Mploy Staff – Recruitment Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Salisbury, Southampton,Dorchester & Andover

**Nursery Manager – Dorchester (Full-Time)**
Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 per annum

**About the Role:**
Our client, the well-regarded children’s care and education provider Sunny Days Nurseries, is seeking a skilled and proactive Nursery Manager to lead their Dorchester setting. In this senior leadership position you will be responsible for the overall running of the nursery. Your role will include ensuring all children are safe, supported and thriving in alignment with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); inspiring and leading your team to deliver high quality care and education; managing staff, resources, the environment and ensuring the business side of the nursery is delivered to excellent standards.

You will be supported by the Directors and leadership team, with clear systems and processes in place to help you make an impact.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* Lead the daily operations of the nursery to maintain high standards of care, education, safeguarding and wellbeing for all children.
* Manage, mentor and motivate staff, ensuring they feel valued, understand their roles, and operate to the highest expectations.
* Oversee planning, assessment and documentation of children’s learning and progress in line with EYFS.
* Take responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, ensuring compliance with policies and modelling best practice across the team.
* Build and maintain strong partnerships with parents/carers, keeping them informed and engaged in their child’s learning.
* Liaise with external agencies, local authority, inspectors (Ofsted) and other professionals as required.
* Manage budgets, fees and resources with robust financial oversight.
* Ensure the nursery environment (indoors and outdoor) is welcoming, safe, well-resourced and promotes learning.
* Organise regular team meetings, contribute to staff training and support professional development.
* Promote the nursery locally, representing the brand as a high-quality, supportive childcare provider.
* Lead by example in treating staff, children and families with kindness, respect and professionalism.

**What We’re Looking For:**

* Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
* At least 3 years’ post-qualifying experience, with demonstrable leadership and management experience in early years.
* Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding procedures, SEND and child development.
* Proven experience in staff supervision, training, performance management.
* Budget and resource management experience.
* Flexibility to work a rota covering 7 am–6 pm Monday to Friday (and occasionally beyond 6pm in emergencies).
* Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain).
* A positive, friendly and approachable manner (SMILE), a resilient, continuous-learning mindset (STRIVE), and a committed approach to safeguarding and children’s wellbeing (SAFE).

**What the Employer Offers:**

* Competitive salary.
* Free DBS check.
* “Refer a Friend” scheme (£250) upon successful probation.
* Length-of-service bonuses for every 5 years.
* Sick pay scheme (eligible after 1 year).
* Half-price childcare from day one.
* Hot staff meals provided when on duty.
* Free flu jab.
* A supportive team and leadership structure, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

**Location & Hours:**
Based at the Dorchester nursery location. Full-time, Monday to Friday (rota between 7 am and 6 pm, with flexibility).

Sounds like you? Apply now.