About this role
Role OverviewSalary: From £30,160 per annum Hours: 40 hours per week (typical, flexible patterns may be considered) Contract: Permanent Location: St Philips, BristolWe are seeking an experienced and caring Early Years Room Manager to join our friendly nursery in St Philips, Bristol. The successful person will lead a room team, ensuring high quality care and learning for children aged 0–5. You will be responsible for implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supporting staff development, and maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children and families.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and ManagementLine manage and support the room team, including coaching, appraisal and rota planning to ensure appropriate supervision and staff ratios.
Model best practice in early years pedagogy and promote a positive, inclusive team culture.
Lead regular team meetings, support continuous professional development and ensure effective communication across the nursery.
Childcare and LearningPlan, deliver and evaluate high‑quality, child‑centred learning experiences in line with the EYFS to support children's progress and wellbeing.
Oversee assessment, observation and record‑keeping to ensure accurate tracking of children's development and to inform next steps.
Ensure the environment is well organised, stimulating and safe, with appropriate resources for all areas of development.
Safeguarding, Health and SafetyTake lead responsibility for safeguarding within the room, following nursery policies and statutory guidance at all times.
Ensure all staff follow health and safety procedures, conduct risk assessments and maintain accurate incident and medication records.
Support children's personal care routines, including hygiene, meals and sleep, with dignity and respect.
Partnership with Parents and CarersBuild trusting relationships with families, providing clear, timely information about children's progress and daily care.
Support successful transitions, liaise with external agencies where necessary and involve parents in planning for their child.
Administration and ComplianceMaintain accurate room‑level records, registers and statutory documentation in line with nursery procedures and Ofsted requirements.
Contribute to policy development and ensure the room operates within required regulatory and organisational standards.
Person SpecificationEssentialLevel 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) and demonstrable leadership experience in an early years setting.
Strong knowledge of the EYFS and a commitment to high standards of practice and child development.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; willingness to undertake required pre‑employment checks including an enhanced DBS.
DesirableLevel 5 or above in Early Years or equivalent management qualification.
Paediatric first aid certificate and knowledge of speech, language and communication development.
Experience of working with children with additional needs and liaising with external professionals.
Why work for usOur culture is built around our ARCH values: Accountability, Reliability, Caring and Honesty. We believe in recognising success, supporting wellbeing, and creating opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential. We're proud to be a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and a Great Place to Work® certified organisation, reflecting our commitment to creating an engaging and supportive workplace.
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Generous annual leave entitlement
Continuous professional development and fully funded training
Leadership development programmes
Excellent career progression opportunities across our growing group
Employee recognition and reward schemes
Wellbeing support and employee benefits platform
Discounted childcare (where applicable)
Team events and celebrations
An inclusive, supportive, and values-driven culture
Grow Your Career With Us
Whether you're an experienced Nursery Manager or looking to take the next step in your leadership journey, we'll invest in your development and provide opportunities to progress within a growing organisation. Many of our leaders have developed their careers with us, and we're committed to helping our people achieve their ambitions.
Our commitment to safeguardingWe are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment processes.