Senior Nursery Manager

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL RECEIVE £700 WELCOME BONUS!!! 

RELOCATION PACKAGES AVAILABLE!

Senior Nursery Manager

Location: Wimborne, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £42,500 Annum

This Nursery Needs a Leader,  Not Just a manager!

We’re looking for someone who can lead with energy, inspire a team, and create a place where children feel excited to learn and explore every day.

We’re searching for an experienced Early Years leader to take the reins of our busy 80-place nursery and help shape something really special. Someone who understands that great childcare isn’t just about ticking boxes,  it’s about creating meaningful experiences, supporting passionate Educators, and building an environment where children thrive both indoors and outdoors.

You’ll be confident leading a team through the day-to-day challenges of nursery life, while maintaining high standards, achieving strong Ofsted outcomes, managing budgets and funding, and helping the nursery continue to grow through a great reputation and strong relationships with families.

Most importantly, you’ll genuinely value outdoor learning, muddy boots, imaginative play, adventure, confidence-building, and giving children the freedom to learn beyond four walls.

With at least five years’ experience in Early Years and proven leadership experience, you’ll bring vision, positivity, and the drive to take the nursery forward.

If you’re ready to lead a team, make a real impact, and create an inspiring place for children to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future.

With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.

Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.

About the Nursery

Tops Wimborne Nursery is an 80-place day nursery and preschool set within a beautiful conservation area, with exceptional access to outdoor learning environments. Located beside The Way Field, the nursery makes the most of nature with features such as a pond, orienteering routes, and expansive outdoor spaces that bring learning beyond the classroom walls.

The nursery also offers enriching experiences including Forest School, cooking school, and yoga, creating a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive through active play and discovery.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.

• £700 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey with us
• Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply) ** Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative
• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website!

What does the Senior Nursery Manager role involve?

• Lead the daily running of the nursery, creating a safe, inspiring, and nurturing environment for children.
• Design & deliver high-quality early years education and childcare experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, and joy.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and staff through clear communication and a positive, supportive approach.
• Plan and deliver a vibrant calendar of events and activities that enrich children’s development and celebrate their achievements.
• Recruit, develop, and support staff to maintain a motivated, high-performing team.
• Manage nursery budgets, enrolments, and parent enquiries with professionalism and efficiency.
• Adhering to Ofsted complaints inspections and implementation of recommendations, ensuring we maintain quality standards.
• Promote the nursery through marketing initiatives and outstanding customer care.
• Maintain facilities, equipment, and resources to the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.

Key Requirements:

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification
• 5+ years of nursery management experience or in an equivalent role
• Strong knowledge of EYFS safeguarding procedures & Ofsted standards.
• Excellent communication, organisational & leadership skills
• A creative and confident approach to education and childcare.

Important Safeguarding Information
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries

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