Nursery Manager Apprentice (St Phillips)

Main Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership & Improvement

Articulate and deliver a compelling vision for exceptional Early Years education and care Lead strategic planning, setting clear priorities that raise quality, outcomes and professional standards across the nursery Use data, reflective practice and self evaluation to create targeted, high impact action plans that drive sustained improvement Cultivate a culture of curiosity, professional inquiry, research-informed practice and ambition for every child

Educational Excellence & Pedagogical Leadership

Provide expert pedagogical leadership rooted in EYFS principles, current research and excellent practice Champion a curriculum that is intentional, inclusive, inspiring and responsive to children’s interests and needs Embed high expectations for teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring children make strong progress and their individual learning journeys are visible and celebrated Drive excellence in SEND, inclusion and equity, ensuring every child’s voice is heard and valued

Safeguarding & Compliance

Serve as the Nominated Manager and DSL, ensuring safeguarding is a deeply embedded culture, not just a process Model exemplary vigilance, professional curiosity and safeguarding leadership Ensure robust health & safety, risk management and safer recruitment systems are consistently applied.

Financial & Operational Leadership

Lead the nursery with a CEO mindset, ensuring operational excellence, efficient systems and financial sustainability Monitor occupancy, staffing, budgets and expenditure with precision and foresight Ensure the nursery environment remains inspiring, well-maintained and conducive to high-quality learning

People Leadership & Culture

Lead with authenticity, emotional intelligence and values-driven behaviour, championing the ARCH values Build a high-performing, motivated and resilient team rooted in trust, professional respect and shared purpose Model visionary leadership by coaching, mentoring and empowering staff to reach their potential Foster a culture of wellbeing, inclusion and psychological safety where colleagues feel supported and valued

Parents, Partnerships & Community Influence

Act as an ambassador for St Philips, building strong, professional relationships with parents and the wider community Lead parent partnerships with empathy, integrity and transparency Strengthen partnerships with external agencies, local authorities and professional networks to enhance outcomes for children

Training:
Training will take place primarily in the workplace at Little Adventures Nurseries, with off-the-job learning delivered online and the Development Coach visiting the nursery setting Training will be completed throughout the apprenticeship, with regular sessions (typically weekly) alongside daily on-the-job learning

Training Outcome:

After progressing to Nursery Manager, there are several further career pathways in early years:

Area/Regional Manager overseeing multiple nursery settings Operations or Head Office roles (e.g. Quality, Training, Safeguarding) Early Years Consultant or Trainer Opening or managing your own nursery business Progressing into teaching or specialist roles with further qualifications

Employer Description:

Little Adventures Nursery began with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a nurturing space where children could flourish, explore, and grow. From the very start, our mission has been to provide exceptional early years education, blending the highest standards of care with an environment that feels like a second home. Every aspect of our nursery has been thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, encourage independence, and inspire a lifelong love of learning, ensuring that every child’s journey is as unique and special as they are.

Working Hours :
Monday- Friday 7:30am- 6pm

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Team working,Initiative,Patience