Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover - Maida Vale)

Job Description:

• Job Title: Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover) Maida Vale
• Location: Abacus Ark- Maida Vale
• Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (40 hours per week)
• Salary: £50,000

About Us:

Abacus Ark Nursery is a family-owned and operated nursery school devoted to the well-being and development of children. Our child-focused team is passionate about delivering the highest quality of care and education. Our nursery offers a vibrant and welcoming environment where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn. We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Nursery Practitioners to join our team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young children! At Abacus, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.

What You’ll Enjoy:

• A 4-Day Work Week: Full-time hours across 4 days, giving you that day off each week to rest, recharge, or pursue personal passions.
• 32 Days Annual Leave: Including 4 personal wellbeing days and 8 bank holidays
• Medical Cashback Plan: Health Shield plan worth over £1,000 annually, covering everyday health costs like dental, optical, and therapies
• Training & Development: Ongoing courses in First Aid, Safeguarding, and more—plus access to our self-paced learning platform, Flick.
• Mentorship & Support: Learn from experienced early years educators and receive regular guidance and feedback
• Mental Health Support: Access to resources and a workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing
• Paid DBS Check: We cover the cost, so you can focus on what matters
• Company Pension and Events: Including social activities that help you feel part of a community

The Nursery Manager is the site leader responsible for delivering outstanding care, education, and operational performance at their nursery. They hold accountability for achieving occupancy, compliance, quality, staff engagement, and financial targets. Looking for a leader of people and a hands-on manager, responsible for compliance with EYFS and Ofsted requirements, curriculum delivery, and creating a culture where staff and children thrive.

Professional Requirements:

· Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum); Level 5 or higher preferred.

· Proven leadership experience in a nursery or early years setting.

· Strong understanding of EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding requirements.

· Excellent people management and communication skills.

· Commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

· Own all site-level KPIs, including occupancy, revenue, staff ratios, and compliance.

· Execute the monthly performance reviews with the Operations Director, tracking variances and implementing corrective actions.

· Ensure that all staff understand their role-specific accountabilities and performance expectations.

· Ensure the nursery consistently meets or exceeds Ofsted requirements and Abacus Ark quality standards.

· Lead safeguarding and safer recruitment practices, ensuring compliance with all EYFS requirements.

· Maintain accurate records of attendance, staff ratios, and statutory documentation.

· Recruit, develop, and retain a high performing nursery team, working with the Head of People and Ops Director.

· Lead by example, embedding Abacus Ark’s values (Partnership, Awareness, Creativity, Thrive) in daily operations.

· Deliver regular 1:1s, team meetings, and performance feedback to ensure staff engagement and accountability.

· Work with the Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead) to ensure curriculum planning meets Abacus Ark’s pedagogical principles.

· Build strong partnerships with parents through open communication, regular updates, and meetings.

· Actively support marketing and sales efforts, including site tours and conversion of enquiries into enrolments.

· Manage the nursery budget, ensuring expenditure stays within agreed limits.

· Monitor and act on weekly and monthly KPIs, including occupancy, staffing costs, and margin.

· Provide accurate site-level reporting to the Operations Director and CFO team.

Success Indicators:

· Occupancy growth meets or exceeds site-level targets.

· Ofsted outcomes Good or Outstanding.

· Staff turnover remains below sector benchmark.

· Positive parent NPS and high levels of satisfaction.

· Budget adherence and site profitability achieved.