Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)
| Posting date: | 27 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | From £14.00 per hour, open to discussion based on experience |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 26 February 2026 |
| Location: | SA1 6RQ |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Seren Fach Day Nursery LTD |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: |
Summary
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic Childcare Manager to lead our early years setting on a maternity cover basis, with a strong likelihood of the role becoming permanent.
This is an opportunity to lead a well-established setting, supportive leadership structure and a commitment to high-quality, child-centered practice. While the role starts as maternity cover, we welcome candidates who bring fresh ideas, innovation and strategic insight to improve practice and provision across the setting. The successful candidate will be trusted to manage the day-to-day operation of the setting while being fully supported by the Responsible Individual and childcare team.
The official start date of this position is approximately May 2026- Although, shadow shifts & trial days will be offered prior. Earlier start date considered for right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and support an early years team to deliver high-quality childcare and education.
- Manage staff performance, including supervision, appraisal, onboarding/induction and professional handling of staff issues.
- Oversee rota planning to ensure compliance with statutory ratios at all times.
- Manage basic financial responsibilities including staffing budgets and resource planning.
- Lead on quality improvement and monitoring in line with the Quality for All framework.
- Ensure full compliance with CIW regulations and confidently lead CIW inspections.
- Champion best practice, including Planning in the Moment pedagogy.
- Build strong, professional relationships with families and external partners.
- Bring innovative ideas and strategic improvements to enhance practice and provision.
Essential Criteria
✔ Level 5 (or equivalent) qualification in Childcare or Early Years Leadership
✔ Proven experience managing a team or early years setting
✔Experience working within a Flying Start Expansion setting
✔ Experience of CIW inspections (ideally having led an inspection)
✔ Staff management experience
✔ Experience of rota planning and basic financial management
✔ Experience of quality management in a regulated childcare setting
✔ Full-time availability (flexibility considered)
Why choose us?
- Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements to support work–life balance
- A setting that values innovation and welcomes fresh ideas
- Competitive salary (to be discussed during interview, experience based)
This is an opportunity to lead a well-established setting, supportive leadership structure and a commitment to high-quality, child-centered practice. While the role starts as maternity cover, we welcome candidates who bring fresh ideas, innovation and strategic insight to improve practice and provision across the setting. The successful candidate will be trusted to manage the day-to-day operation of the setting while being fully supported by the Responsible Individual and childcare team.
The official start date of this position is approximately May 2026- Although, shadow shifts & trial days will be offered prior. Earlier start date considered for right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and support an early years team to deliver high-quality childcare and education.
- Manage staff performance, including supervision, appraisal, onboarding/induction and professional handling of staff issues.
- Oversee rota planning to ensure compliance with statutory ratios at all times.
- Manage basic financial responsibilities including staffing budgets and resource planning.
- Lead on quality improvement and monitoring in line with the Quality for All framework.
- Ensure full compliance with CIW regulations and confidently lead CIW inspections.
- Champion best practice, including Planning in the Moment pedagogy.
- Build strong, professional relationships with families and external partners.
- Bring innovative ideas and strategic improvements to enhance practice and provision.
Essential Criteria
✔ Level 5 (or equivalent) qualification in Childcare or Early Years Leadership
✔ Proven experience managing a team or early years setting
✔Experience working within a Flying Start Expansion setting
✔ Experience of CIW inspections (ideally having led an inspection)
✔ Staff management experience
✔ Experience of rota planning and basic financial management
✔ Experience of quality management in a regulated childcare setting
✔ Full-time availability (flexibility considered)
Why choose us?
- Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements to support work–life balance
- A setting that values innovation and welcomes fresh ideas
- Competitive salary (to be discussed during interview, experience based)