specialist SEN teachers, teaching assistants, support workers, social workers, VI/HI practitioners and mid-day meal supervisors

If you feel this would be the ideal vacancy for you, then please apply below or contact our team direct and ask for John Stokes @ SENCare Recruitment.

SENCare Recruitment is fully committed to the safety and welfare of children, and by applying for this vacancy, you are consenting to SENCare Recruitment Ltd storing your personal details in line with the new GDPR regulations.