Nursery Manager

Job Title: Nursery Manager
Location: Chorley, Lancashire
Position: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: 30,000 - 35,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Start Date: Flexible - ASAP up to 3 months' notice considered

We are a well-established, privately owned early years setting based in Chorley, offering high-quality childcare for up to 45 FTE children across two age-appropriate rooms (0-2 years and 2-4 years). Our nursery is proud of its warm, inclusive culture, strong relationships with families, and commitment to delivering outstanding care and education.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager to lead our setting as part of a planned succession strategy and support the continued growth and development of the nursery.

Our culture is centred around people - both the children we care for and the staff who support them. We promote an open, honest, and supportive working environment where integrity, teamwork, and quality are paramount. Every role within the setting is valued, and everyone works collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for children.

The owner is highly involved in the day-to-day operation, qualified in Early Years, and present on-site regularly, offering guidance, support, and hands-on leadership. This is not a remote or disengaged ownership model - you will be working closely with both the owner and existing management team.

This is an ideal opportunity for an established Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, or senior early years professional ready to step into a leadership role within a small, supportive setting.

As Nursery Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational leadership of the nursery while working in partnership with the owner to deliver the long-term vision. Due to the size of the setting, the role will include some hands-on, room-based support and modelling of best practice when required.

• Overall management of the nursery's day-to-day operations

• Lead, motivate, and develop the staff team

• Ensure high-quality practice in line with EYFS and safeguarding requirements

• Maintain compliance with Ofsted, health & safety, and statutory frameworks

• Support staff supervision, appraisals, and professional development

• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and external agencies

• Drive continuous improvement and quality standards

• Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)

• Proven experience in a leadership/management role within an early years setting

• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted frameworks

• Confident, approachable leadership style

• Positive, solution-focused attitude

• Passion for developing people and practice

• Salary 30,000 - 35,000 depending on experience

• Full-time, permanent position

• Supportive, hands-on owner and collaborative working environment

• Genuine opportunity to shape the future of the setting

• Stable, financially sound nursery

If you are a committed and motivated Nursery Manager looking for a role where your voice is valued and your leadership can truly make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

To apply: Please submit your CV outlining your experience and interest in the role.