Nursery Lead
St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy, Exeter, Devon, EX1 2SN12 days remaining to apply
Start date details
3rd September 2026
Closing date
20 July 2026 at 9am
Date listed
8 July 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Fixed term
Full-time equivalent salary
- £24,316.00 - £26,377.00 Annually (Actual) SC5, SC 12-17
Nursery Lead job summary
Nursery Lead, St Michael’s CofE Primary Academy
Job Type: Fixed term until 31/08/2027
Hours: 35.25 hours per week (Monday to Friday), 39 weeks per year
Salary: Grade SC5, NJC 12-17 Actual salary £24,316 (£29,541 FTE)
Application Deadline: 9am on Monday 20th July
Interview date: Wednesday 22nd July
Job Start Date: 3rd September 2026
Are you an inspiring Early Years professional with the vision, energy and passion to lead a thriving nursery into its next exciting chapter?
At St Michael's Nursery, we believe that every child deserves the very best start in life. Rooted in our Christian vision of, 'Enriching lives every day', we nurture children to grow with confidence, curiosity, resilience and kindness, enabling them to flourish as unique individuals and fulfil their God-given potential.
We are seeking an exceptional Nursery Leader to lead our dedicated team and our wonderful children aged 2-4 years. This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and proactive leader who is passionate about high-quality early education and committed to creating a nurturing, inspiring and ambitious environment where every child can thrive.
Why St Michael's Nursery?
St Michael's Nursery recently joined our Trust, having previously operated as a much-loved community preschool. This exciting transition has brought new opportunities while preserving the warm, welcoming ethos that has made the nursery so popular with local families. We are now looking for an energetic and visionary leader to continue this journey, embedding the nursery fully within our wider school community whilst celebrating its unique identity.
Our children benefit from:
* A purpose-built nursery designed specifically for early learning and development.
* Extensive outdoor grounds that inspire exploration, creativity and adventure.
* Access to our on-site Forest School, where children develop confidence, independence and a love of the natural world.
* Use of the school hall for PE, performances and enrichment opportunities.
* Strong links with the wider school, supporting a seamless transition into Reception and beyond.
* A nurturing, child-centred environment where relationships are at the heart of learning.
The Role
As Nursery Leader, you will:
* Lead and inspire a talented and committed nursery team.
* Develop and embed a progressive, ambitious and engaging curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
* Champion child-centred planning and high-quality interactions that enable every child to achieve their very best.
* Create an inclusive environment where every child and family feels valued and supported.
* Work closely with the EYFS Team Leader and our supportive Senior Leadership Team to drive continuous improvement and excellence.
* Play a key role in strengthening links between the nursery, school and wider community.
* Support the ongoing integration of the nursery within the Trust and wider school family.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking someone who:
* Has a genuine passion for Early Years education and child development.
* Is an inspiring and proactive leader with high expectations for all children.
* Can motivate, develop and support a team to achieve excellence.
* Understands the importance of nurturing relationships with children, families and colleagues.
* Is committed to inclusive practice and ensuring every child can flourish.
* Shares and supports our Christian ethos and values.
* Brings creativity, enthusiasm and ambition to everything they do.
What We Offer
At St Michael's, you will join a school community that is warm, welcoming and ambitious. You will be supported by:
* A passionate and dedicated staff team.
* Engaged and supportive parents who value the nursery and school.
* Curious, enthusiastic and delightful children who love learning.
* A collaborative EYFS team and experienced Senior Leadership Team.
* Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
* A thriving school community where relationships matter and everyone is encouraged to flourish.
If you are ready to lead a nursery where children are nurtured to develop deep roots and bear fruit, and where you can make a lasting difference to the lives of young children and their families, we would love to hear from you.
Visits or calls with the EYFS team leader to find out more are welcomed.
If you have any queries, please contact people@stcmat.org
Please visit the below link for information on how to apply:
https://www.stchristophersmat.org/work-with-us/current-vacancies
Your online application needs to be completed by 9am on 20th July. Provisional interview date is 22nd July 2026
Please note it is our process to apply for references for shortlisted applicants and to complete online searches in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, for all shortlisted applicants. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this post.
Please visit the below website for our Trust policies and our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy:
https://www.stchristophersmat.org/key-information/item/10/trust-policies
Our commitment to EDI
We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants who meet the criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or veteran status.
Further information about the job
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.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy
- Organisation type
- Academy, Church of England, ages 2 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- Size
- 455 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
School location
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