Nursery Manager

Typical Salary

£23,000 To £32,000

Typical Hours

35 to 40 a week

early mornings on a rota

How To Become a Nursery Manager

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You can do a foundation degree or degree in child development or a related subject, for example:

early years education
psychology
childhood studies

at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could start by doing a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could complete an advanced early years practitioner apprenticeship.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Many people start as a nursery worker. With experience and further training, you can apply for supervisor jobs then move into nursery management. You'll usually need at least 2 years' work experience with children in a nursery to apply to become a manager.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
customer service skills
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
leadership skills
business management skills
sensitivity and understanding
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to work on your own
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

create a safe and stimulating environment to promote learning
update parents and carers on children's progress
work with colleagues to meet children’s needs
check equipment is in good condition

You’ll also have business responsibilities. You could:

recruit staff and develop the nursery team
manage a budget
arrange marketing materials
keep records and create management reports
work within environmental, health and safety and fire regulations
keep up to date with developments in early years care
build relationships with parents, carers, schools and childcare professionals
make sure the nursery meets Ofsted and early years foundation stage standards

Working Environment

You could work in a nursery.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could become an area manager and look after the work of a number of nurseries. You might also think about setting up your own private nursery. Ofsted has information on how to do this.

You could become a trainer or training assessor for people studying for childcare qualifications. You could also move into nursery inspection.

Taking a higher education qualification in early years or child development could help you move into teaching, children's nursing or social work.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in early years education and training from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years and the National Day Nurseries Association

You can also find out more about working in childcare through the early years career progression map.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks