Graduate Head of Nursery

Want to lead with passion, purpose, and heart? We're looking for a dedicated future early years leader to guide our team, support our families, and champion the best start in life for every child.

About Us

Established in 1993, Cherubs Nurseries is a family-run business on a mission to give all children the personalities, skills and experiences they need to take on the world, without limitations. Central to our approach (inspired by Montessori, Hygge, Reggio and Forest School) is our Community Life work which aims to make the communities we serve better places to live, work and grow up in. From annual fundraising events to community clean ups and a robust Sustainability Action Plan.

We know it takes a village to raise a child and we want our nurseries to be reflective of our communities. We champion diversity in the early years sector and are driven to bring more men into early years, supporting MITEY to achieve a mixed-gender early years workforce.

Why work at Cherubs Nurseries?

• Family-run business, but with all the benefits you would expect from a bigger group
• Committed to taking people where they want to go - from personalised professional development pathways to continuous internal training.
• Experienced and long-standing teams - plenty of support whilst you get to grips with Cherubs Nurseries.
• Opportunity to progress and transfer internally - whether that's within your current nursery or to another team or nursery within the group.
• Exceptional early years environments – we heavily invest in our nurseries to ensure they align with our approach and curriculum and are the best places to work for our team.
• Proactive and forward-thinking culture - we're committed to making Cherubs Nurseries a great place to work.

About our Nursery

Cherubs Longdale is a modern rural 90-place nursery in Ravenshead, Nottingham. Being a car driver is essential to be part of this established and long-serving team. Set in just under an acre of beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside, with some bus links.

About the Role

Our 2-year Graduate Talent Programme is a structured development pathway designed to fast-track exceptional individuals into the role of Head of Nursery (Nursery Manager). Whether you're graduating in 2026 or seeking a career pivot from leadership roles in industries like hospitality, retail or business; our programme delivers:

• Immersive nursery rotations for early years leadership experience

• Head Office exposure across people, finance, recruitment, parent experience and operations

• Funded completion of an Early Years qualification (where required)

• Dedicated mentorship and peer networking with your cohort

• Real-world leadership through projects, evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives

Cherubs Nurseries Rewards and Benefits

• 30% off childcare at Cherubs Nurseries
• Long-service awards for 5+ years service
• Annual "Me Day" after 1 year's service
• Electric Car Scheme (for those eligible)
• Free healthy lunch, made by our Nursery Chef

Our Offer

• A bonus scheme if on track with graduate programme pathway – at the discretion of Line Manager
• Progress to a permanent Head of Nursery Role
• Competitive Annual Salary

What you'll be doing

• Assist nursery teams in upholding EYFS standards in day-to-day operations, in addition to the Cherubs Nurseries approach and curriculum.
• Get to know the children, families and staff team at the nursery, creating a trusting rapport with all.
• Assist in managing the team and organise training/meetings to keep them up to date on business changes and best practice.
• Supervise and appraise the team, keeping them motivated whilst addressing any issues that may arise.
• Uphold safeguarding, health and safety and Cherubs Nurseries standards in all nursery environments.
• Support our people and culture strategy and recruitment processes.
• Challenge any behaviours or practices that go against the Cherubs Nurseries vision, values, brand promises in addition to our operating policies and procedures.
• Embrace and implement the Cherubs Nurseries vision, values and brand promises, ensuring you promote these in all aspects of your role.
• Embrace any other duties which may be regarded as within the nature of the duties and responsibilities of the post, as defined, subject to the provision that normally any changes of a permanent nature shall be incorporated into the job description in specific terms.
• Ensure records are properly maintained and archived, following the Cherubs Nurseries GDPR policy.

As part of this role, you will be required to attend 3 paid Saturday Training Days every year (January, May and September) along with an annual fundraising event for your nursery that also takes place on a Saturday.

Passionate about giving children the best start in life? So are we. If you're nurturing, dedicated, and ready to help little minds grow, we'd love to welcome you to our team. Apply now and start making a difference every single day.

Disclaimer: Cherubs Nurseries is committed to upholding a safe and compliant workforce and business. All roles require: the right to work in the United Kingdom, the completion of a "Keeping Children Safe" Form, a DBS and at least 2 satisfactory employment references. Some roles may also require a 5-year employment history.