Want to Become a Nursery Manager? Here’s What Employers Are Looking For

Becoming a Nursery Manager is an exciting and rewarding step in your Early Years career. If you're already a strong Practitioner, Room Leader, or Deputy, you’ve likely thought about what it takes to step into a leadership role where you can shape a setting’s culture, inspire a team, and make a lasting impact on children’s lives. But what exactly are employers looking for when they hire a Nursery Manager? And how can you start preparing now?

Here’s what will make you stand out—and how you can take your next career step with confidence.

Leadership That Inspires, Not Just Manages

Employers aren’t just looking for someone who can oversee rotas and paperwork. They want a leader who can:

• Motivate and support their team, especially during busy or challenging days.

• Lead by example with positivity, patience, and clear expectations.

• Build a nurturing, inclusive culture where both children and staff can thrive.

Start mentoring less experienced colleagues now. Lead room meetings, support induction training, and demonstrate calm leadership when issues arise.

Strong Knowledge of the EYFS—and How to Put It Into Practice

A great Nursery Manager keeps the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at the heart of the setting, ensuring that every child receives outstanding care and learning opportunities.

Employers will look for candidates who:

• Stay up to date with EYFS updates, safeguarding legislation, and best practice.

• Coach their team to create meaningful observations, assessments, and next steps.

• Balance a learning-rich curriculum with child-led, joyful play.

Attend CPD courses, follow sector updates, and regularly share learning ideas with your team.

Confidence with Operations and Compliance

Running a nursery involves much more than working with children. Managers are responsible for:

• Health & safety, safeguarding, and risk assessments.

• Managing budgets, occupancy targets, and fee collection.

• Preparing for Ofsted inspections and ensuring readiness at all times.

If you’re a Room Leader or Deputy, ask your Manager if you can shadow them on compliance checks or take ownership of a small operational task like stock ordering.

Great Communication with Parents, Staff, and External Agencies

Nursery Managers act as the key point of contact for:

• Parents/carers who need reassurance, advice, and partnership.

• Staff who look to them for feedback and support.

• External professionals such as speech therapists, SEND specialists, and Ofsted inspectors.

Practice clear, confident communication now. Run parents’ evenings, write newsletters, and build your confidence handling sensitive conversations.

A Real Passion for Early Years Education

Finally—and most importantly—employers want to see that you love what you do. A genuine passion for helping children develop, supporting staff to grow, and creating a positive nursery culture will shine through at interview.

Reflect on why you want to be a Manager, and let that motivation drive your career choices.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore Nursery Manager roles, we’re here to help. As specialist recruiters in Early Years, we work with settings that value leadership, support progression, and put children—and staff—at the centre of what they do.

Get in touch today for a confidential chat about your career goals and the opportunities available now.