Listed today
NURSERY MANAGER - STONY STRATFORD
Full Time - 40 Hours per week Monday - Friday - Shift patterns between 07:15-08:30
We’re looking for an exceptional Nursery Manager to lead our welcoming and experienced team at our beautiful nursery in Stony Stratford. Our setting supports up to 40 children and is thoughtfully designed with two spacious indoor play areas and direct access to two exciting outdoor learning environments.
At Acorn Early Years, we are proud to deliver high-quality, affordable childcare that puts children before profit. As a social enterprise with over 35 years’ experience, we are passionate about nature-based learning, ethical practice, and professional development—and we’re proud to have been named Nursery World Nursery Group of the Year 2025.
Situated on the site of Elizabeth House, in Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford. Our nursery provides high quality, affordable childcare and early years education for the local community, in a building which has been completely refurbished and extended, with two spacious play areas indoors, with direct access to three outdoor play areas.
We offer full and part-time care for up to 40 children from the age of four months to four years, and are open from 7.30am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday, all year round.
Acorn places a strong emphasis on outdoor play and learning, and the children will have the opportunity to be outdoors at some point every day, whatever the weather. Included in our fees are regular Forest School sessions; these exciting educational experiences are suitable for pre-schoolers and are delivered by fully trained forest school leaders and offer an innovative approach to outdoor play.
Regular visits to Elizabeth House Retirement Village:
The nursery has a great relationship with our neighbours at Elizabeth House and the residents in the retirement apartments. Twice a month The Squirrels visit Elizabeth House for an afternoon of fun, games and laughter. The interaction for all parties is invaluable and the children’s visit is always eagerly anticipated by the residents.
We also take full advantage of our lovely setting, taking the children on regular walks in the town and to the numerous parks Stony Stratford has to offer. Local residents often see our large “Buggy Bus” around the town as we take regular trips to the local library. Enjoying the library from an early age is a great way for children to embrace the fun of reading.
We work closely with the community and often become involved with Town events and use the local amenities and surrounding area.
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an inspirational and values-driven leader to shape a unique nursery environment, with a strong focus on outdoor learning and forest school principles. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child, family and colleague feels valued, respected and able to thrive.
You’ll lead with passion, ensuring the highest standards in Early Years care, safeguarding, teaching, and learning, while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and joy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead outstanding delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Champion and embed outdoor learning and nature pedagogy
- Ensure the safeguarding, wellbeing, and development of all children and staff
- Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and colleagues
- Maintain effective relationships with Local Authorities, Ofsted, and external agencies
- Drive occupancy, marketing initiatives, and brand awareness
- Manage budgets and ensure effective staff deployment and resource use
- Lead, mentor, and develop your team, supporting continuous professional development
- Work alongside our on-site training centre to showcase best-in-class practice
About You
You will be a confident and experienced leader who is passionate about making a difference:
- Qualified to Level 3 minimum (Level 6 desirable) in Early Years
- At least 3 years’ senior experience, including 1 year in a management role
- Proven ability to deliver exceptional standards of care and education
- Skilled in leading and developing teams
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding and safer recruitment practices
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Enthusiastic about forest school and outdoor learning (training available if needed).
- Willingness to learn and develop through CPD and further qualifications
- Committed to a child-first, ethical approach
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- £1,000 recruitment bonus after successful probation
- Enhanced pension contributions
- 65% childcare discount
- Ongoing training and clear progression opportunities
- The chance to work for a values-led, not-for-profit organisation
This is a full-time role (40 hours per week), with flexibility across early and late shifts (7.15am to 6.15pm) or the option to work four 10 hour days with a day off.
Safeguarding Commitment
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK, complete an enhanced DBS check, and provide two satisfactory references. Acorn Childcare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment.
Benefits:
As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer:
- Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
- 65% Childcare discount Pro-rata according to contracted hours
- Generous family leave
- Christmas closure
- 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays (and the option to buy more)
- 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Cyclescheme
- Techscheme
- Length of Service awards
- Summer and Christmas parties
- Pay advances for when times are tough
- Employee assistance wellbeing programme