Nursery Manager – Maternity Cover

Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover) – Leicester (LE3)

Location: Leicester, Leicestershire (LE3)

Pay: From £15 per hour, negotiable depending on experience (pro rata, term time)

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm, term time only

Contract: Fixed term, maternity cover for approximately 12 months

Start date: ASAP

Essential: Level 3 Early Years qualification and nursery leadership experience

A term-time day nursery in west Leicester needs an experienced Nursery Manager to cover the current manager's maternity leave for around 12 months, starting as soon as possible. You will run the nursery day to day: leading the staff team, managing ratios and rotas, keeping EYFS practice and safeguarding on track, and acting as the first point of contact for parents. The setting opens Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm in term time, with plans to move to 5:00pm as numbers grow. Pay starts at £15 per hour and is negotiable depending on experience, CPD is encouraged, and staff receive a discount on childcare for their own children.

About the Nursery

An independent day nursery in the LE3 area of Leicester caring for babies, toddlers and pre-school children during term time. The nursery is building up its numbers and encourages staff to keep training through regular CPD.

The Role

• Managing the nursery day to day, including staffing, rotas and ratios
• Leading and supervising the practitioner team, including the toddler room lead
• Overseeing EYFS planning, observations and tracking of children's progress
• Leading on safeguarding and keeping policies and procedures up to date
• Handling enquiries, show-rounds and parent communication to help grow numbers
• Keeping records, risk assessments and health and safety ready for Ofsted

What You'll Need

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (essential); Level 5 or above is welcome
• Experience as a nursery manager, deputy manager or experienced room leader
• Sound knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding
• Confidence leading a team and working closely with parents
• Paediatric First Aid and DSL training (welcome but not essential)
• Availability to start soon and commit for around 12 months

You'll be organised, approachable and steady: someone staff and parents can rely on while the manager is away.

Why Work with Luma?

• Your own dedicated consultant – personalised support from someone who understands your skills, preferences and career ambitions.
• Market-leading pay rates – competitive rates that recognise your experience and the value you bring.
• Long-term security – access to ongoing contracts and exciting temp-to-perm opportunities.
• Invest in your future – access to ongoing CPD, training and opportunities to develop your skills.
• Reliable weekly payments – prompt, dependable pay with dedicated payroll support.
• Outstanding opportunities – access to rewarding roles across SEN, SEMH, alternative provision and mainstream education.

About Luma Education Recruitment

Luma Education Recruitment is a specialist education recruitment agency connecting exceptional teachers and support staff with schools and specialist settings across the UK. We understand that great education professionals deserve great opportunities, genuine support and a recruitment partner who puts them first.

Luma Education Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates will go through safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS and reference checks.

Luma Education Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

To apply, click Apply and attach your CV.

Luma Education Recruitment – Bright Talent. Bright Futures.