34 days remaining to apply

  • Job start date

    1 September 2026

  • Closing date

    6 July 2026 at 12pm (midday)

  • Date listed

    2 June 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Other leadership roles

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time: 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday, all year round.

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

£32,061 and £36,363

Additional allowances

Honorarium for Holiday Club responsibilities

What skills and experience we're looking for

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional Nursery Manager to lead St Joseph's Nursery and play a key role in shaping its future development and success.

We are seeking an experienced, ambitious and passionate early years professional with a proven track record of leadership and management within a nursery setting. This is an opportunity for a dedicated leader to drive excellence, inspire a committed team and ensure every child receives the highest quality care, learning and education.

As Nursery Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all areas of the nursery, including our provision for children aged 6 months to 2 years, 2–3 years and our Preschool Room. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of care and education, ensuring full compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding requirements and Ofsted expectations.

You will also oversee the successful planning and delivery of St Joseph's Holiday Club, ensuring a safe, engaging and high-quality experience for all children attending during school holidays.

This is a rewarding opportunity for a leader who is committed to continuous improvement and who is excited by the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of a thriving nursery within a supportive school community.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

  • Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring outstanding standards of care, learning and education.
  • As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), take full responsibility for overseeing all safeguarding and child protection matters within the nursery, ensuring policies are implemented effectively and the welfare of all children is always prioritised.
  • Inspire, motivate and develop a dedicated staff team, promoting a culture of professionalism, collaboration and high expectations.
  • Champion high-quality teaching and learning through effective monitoring, coaching and support of staff practice.
  • Ensure compliance with all safeguarding, welfare, health and safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee admissions, occupancy and transitions to support the continued success and growth of the nursery.
  • Monitor and maintain high-quality planning, observations, assessments and online learning journeys across all rooms.
  • Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, staff, governors and external agencies.
  • Lead self-evaluation and quality improvement initiatives, driving continuous development across the setting.
  • Prepare for and lead on Ofsted inspections and regulatory visits.
  • Manage nursery resources effectively and contribute to the strategic development of the provision.
  • Coordinate and oversee the successful operation of the St Joseph's Holiday Club.

    We Are Looking For Someone Who:

    • Has substantial experience in a leadership or management role within an early years setting.
    • Has a proven track record of leading teams and maintaining high standards of practice.
    • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of child development, safeguarding and the EYFS framework.
    • Is passionate about providing exceptional outcomes for children and families.
    • Is confident, approachable and able to build positive relationships with staff, parents and the wider community.
    • Can lead by example, inspire others and effectively manage change.
    • Has excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Is committed to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
    • Shares our vision of creating an environment where every child can thrive, achieve and reach their full potential.

What the school offers its staff

At St Joseph's, we are proud of our caring, nurturing and inclusive environment where children are encouraged to flourish. We value our staff and recognise the important role they play in providing exceptional experiences for children and families.

This role offers the opportunity to:

  • Lead an established nursery with a strong reputation.
  • Make a genuine impact on the lives of children and families.
  • Work within a supportive and welcoming school community.
  • Influence the future direction and development of the nursery.
  • Access ongoing professional development opportunities.

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

An enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate will be requested for the successful candidate in accordance with Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education legislation. This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applying for the job

Please complete the online application.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Apply for this job

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

About St Joseph's RC Primary School and Nursery

School type
Local authority maintained schools, Roman Catholic, ages 2 to 11
Education phase
Primary school
School size
174 pupils enrolled
Age range
2 to 11
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report
Phone number
01989 564655

We are a happy and thriving Catholic school, providing a broad and balanced curriculum. We take a holistic approach to education; focusing on developing the whole child with Christ at the centre of all we do.
At St Joseph’s we ensure that every child enjoys and achieves, whilst developing the confidence to be independent learners who know how to make informed decisions about the choices they make in life. We are a one form entry school, with 174 pupils currently on roll. We also have an all year round nursery from 0 - 4 year old's.

Arranging a visit to St Joseph's RC Primary School and Nursery

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email admin@st-josephs.hereford.sch.uk.

School location

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