55 Best nursery manager Jobs in Ipswich (October 2026)

Purpose of the Role The Nursery Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of Meadows Tree, ensuring the setting operates safely, legally and to a high standard in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The postholder will act as the setting's Ofsted Registered Manager, taking full responsibility for compliance, safeguarding, staffing and the quality of care and education provided to all children. Key Responsibilities • Act as the named Registered Manager with Ofsted, holding overall responsibility for meeting the EYFS welfare and learning and development requirements., • Lead, manage and support the nursery staff team, including recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and continuing professional development., • Ensure the safeguarding of all children is given the highest priority, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead or ensuring this role is appropriately delegated., • Maintain full compliance with Ofsted requirements, health and safety legislation, fire safety, food hygiene and all relevant statutory guidance., • Oversee staffing rotas and ratios across extended opening hours (7am-7pm weekdays, weekends and bank holidays) and full-year operation., • Manage day-to-day operations, including admissions, occupancy, parent communications and resolving complaints., • Monitor and maintain the quality of the EYFS curriculum, planning, observation and assessment across all rooms., • Manage the compliance documentation system (policies, risk assessments, incident reporting) and ensure records are kept up to date., • Report regularly to the Director on operational performance, incidents, staffing and compliance matters., • Support budget management, working with the Director on staffing costs, occupancy and resourcing., • Build strong relationships with parents/carers, local authority early years teams, and the wider community. Person Specification Essential • Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years/Childcare, or equivalent., • Significant post-qualification experience working in an early years setting, including experience at supervisory or management level., • Meets Ofsted's suitability and 'fit person' requirements to act as Registered Manager, including enhanced DBS check., • Strong working knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding procedures and Ofsted inspection requirements., • Proven ability to lead and manage a staff team., • Excellent organisational, communication and record-keeping skills., • Paediatric first aid certificate (or willingness to obtain). Desirable • Level 5 qualification (e.g. Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children's and Young People's Services) or working towards., • Prior experience as a Registered Manager or Deputy Manager with Ofsted., • Experience opening or mobilising a new nursery setting., • Montessori or similar early years pedagogy experience. Other Requirements • Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references required prior to appointment., • Willingness to work flexibly across the nursery's full operating hours, including some weekends and bank holidays as required., • Commitment to Meadows Tree's values of nurturing, safe and high-quality early years care and education. Meadows Tree is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All post holders are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

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Meadows Tree Family Hub

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner Location: Meadows Tree Family Hub, 32 Larchcroft Road, Ipswich, IP1 6AR Contract: Full-time Reports to: Nursery Manager / Deputy Manager About Meadows Tree Meadows Tree Family Hub is a new, family-led Early Years setting in Ipswich, built around the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, known, valued and inspired to flourish. We’re creating a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where children can learn through play, exploration, curiosity and meaningful relationships. As a new setting, this is also an exciting opportunity to join our founding team and play a part in shaping the culture and environment at Meadows Tree from the very beginning. We want our team to build genuine relationships with the children and families we support and to create a nursery where everyone feels welcomed, respected and part of the Meadows Tree community. The Role We’re looking for a warm, enthusiastic and committed Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join our team. You’ll play an important role in providing high-quality care and education for our children, helping to create an environment where they feel safe, secure and confident enough to explore, learn and develop. You’ll also act as a Key Person for a designated group of children, building strong relationships with them and their families and developing a real understanding of each child’s individual personality, needs, interests and stage of development. What You’ll Be Doing Supporting Children’s Learning & Development • Provide high-quality care and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)., • Plan and provide engaging experiences based on children’s interests and individual stages of development., • Observe, assess and record children’s learning and use your observations to inform future planning., • Create stimulating indoor and outdoor environments that encourage curiosity, creativity and independence., • Support children’s communication, confidence, emotional wellbeing and social development through play and everyday experiences. Being a Key Person • Build warm, secure and trusting relationships with the children in your care., • Take responsibility for a designated group of Key Children and ensure their individual needs are understood and supported., • Build positive relationships with parents and carers and keep them informed about their child’s experiences, achievements and development., • Support children through transitions and help them develop a strong sense of security and belonging., • Recognise each child as an individual and adapt your approach to their needs. Safeguarding & Welfare • Put children’s safety, welfare and wellbeing at the heart of your practice., • Understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and remain alert to signs that a child may need additional support or protection., • Follow Meadows Tree’s safeguarding policies and procedures and report concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead., • Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately., • Accurately record accidents, incidents and concerns in accordance with nursery procedures., • Follow procedures around authorised collection and the safe arrival and departure of children. Supporting Positive Behaviour & Emotional Development • Promote positive behaviour through warm relationships, clear boundaries and positive role modelling., • Understand that behaviour is a form of communication and respond calmly, consistently and sensitively., • Help children develop emotional regulation, confidence, empathy and problem-solving skills., • Work collaboratively with parents, colleagues and other professionals where children need additional behavioural or emotional support. Working With Families • Build welcoming and respectful relationships with parents and carers., • Share children’s achievements and progress and celebrate important developmental moments with families., • Listen to parents and carers and recognise the important role they play in their child’s development., • Work in partnership with families to provide consistency between home and nursery. Working as Part of the Meadows Tree Team • Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain consistently high standards of care and education., • Contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery., • Support colleagues and other rooms across the setting where required., • Attend staff meetings, training, supervisions and professional development activities., • Share ideas and contribute to the continued development of Meadows Tree as we grow., • Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming and stimulating environment for children. What We’re Looking For Essential • A Level 3 Early Years qualification recognised by the Department for Education., • Experience working with children within an Early Years setting., • Sound knowledge and understanding of the EYFS., • Good understanding of safeguarding responsibilities., • Strong communication and interpersonal skills., • Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues., • A warm, caring and nurturing approach., • Reliability, professionalism and a genuine commitment to providing high-quality Early Years care. Desirable • Paediatric First Aid qualification., • Previous experience working as a Key Person., • Experience supporting children with SEND., • Experience planning activities and learning experiences around children’s interests., • Understanding of behaviour as communication and child-centred practice. About You You’ll be someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with young children and understands the importance of the relationships they build during their earliest years. You’ll be calm, patient and emotionally available, while also bringing enthusiasm, creativity and positivity to the nursery. You’ll enjoy working as part of a team, be willing to support others and be open to continually learning and developing your own practice. Most importantly, you’ll share our belief that every child deserves to feel safe, known, valued and inspired to flourish. Why Join Meadows Tree? This is an opportunity to join Meadows Tree at the very beginning. Rather than stepping into a nursery where the culture and ways of working have already been established, you’ll become part of our founding team, with the opportunity to contribute ideas, help shape the environment and grow alongside the nursery. We want to create a workplace where our practitioners feel supported, valued and encouraged to develop, while never losing sight of why we’re here: to provide exceptional experiences for children and their families. Safer Recruitment Meadows Tree Family Hub is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to our safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate identity and Right to Work checks, references, qualification verification and an Enhanced DBS check. Meadows Tree is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the children, families and wider community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage interest from groups currently underrepresented within the Early Years workforce. Appointments are made based on skills, experience, qualifications and suitability for the role, in line with our safer recruitment responsibilities.

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