Acorn Early Years
Nursery Manager - Brafield
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Nursery Manager – Acorn at Brafield-on-the-Green, Northants
Are you an experienced Nursery Manager or ambitious Deputy Manager looking for your next leadership opportunity?
At Acorn Early Years, we are passionate about giving every child the very best start in life. We are looking for an inspiring and nurturing Nursery Manager to lead our friendly nursery in the beautiful village of Brafield-on-the-Green.
Established in 1997, our nursery enjoys an idyllic setting on the edge of the village, next to the church, providing a warm and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff alike.
This is an exciting opportunity for a committed early years professional who is passionate about high-quality childcare, supporting families, developing teams, and creating a positive culture where everyone can thrive.
The Role
As Nursery Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring outstanding care, education, safeguarding, and compliance. You will inspire and support your team while maintaining a child-centred environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and inspire a positive, inclusive, and supportive nursery culture.
- Support, coach, and develop staff through supervision, appraisals, and ongoing training.
- Promote high standards of practice in line with the EYFS framework.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and care.
Children's Learning & Development
- Deliver and promote high-quality, play-based learning experiences.
- Ensure every child receives individualised support to help them flourish.
- Create engaging and enabling environments that reflect children's interests and needs.
- Monitor and support children's progress through meaningful observation and assessment.
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Family & Community Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with parents and carers.
- Work collaboratively with health professionals and community organisations.
- Support families with empathy, understanding, and professionalism.
- Promote inclusion and equal opportunities for all children and families.
Safeguarding & Compliance
- Lead a strong safeguarding culture across the nursery.
- Ensure all policies, procedures, and statutory requirements are met.
- Support staff to identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure operational compliance at all times.
Nursery Operations
- Oversee occupancy, staffing, budgets, and day-to-day administration.
- Ensure the nursery operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
- Manage parent feedback and resolve concerns effectively.
- Prepare for and support Ofsted inspections.
About You
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.
- Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Passion for delivering high-quality, child-centred care and education.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
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Desirable
- Knowledge of early help processes and local support services.
- Experience leading or supporting an Ofsted inspection.
Why Join Acorn Early Years?
We value our people and recognise the dedication they bring every day. In return, we offer:
- Competitive pay scales, reviewed annually
- 65% childcare discount (pro rata)
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Generous family leave provisions
- Christmas closure period
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
- Four dedicated training days each year
- Individual development plans and career progression opportunities
- Cycle to Work Scheme and Tech Scheme
- Length of Service Awards
- Summer and Christmas celebrations
- Pay advance support when needed
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
Safer Recruitment
Acorn Early Years is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Have the right to work in the UK.
- Provide two satisfactory references.
- Complete an Enhanced DBS check or provide relevant information if you are on the DBS Update Service
Apply Today
If you are a passionate early years leader who wants to make a real difference to children's lives while leading a dedicated and supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Acorn Early Years and help shape the future for children, families, and communities.
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