Nursery Lead / Manager

Spring Meadow Primary School & Nursery, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4LB

6 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  13 April 2026

• Closing date

  2 February 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  26 January 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Salary will be based on experience
• Additional allowances:

  Salary will be based on experience

Nursery Lead / Manager job summary

Spring Meadow Primary School is seeking a passionate and motivated EYFS practitioner to join our popular and well resourced school nursery. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early years professional who is committed to delivering outstanding education and care, and who is ready to take a leadership role within a nurturing, child-centred environment.

We are looking for someone who shares our values of Courageous Optimism, Boundless Creativity and Heartfelt Compassion, and who has the determination and ability to continue to improve our provision to give every child the chance to achieve their potential.

At the heart of everything that we do is the belief that every child is unique and deserves exceptional learning experiences. Our learning environment is spacious and vibrant, and we take every opportunity to utilise the outdoors to inspire and ignite learning. Our dedicated team works consistently each day to nurture, challenge, and celebrate every child who walks through our doors. If you share that commitment, Spring Meadow Nursery is a place where you can truly make a difference and help children to belong and flourish.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the planning, delivery and assessment of a high-quality EYFS curriculum

- Champion best practice in early years education, ensuring excellent outcomes for all children

- Drive the development and continuous improvement of the nursery provision

- Support, mentor and inspire staff to deliver outstanding teaching and care

- Ensure safeguarding, welfare and health & safety requirements are consistently met

- Build strong, positive relationships with children, families and external professionals

- Contribute to self-evaluation and preparation for Ofsted inspections

The Ideal Candidate

- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an EYFS recognised teaching qualification

- Has strong, up-to-date knowledge of the EYFS framework

- Demonstrates proven experience in early years teaching, with leadership or curriculum development experience desirable

- Has a clear and detailed understanding of how to support children with SEND, or other barriers to their learning and development

- Is reflective, proactive and committed to continuous professional development

- Has excellent communication and organisational skills

- Is passionate about creating an inclusive, inspiring learning environment

What We Offer

- A supportive leadership team and a positive working culture

- The opportunity to shape and lead the development of the nursery

- Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities

- Competitive salary and benefits package

- A rewarding role where you can truly make a difference

Safeguarding Statement

The LIFE Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Please complete all sections of the application form. Incomplete application forms will not be considered.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Spring Meadow Primary School & Nursery

• School type: Academy, ages 2 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: Up to 382 pupils
• Age range: 2 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Spring Meadow Primary School & Nursery website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/spring-meadow-primary-school-nursery

School location

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