Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager

Location

Wareham, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type

Full Time Permanent

Salary

£38,000 Annum

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future.

With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.

Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.

About the Nursery Manager Role

Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and looking for a fresh new challenge?

As a Nursery Manager, you’ll help create a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children in our care. You’ll supervise children, ensure their safety, and organize activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. While some days might be challenging, you’ll also laugh, have fun, and make lasting memories with our children during one of the most important development stages of their lives!

About the Nursery

Tops Wareham Nursery is a 47-place day nursery and preschool in the heart of Wareham, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. We offer a warm, welcoming, and safe environment where children are supported to learn, play, and grow at their own pace.

Located close to Wareham Forest and the Jurassic Coast, children enjoy regular outdoor learning experiences that reconnect them with nature. Our carefully planned environments are shaped around children’s interests, with themed rooms and garden spaces that encourage imagination, exploration, and fun. Other activities include cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, football fun, and tooth brushing, supporting confident, independent learners through play-based learning.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.

Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries

Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)

Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment

A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website

What does the role involve?

Proven experience in managing nursery settings effectively

Excellent communication with children, staff, and parents

Creativity in planning engaging, educational activities

Positive attitude to foster a secure, happy environment

Interviewing potential candidates from recruitment

Managing and maintaining the nursery budget

Coordinating marketing materials and campaigns

Overseeing facility and equipment maintenance

Providing updates to parents on child progress and behaviour

Handling enrolment, payment, and policy enquiries

Planning age-appropriate annual events and activities

Preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing feedback

What are we looking for?

A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.

Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS

Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures

Important Safeguarding Information

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must

Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.

Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List.

Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries

#INDHP