Nursery Manager (London)

Role Overview:

Nursery Manager (Development Opportunity for High-Performing Deputies)

Location: Montessori by Busy Bees West Hampstead Fortune Green
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum DOE
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Flexible working options: 40 hours over 5 days or 32 hours over 4 days

Free Private Parking Space

About us

Busy Bees is the UK’s leading early years providers, with nurseries dedicated to giving children the very best start in life through safe, caring, and high-quality early education.

What this means for you is the chance to lead your nursery with real confidence, backed by a large, supportive organisation that helps you focus on what you do best. You’ll benefit from strong operational support, ongoing training, and clear progression opportunities to grow your career.

You’ll also have the freedom to shape your setting in a way that reflects your leadership style and makes a real difference in your local community. If you’re a passionate early years professional ready for your next step, this is your opportunity to grow with us.

About the opportunity and why this role is different

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager who is ready to progress into a full Nursery Manager role.

You will take full leadership responsibility for a nursery, supported by a strong regional team and central support teams.

We are looking for someone who is already performing at a high level in a deputy role and is ready to step into broader ownership, decision-making, and leadership accountability.

You will be trusted with autonomy from day one, supported by a strong regional and central structure designed to help you succeed, not micro-manage you.

About Busy Bees West Hampstead Fortune Green

• High-performing nursery, rated Good by Ofsted .
• Caring for up to 40 children .
• Purpose-built rooms tailored to each age group.
• A unique blend of Montessori-style learning, sensory play, and creative activities .
• Conveniently located close to West Hampstead station , with access to:
  • Jubilee line.
  • London Overground.
  • Thameslink services.
  • Bus routes 139, 328, C11
• Situated next to Fortune Green Park , providing a fantastic setting for outdoor exploration and learning.
• Christmas Closure – The nursery closes over Christmas, allowing you to enjoy a planned festive break using your annual leave entitlement.
• A welcoming and inspiring centre where children are supported to thrive and reach their full potential.

About the Benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Up to 33 days holiday inlusive of bank holidays
• Private parking space provided
• Your birthday off – our gift to you!
• 50% Childcare discount
• Full central support (HR, Recruitment, Quality, Safety etc)
• Access to high quality training and leadership development
• Clear progression pathways into area management and wider operational roles
• Enhanced family leave & return to work bonus
• Menopause & Mental health support, financial wellbeing tools, and a 24/7 Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme & easy access pension plan
• Discounted Private Medical insurance
• Opportunities to travel internationally and explore best practise in early years with our Global Talent exchange programme.

Role Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities

• Step into full Nursery Manager responsibility for a well-supported setting
• Lead and develop a high-performing early years team
• Ensure high standards of care, education, safeguarding, and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement in practice and outcomes for children
• Take ownership of staffing, performance, and day-to-day operations
• Build strong relationships with families and your local community
• Work with regional leadership to support quality and occupancy goals

Required Qualifications:

About you

We are looking for a Deputy Manager who is ready for progression and can demonstrate:

• Strong, proven performance in a Deputy Nursery Manager role preferably supernumery
• Confidence leading rooms, staff, or key areas of a setting
• Solid understanding of EYFS and Ofsted expectations
• Experience supporting inspections or quality improvement work
• The ability to lead teams, influence practice, and manage responsibility
• A clear ambition to step into full nursery leadership

You may already be acting up into manager responsibilities or leading significant areas of your current setting.

Qualifications and Experience:

• NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3.
• Experience as a Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• A focus on delivering high-quality childcare and early education.
• Montessori qualification desirable not essential

Apply now

If you are a Deputy Nursery Manager ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.