Nursery Manager

We’re looking for an experienced, confident and caring Nursery Manager to lead our Dorchester setting at Sunny Days.

This is a senior leadership role where you’ll take overall responsibility for the nursery – ensuring children are safe, supported, and thriving in line with the EYFS, while leading and inspiring your team to deliver the very best standards of care and education.

Day to day, you’ll manage staff, resources and the nursery environment, support children’s learning and wellbeing, and build strong partnerships with families and the wider community. You’ll also play a key role in the business side of the nursery, from managing budgets to promoting Sunny Days locally.

It’s a big role – but you won’t be on your own. You’ll have the support of our Directors, a committed leadership team, and clear policies and systems to guide you.

We look for people who share our core values:

SMILE – positive, friendly and approachable
STRIVE – open to learning, resilient, high expectations
SAFE – committed to safeguarding and wellbeing

• At least 3 years’ post-qualifying experience, including proven leadership and management experience
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and SEND
• Experience in staff supervision, training and performance management
• Budget and resource management experience
• Flexibility to work a rota between 7am–6pm, Mon–Fri (and beyond 6pm in emergencies)
• Enhanced DBS clearance

As Nursery Manager, no two days are the same – but you can expect to:

• Lead the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, safety and wellbeing for all children.
• Manage, mentor and inspire your team – making sure everyone feels valued, supported and clear in their roles.
• Oversee planning, assessment and record-keeping to ensure children’s learning is well supported and documented in line with the EYFS.
• Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, ensuring policies are followed and best practice is modelled across the team.
• Build strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed and engaged in their child’s learning and progress.
• Liaise with outside agencies, Ofsted, the local authority and other professionals where required.
• Manage budgets, fees and resources with strong financial oversight.
• Ensure the nursery environment is safe, welcoming and well-resourced – indoors and out.
• Organise regular team meetings, reviews and training to support staff development.
• Promote Sunny Days within the community as a high-quality, supportive childcare provider.
• Treat all staff, children and families with kindness, courtesy and professionalism – always leading by example.

Apply online and one of our friendly team will be in touch for an informal chat. We can even arrange your very own Nursery Tour!