Nursery Manager

Permanent full-time job recruited via Veritas (London, UK)
Job Reference Leeds_1792144804
Closing date November 15, 2026
Location Leeds, United Kingdom. Bradford, United Kingdom. Wakefield, United Kingdom
Type Full-Time
Status Permanent
Contact Roscoe Price Moor
+64 273124286
rpricemoor@veritas-education.com

About this job

Nursery Manager

Full-Time | Meanwood, Leeds | New Nursery Opening

Are you an experienced Nursery Manager looking for a rare opportunity to lead a brand-new nursery from the very beginning?

We're excited to be recruiting for a Nursery Manager to take the lead at an inspiring new independent nursery setting opening in Meanwood. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate Early Years professional to shape a nursery's culture, build a team, and create an outstanding environment for children, families, and staff from day one.

This is no ordinary nursery. The setting has been built around a strong belief in Forest School principles, outdoor learning, and healthy, organic lifestyles. Children will be encouraged to learn through exploration, curiosity, and hands-on experiences in nature, creating an environment where they can develop confidence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning.

You'll be joining a nursery with a warm, welcoming ethos where relationships come first. Staff wellbeing is a priority, families are valued as partners, and children are given the time, space, and encouragement to thrive. The owner is highly involved and passionate about the nursery's vision, offering hands-on support alongside an experienced Area Manager to ensure you have everything you need to succeed.

This role would suit a confident leader who is excited by the challenge of launching a new setting and building a positive, successful nursery community.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the successful opening and day-to-day management of the nursery
  • Recruit, inspire, and develop a high-quality Early Years team
  • Create a positive, supportive culture where staff feel valued and motivated
  • Ensure outstanding standards of care, education, safeguarding, and wellbeing
  • Maintain full compliance with EYFS and Ofsted requirements
  • Build strong relationships with children, families, and the local community
  • Work closely with the Area Manager and owner to drive the nursery's success
  • Support occupancy growth and establish the nursery's reputation within the area
  • Champion outdoor learning, Forest School values, and child-led experiences

    • What We're Looking For

  • Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years
  • Previous Nursery Manager experience is essential
  • Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and Ofsted regulations
  • Proven experience leading and developing nursery teams
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills
  • A positive, approachable, and supportive leadership style
  • Passion for outdoor learning and holistic child development
  • Commitment to delivering the highest standards of childcare and education

    • Why Join This Nursery?

  • Lead an exciting new nursery opening in Meanwood
  • Work closely with a supportive and involved owner
  • Receive ongoing support from an experienced Area Manager
  • Be part of a unique nursery with a Forest School approach
  • Strong focus on organic living, outdoor play, and wellbeing
  • Opportunity to shape the culture and future of the setting
  • Friendly, welcoming, and values-driven environment
  • Excellent career progression opportunities
  • A chance to build something truly special from the ground up

    • If you're an ambitious Nursery Manager looking for a role where your experience, ideas, and leadership will genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

    To apply or find out more, please send your CV to Bree Heacock at Bheacock@veritas-education.com.

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

  • All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
  • Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
  • You must have legal right to work in the UK
  • You must be willing to attend a registration interview

    • Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

    Disclaimer

    'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'

    Apply now