Our staff are central to this success. We are committed to creating a supportive and collaborative working environment in which colleagues feel valued, are encouraged to develop professionally, and have the confidence to make a meaningful difference.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Headmaster, you will provide inspirational leadership across every aspect of the Nursery. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of education, care, safeguarding, and operational delivery while establishing a warm, ambitious, and positive culture for children, families, and colleagues.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating, and developing a high-performing Nursery team.
• Establishing a warm, inclusive, and ambitious culture in which children and colleagues can flourish.
• Delivering an outstanding and engaging Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
• Ensuring every child’s individual development, interests, and needs are understood and supported.
• Maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, child welfare, and pastoral care.
• Leading staff recruitment, induction, supervision, coaching, and performance management.
• Building trusted relationships with parents through thoughtful communication and an exceptional family experience.
• Overseeing the smooth day-to-day operation of the Nursery.
• Ensuring full compliance with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, health and safety legislation, and all other relevant statutory guidance.
• Managing Nursery budgets, staffing ratios and resources.
• Monitoring children’s learning and development through purposeful observation and assessment.
• Working closely with the Pre-Prep team to create a seamless pathway into Reception.
• Supporting Nursery admissions through personal tours, open events and engagement with the local community.
• Driving continuous improvement and introducing new ideas that strengthen the quality and distinctiveness of the provision.

About You

We are looking for a confident and inspirational Early Years leader who combines excellent professional knowledge with warmth, sound judgement, and a genuine understanding of young children and their families.

You will have:

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Significant experience within an Early Years setting.
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager, Deputy Nursery Manager or in an equivalent leadership role.
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding legislation, and Ofsted requirements.
• Strong leadership, organisational and people-management skills.
• Experience of coaching colleagues, managing performance, and supporting professional development.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine commitment to delivering exceptional Early Years education.

It would be advantageous to have:

• A Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management, or an equivalent qualification.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
• A current Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience within an independent school or high-performing Nursery setting.
• Experience of supporting the growth and development of a new or expanding provision.

Above all, you will be:

• Passionate about giving children the strongest possible start in life.
• An inspirational, visible, and supportive leader.
• Warm, approachable, and highly professional.
• Ambitious for the children, families, and colleagues in your care.
• Highly organised and able to balance educational and operational priorities.
• Calm under pressure and confident when making decisions.
• Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-focused.
• Committed to safeguarding, continuous improvement, and professional excellence.

Why Join Godstowe?

At Godstowe, you will have the opportunity to lead a Nursery with significant ambition, excellent facilities, and the support of an established independent school community.

We offer:

• A competitive salary of £35,000–£50,000, dependent on qualifications and experience.
• The opportunity to shape a new Nursery and influence its future direction.
• Direct collaboration with the Headmaster and wider school leadership team.
• A company pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Life assurance at three times your annual salary.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression.
• Complimentary lunches during the working day.
• Free on-site parking.
• A friendly, supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Beautiful grounds and excellent educational facilities.

If you are an experienced Early Years leader with the vision and determination to create an exceptional Nursery, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the beginning of a lifetime of learning at Godstowe.

Godstowe School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, costs are covered by the candidates. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.