Trainee Nursery Manager

Job description

About

At Lime Tree Nursery, we believe early years education should be inspiring, creative and full of possibilities for children and for our team.

Are you ready to take the next big step in your early years career?

Join Lime Tree Nursery as our Trainee Nursery Manager, where you’ll not only help lead a warm, nurturing setting, but also receive dedicated training and development to progress into a future Nursery Manager role.

As a family-run group with eight nurseries across Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley and North Nottinghamshire, we create warm, home-from-home environments where children aged 0–5 can explore, question and thrive. We are looking to hire Trainee Nursery Managers at our Maltby and Thrybergh nurseries.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Early Years professional who is passionate about high-quality childcare and eager to grow their leadership skills within a supportive, forward-thinking nursery group.

What You’ll Be Doing

Supporting the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the setting and confidently stepping into the Manager role during their absence.

Leading, mentoring, and inspiring a passionate staff team while strengthening your own management skills.

Helping deliver an ambitious, child-led curriculum and creating enabling environments where children can flourish.

Ensuring the nursery meets and exceeds EYFS and Ofsted requirements, with the aim of achieving a minimum ‘Good’ rating.

Building strong, positive relationships with parents and families and ensuring communication is warm, professional, and supportive.

Assisting with key administrative tasks including staffing ratios, record keeping, budgeting, petty cash, and maintaining accurate data.

Welcoming new families, supporting the key person system, and helping maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.

Your Pathway to Nursery Manager

This role is perfect for someone looking to step up. You will receive:

Hands-on leadership experience

Regular mentoring from the Nursery Manager and Area Manager

Opportunities to lead within the setting

Management training, supervisions, and tailored CPD

A clear progression route toward becoming a Nursery Manager

If you’re ready to grow, we’re ready to help you get there!

What We’re Looking For

Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).

Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and child development.

Experience as a Room Leader or Senior Practitioner.

A warm, confident communicator who can motivate and support others.

Someone organised, proactive, and focused on delivering high-quality practice.

A team player who wants to develop into a management role.

Why Join Us?

Clear progression to Nursery Manager

Ongoing training and CPD tailored to your development

Supportive, friendly nursery teams

Staff childcare discount

Qualification-related pay

Half-day paid leave on your birthday

Team socials and staff functions

If you are passionate about making a difference in young children's lives and eager to grow your leadership skills, we invite you to become part of our caring community. Embark on this rewarding journey with Lime Tree Nursery, your future starts here!