Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager

OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Nursery Manager to lead our Henley-on-Thames nursery through an exciting period of growth and transformation. As part of the formation of a new combined prep school during 2026 and 2027, the Nursery Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping early years provision, culture, and future direction.

You will be a visible, values-driven leader who inspires staff, delights families, and ensures high-quality provision every day. The role includes leading the transition from a term‑time‑only nursery to a year‑round setting, with the ambition of progressing towards Ofsted‑registered day‑nursery status in time.

What We Offer

• A warm, high-achieving nursery merging into a new combined prep school community.
• The opportunity to build and lead the development and expansion of a nursery.
• Supportive leadership and the opportunity to recruit and develop a team of practitioners.
• High-quality facilities and outdoor spaces.
• Professional development across the Wishford group.

The Nursery Manager reports to the Headteacher and Head of Early Years. As the nursery grows, the Nursery Manager will manage a deputy, administrator and up to four nursery rooms.

In the near future, we are opening the nursery up to the under 2 age group.

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours: 40 hours per week, year-round. Permanent role. 8am – 5:00pm

Salary: £38,000 – £42,000 pa based on skills and experience

• Means tested staff discount
• Complementary lunch during term time cooked on site by our inhouse chefs
• Access to the group’s counselling scheme
• Personal accident at work cover
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships
• Discretionary Christmas stand down
• Opportunities for career development within the Wishford group of schools

Job Description:

Leadership & Quality

• Lead daily operations with exemplary practice.
• Embed EYFS with effective curriculum planning.
• Maintain high-quality outcomes meeting inspection standards.
• Lead the nursery through change as part of school development.
• Lead transition to year‑round provision.
• Prepare for Ofsted day‑nursery registration.
• Align development planning for the new combined prep school.

Safeguarding, Compliance & Governance

• Serve as DSL or Deputy for the nursery.
• Maintain safeguarding and statutory records.
• Ensure health & safety and robust ratios.

People & Culture

• Line-manage and develop Early Years staff.
• Lead supervision, appraisals and CPD.
• Champion inclusive practice.

Family Partnership & Community

• Build warm relationships with families.
• Represent the nursery at events.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee rotas, wraparound care and staffing. Manage admissions and transitions.
• Maintain budgets and high-quality learning environments.

Person Specification:

• Proven EYFS leadership.
• Strong EYFS and KCSIE knowledge.
• Communication and partnership skills.
• Outdoor learning or specialist coordination.

Disposition:

• Professionalism, reliability, integrity.

Important Info and How to Apply:

To apply, please Application Form to download an Application Form and email it toHR@wishford.co.uk. To apply using an online form please click here .

If you have any questions regarding this role, or need an adjustment when applying, please email Molly Rees at HR@Wishford.co.uk

Applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to fill the role prior to the closing date. Early applications by prospective candidates are therefore strongly recommended.

The application is on a rolling basis, and interviews will take place at a time that is suitable for both you as the candidate and the School. We reserve the right to close the process at any time should a suitable candidate be found.

St Mary’s Prep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service and an online search on application.

Wishford Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Appointments will be made solely on merit and will be made without regard to age, disability, gender, nationality, race, colour, ethnicity, or religion.

St Mary’s Prep:

We have been at the centre of education in Henley for almost 100 years, helping generations of children to learn in a stimulating and inspiring environment. Situated in the heart of the town in a beautiful Victorian townhouse, our vibrant co-ed prep school provides an outstanding education for children aged 3 – 11 years.

We go together:

We are stronger together, as one global schools’ system and operate with our collective goals in mind. We show up for one another, collaborate widely and share generously.

We believe we can:

We are driven and passionate about what we do. Determined learners, we progress fast by facing challenges and empower others to do the same. We take ownership of our responsibilities and always believe there is a way.

We embrace change to stay ahead, whilst maintaining high-standards and best practice. We anticipate the future, not afraid to do things differently, so both our students and our business thrive today and tomorrow.

We share a growth mindset:

We always consider the needs and perspectives of others. We are open to new ideas and ways of working, connecting to wider perspectives wherever possible.

Proud of our reputation for delivering academic excellence – the attainment of St. Mary’s pupils is above national age-related expectations in all subjects, and our more able pupils are challenged and stretched with a range of classroom work and additional activities.

Our pupils are well prepared to make the transition on to the next stage in their education, with children consistently receiving offers from their first choice of the most prestigious schools in the area, including scholarships and awards.

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