Job Role: Nursery Manager

Location: Milton Park Primary School, Eastney Road, Southsea, PO4 8ET

Salary: £16.50 per hour

Hours: 35.18 hours per week (35 hours and 50 minutes)

Working times: 8.00am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday

Working weeks: Term-time only (39 weeks per year)

 Commencement date: September 2026

Welcome to Little Sunlights Nursery

Little Sunlights Nursery is a much-loved nursery, set within Milton Park Primary School. We provide care and education for children aged from two to four years, term time only. Our setting includes daily access to our extensive outdoor space and unique links with the school.

As part of the Gateway Trust, you’ll be connected to a wider network of nursery and school leaders who regularly share ideas, resources and best practice. You’ll also be supported by a central team, including finance, HR and premises professionals, who will work with you to help shape and deliver your vision for the setting. Whether you’re an experienced Manager or an ambitious Deputy ready for your next step, we’ll make sure you have what you need to succeed.

Though the nursery is opening in September 2026, you will need to be available for some dates in August to assist with getting the setting ready to open.

About the role

As Nursery Manager, you will oversee the daily running of the setting – leading your team, delivering a high-quality curriculum and ensuring all children are safe, happy and thriving.

You will:

·         Lead, coach and appraise a passionate team

·         Deliver an engaging, inclusive EYFS curriculum that reflects our values and community – indoors and out

·         Champion safeguarding, SEND and wellbeing across the nursery

·         Maintain high standards of health, safety and compliance, working with the Trust team where needed

·         Manage budgets and funding with support from Gateway Trust

·         Build warm, professional relationships with families and carers

·         Lead confidently through inspection and continuous improvement processes

What we are looking for in candidates: 

·       An experienced childcare professional (Level 3 or above)

·       Skilled in leading others or ready to step up into their first senior leadership role

·        Able to create a nurturing, fun, safe and caring nursery environment that meets the needs of every child, including those with additional needs

·       Confident in understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage’s welfare, learning and development requirements

·       Calm, organised and a strong communicator – both written and verbal

·       Committed to inclusive, high-quality practice and continuous improvement

What you will get in return

·         A Competitive Salary

·         Entry into our NEST pension scheme

·         Free Enhanced DBS

·         Onsite parking

·         Uniform

·         Opportunities for further education and professional development

·         Be part of Gateway Central Services in The Gateway Trust, an organisation dedicated to supporting the local community

More Information and How to Apply

To apply, please submit an application online via MyNewTerm. For more information on Little Sunlights, please visit: www.littlesunlights.co.uk

We warmly welcome visits to the nursery. To arrange one, or if you’d like more information about the role, please email: jobs@gatewaytrust.org

We may interview strong candidates before the closing date, so we encourage early applications.

The Gateway Trust is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service.