Nursery Manager

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

Our hybrid working initiative is based on trust, flexibility and empowerment. We understand our workplace offer means different things to different people, and we encourage those conversations. This may mean working at one of our stores, services, working at home, in the community, at one of our Collaboration Hubs or depending on the role any combination of these. Please read through the advert carefully to understand the remits of hybrid working that will be specific to the role.

• Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our HolidayPlus scheme
• A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
• Service related sick pay from day 1
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Discounts and cashback from at high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

This is a temporary role till 31st Dec 2025 initially:

Job Overview: Nursery Manager

The Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for children aged 0–5 years. This role involves overseeing staff, maintaining high standards of care and education, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and Ofsted requirements for two settings in London:

Bow Nursery – Tower Hamlets, London

Bow Nursery is a vibrant early year setting located in the heart of Tower Hamlets. It provides high-quality childcare and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years, supporting up to 90 children. The nursery offers full-day and sessional care, operating Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, for 51 weeks a year. With dedicated rooms for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, Bow Nursery delivers tailored learning experiences aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The nursery celebrates diversity and fosters a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to thrive. Funded childcare options are available for eligible families, including 15 and 30-hour entitlements

Wetherell Nursery – Hackney, London

Wetherell Nursery is situated beside Victoria Park in Hackney and offers a warm, nature-inspired environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years. With capacity for 70 children, the nursery operates Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm and is open 51 weeks a year. The setting includes four age-specific rooms, providing developmentally appropriate care and learning opportunities. Wetherell Nursery follows the EYFS framework and uses the Tapestry system to track and share children's progress with families. It is known for its inclusive ethos, experienced staff, and strong partnerships with parents. A range of government-funded places is available to support working families

Please ensure you read the additional information sheet alongside the Children's Services Manager Job description to support your application.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader, are progressing our ambition to be an anti-racist organisation with Anti-Racism Commitments and actions in place and have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black and Minoritised Ethnic and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.  

Our basis and values