Westfield School Newcastle
Founding Nursery Manager
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Founding Nursery Manager
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: Westfield School, Gosforth – part of the Royal Grammar School Newcastle Group of Schools
Closing Date: 9.00am Wednesday 9 September 2026 (Early applications encouraged)
An exciting opportunity to build something exceptional...
The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle is embarking on an exciting new chapter as it develops Westfield Nursery into a premium, year-round nursery providing exceptional care and education for children from babies through to school age.
This is far more than a Nursery Manager role. It is a rare opportunity to help create a brand-new nursery, shape its culture, influence its curriculum and establish an outstanding learning environment from the very beginning.
Working alongside the leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in preparing the nursery for opening, supporting Ofsted registration and creating a setting recognised for excellence in early years education.
About the Role
As Founding Nursery Manager, you will provide inspirational leadership, creating a culture where children, families and colleagues thrive.
You will:
- Lead the development of a high-quality nursery from babies through to pre-school.
- Prepare the nursery for successful Ofsted registration.
- Recruit, develop and inspire an exceptional staff team.
- Create an ambitious curriculum reflecting best practice in early years education.
- Develop outstanding relationships with children, families and the wider school community.
- Embed high standards of safeguarding, quality and regulatory compliance.
- Support occupancy growth through an exceptional parent experience.
- Create an environment where children develop confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
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About You
We're looking for an ambitious early years leader who combines strong operational leadership with a genuine passion for delivering exceptional childcare.
You will have:
- A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent full and relevant qualification).
- Significant leadership experience within an early years setting.
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS.
- Experience working with Ofsted and maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
- Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
- A commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for children and families.
Experience of opening a new nursery, managing change or supporting Ofsted registration would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why Join Westfield?
This is a genuine opportunity to build something special.
You'll have the chance to:
- Create a brand-new nursery from the ground up.
- Influence the vision, culture and curriculum.
- Work within the prestigious Royal Grammar School community.
- Build and lead your own team.
- Shape the learning environment and parent experience.
- Develop innovative approaches to early years education.
- Leave a lasting legacy for generations of children and families.
About Westfield
Founded in 1960, Westfield places great emphasis on combining academic excellence with educating the whole child. The school values every child as an individual, creating a nurturing environment where children develop confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
The new nursery will provide an exceptional start for babies and young children while creating a natural pathway into Westfield Junior House, the RGS Junior School and other local schools.
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The nursery will operate 51 weeks per year, transitioning from the existing term-time model into a premium, year-round early years provision.
What We Offer
- Salary £45,000–£50,000 depending on experience.
- Free lunch during term time.
- Pension scheme and life assurance.
- Optional healthcare plan.
- Ongoing professional development.
- Bike to Work scheme.
- Interest-free travel loan.
- Discounted school fees (subject to eligibility).
- Access to staff wellbeing support and social events.
- A supportive, ambitious and friendly community.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion, please contact Mrs Nikki Miller, Director of Finance and Operations, via jobs@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.
For further information and an application form, please visit:
www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk/join-us/work-with-us
Please submit:
- A covering letter.
- A completed RGS application form.
Applications should be emailed to jobs@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk by 9.00am Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Safeguarding Statement
The RGS Newcastle Group of Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and the school's safer recruitment procedures.
Equal Opportunities
The RGS Newcastle Group of Schools is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
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