Nursery Manager

A special opportunity to lead a much-loved independent nursery Little Echoes Day Nursery is an independent, not-for-profit charity in Bagshot, Surrey, providing high-quality childcare and early years education for around fifty children aged 3 months to 5 years. Since 1994, we have built a strong reputation for our warm, nurturing and stimulating environment, our close relationships with families and our commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life.

After many years of dedicated service, our highly respected Nursery Manager is retiring in early 2027. We are looking for an exceptional Early Years Leader to build on that strong legacy and shape the nursery's next chapter. You may already be an experienced Nursery Manager, or a strong Deputy Manager with at least three years' experience who is ready to step up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the nursery: Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of Little Echoes, creating a warm, safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for every child.
• Maintain the highest standards: Ensure the nursery operates in line with the EYFS, safeguarding requirements, relevant legislation, statutory guidance and nursery policies.
• Champion children's development: Support high-quality, play-based learning that reflects each child's needs, interests and stage of development, including children with SEND or additional support needs.
• Lead and develop the team: Recruit, induct, coach and support colleagues, set clear expectations and manage performance fairly and confidently.
• Safeguard children: Act as the nursery's safeguarding lead, ensuring concerns are handled appropriately, records are accurate and effective relationships are maintained with families and external agencies.
• Build trusted family relationships: Communicate openly with parents and carers through development updates, meetings, events and everyday conversations.
• Run a well-organised operation: Manage rotas, deployment, absence and annual leave so that legal ratios are maintained, and oversee admissions, waiting lists and nursery records.
• Manage finances and resources: Take responsibility for budgets, purchasing, fees, funding, fee collection and future fee planning, supporting the nursery's long-term sustainability.
• Ensure a safe, compliant setting: Keep the building, equipment, risk assessments, health and safety procedures and compliance checks up to date and effective.
• Lead continuous improvement: Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections, respond constructively to feedback and set clear improvement plans.
• Work with the Trustees: Keep Trustees appropriately informed and support strong governance, long-term planning and the continued success of Little Echoes as an independent charity.
• Promote inclusion and reputation: Ensure every child and family feels welcomed, respected and supported, while strengthening Little Echoes' standing in the local community.

What We Are Looking For:

• Early years leadership experience: You are already operating as a Nursery Manager, or you are a strong Deputy Manager with at least three years' experience and clear readiness to step up.
• Warm, confident leadership: You build trust with children, families, colleagues and Trustees while setting high standards and providing clear direction.
• Strong people management: You create a positive team culture, develop others and lead a high performing team.
• Thoughtful communication: You build open, constructive relationships with parents and carers, including when conversations are sensitive or challenging.
• Commercial and operational capability: You understand finances, manage resources carefully and can keep a busy nursery running smoothly.
• Resilience and integrity: You are calm, highly organised and emotionally intelligent, with the common sense and flexibility to manage competing priorities.

Why Little Echoes?

• A rare opportunity to lead a well-established and highly regarded nursery with a caring, child-centred ethos.
• The chance to build on a successful legacy while shaping the nursery's future.
• Close working relationships with committed Trustees, colleagues, families and the wider community.
• The freedom and responsibility that come with leading an independent, not-for-profit nursery.

How to Apply: If you combine warmth and care with confident leadership, high standards and sound judgement, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience to or click Apply Now.

Closing Date for Applications: 16 October 2026

Interview Date: 22 October 2026

Little Echoes Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate vetting checks and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Full job description from the advertiser. Apply for this role →