Overview

Lead one of our highest impact nurseries as a Nursery Manager in Waiting at Gumboots Nursery and Pre-School, Crystal Palace Rd, London SE22 9EP. Starting salary £47,643. This role is a Manager in Waiting: you will lead Gumboots while the current manager is away, before moving on to your own permanent nursery in South East London. This is an opportunity to integrate into LEYF, understand our values, and build relationships before stepping into your next leadership role.Responsibilities

Lead Gumboots Nursery in Waiting and oversee daily operations, ensuring high-quality early years education and safe, nurturing environments.Prepare for a smooth transition to your own permanent nursery in South East London while maintaining consistent standards.Collaborate with an Area Manager and a network of Nursery Managers to meet occupancy, recruitment, local community engagement, and quality goals.Support and lead a well-established team, with Deputies and Room Managers, to maintain stability and continuity for children and staff.Contribute to the nursery’s social enterprise model and its mission to reinvest in the business and support funded places for disadvantaged children.Qualifications

Level 3+ qualified (or equivalent) with experience leading a larger nursery.Ability to evidence how to build and maintain quality education and a strong, cohesive team.What we offer

Starting salary of £47,643 (full-time, 40 hours/week, Mon-Fri).Annual performance-based pay increases.7% pension contribution (you contribute 1%).70% childcare discount for your child or grandchild at a LEYF nursery.Top training and development through the London Institute of Early Years, including Early Years Foundation and Top-Up Degrees, SENDCo qualification, coaching, and more.35 days annual leave (including 8 bank holidays and your birthday off).Sector-leading parental leave, wellbeing support, shopping discounts, company events, team celebration, and more.Work for a nursery group with heart—LEYF runs 43 nurseries across London as a social enterprise with a unique social pedagogy.Why join LEYF?

We know leading a nursery comes with challenges, but it is also one of the most rewarding roles in London. At LEYF, we put people and children first and support you to lead with confidence, creativity, and kindness, knowing you are part of a supportive community.

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