There is a big difference between taking over someone else's nursery and being there when the doors first open.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is looking for an experienced Nursery Manager to lead an exciting new early years setting opening in Marylebone, Central London in September 2026.
This is an opportunity to become part of the nursery at its very beginning and help establish the standards, culture and team that families will come to know.
The setting combines Montessori principles with Forest School education, creating a child-centred environment where independence, curiosity and resilience are developed through practical experiences, play and regular interaction with the natural world.
What you'll be doing: Taking responsibility for the successful day-to-day operation of the nursery Helping establish a strong culture as the setting opens Leading, motivating and developing the early years team Supporting the recruitment and induction of new staff Ensuring consistently high standards of care and education Embedding the EYFS throughout nursery practice Maintaining excellent safeguarding and child protection standards Supporting Montessori-inspired and child-led approaches to learning Encouraging meaningful outdoor and nature-based experiences Managing staff deployment and the smooth running of the nursery day Conducting supervisions and supporting staff development Monitoring practice and identifying opportunities for improvement Building trusted relationships with parents and carers Supporting occupancy and building the nursery's reputation within the local community Ensuring policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are followed Maintaining accurate records and documentation Preparing the nursery confidently for Ofsted Working closely with the Directors to develop the setting as it grows What we're looking for: A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum Previous Nursery Manager or strong Deputy Manager experience Excellent knowledge of the EYFS Strong safeguarding and child protection knowledge Proven experience leading an early years team Confidence supporting recruitment, induction and staff development Strong organisational and operational skills Excellent communication with parents, staff and external professionals A confident but approachable leadership style Someone excited by the challenge of helping launch a new setting An interest in Montessori, Forest School or nature-based early education would be particularly valuable Someone who wants to build a nursery culture, rather than simply inherit one What's on offer: £35,000 to £40,000 per year Permanent, full-time employment Monday to Friday working Opportunity to lead a brand-new nursery from launch Direct support and mentoring from the nursery Directors Opportunity to help recruit and shape your own team Montessori-inspired early years environment Forest School approach Nature-based learning throughout the curriculum Child-led learning philosophy Central Marylebone location Opportunity to make a genuine impact on the development of a new setting
The nursery's approach is particularly distinctive for Central London. Montessori principles are combined with Forest School practice, with children encouraged to learn at their own pace, develop practical skills, spend time outdoors and build confidence through age-appropriate challenge.
There is also a clear emphasis on creating something personal rather than corporate. The Directors describe the environment as a home where staff and children become part of a wider nursery family, with independence, resilience and meaningful childhood experiences at the centre of the provision.
For an experienced Deputy ready for their first Manager position, or an existing Nursery Manager who wants the satisfaction of putting their own stamp on a new setting, this could be a particularly exciting move.
If you're looking for a Nursery Manager job in Marylebone, an Early Years Manager role in Central London or a nursery management opportunity in Westminster, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.