Day Nursery Manager, Maternity Cover – Leicester


Company:	Luma Education Recruitment Ltd
Salary:	£15 to £15 an hour
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Leicester
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	3 Nov 2026
Closing date:	1 Dec 2026

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Summary

Day Nursery Manager, Maternity Cover – Leicester (LE3)

Location: Leicester, Leicestershire (LE3)

Pay: From £15 per hour, negotiable depending on experience (pro rata, term time)

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm, term time only

Contract: Fixed term, maternity cover for approximately 12 months

Start date: ASAP

A term-time day nursery in Leicester (LE3) is recruiting a Day Nursery Manager to cover a period of maternity leave lasting around 12 months. You will be responsible for running the setting while the permanent manager is away: managing the staff team and rotas, keeping ratios and EYFS practice in line, leading on safeguarding and being the main contact for families. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm in term time and plans to stay open until 5:00pm as numbers grow. Pay is from £15 per hour and can be negotiated depending on experience.

The Nursery

An independent nursery in west Leicester for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, open during term time. Staff are supported with CPD and receive a discount on childcare for their own children.

Your Responsibilities

- Running the nursery day to day and managing rotas, ratios and staff cover

- Supervising and supporting practitioners, including the toddler room lead

- Checking that planning, observations and progress tracking meet EYFS requirements

- Leading on safeguarding and keeping the nursery's policies up to date

- Welcoming new families, handling enquiries and running show-rounds

- Keeping records and risk assessments in order and the setting ready for Ofsted

What You'll Need

- A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum (Level 5 or above welcome)

- Experience as a nursery manager, deputy manager or senior room leader

- Good knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted framework and safeguarding

- Confidence leading staff and building relationships with parents

- Paediatric First Aid and DSL training (welcome but not essential)

- Able to start soon and commit to around 12 months

You'll be steady, organised and approachable, the person staff and parents turn to while the manager is on leave.

Why Work with Luma?

- Your own dedicated consultant – personalised support from someone who understands your skills, preferences and career ambitions.

- Market-leading pay rates – competitive rates that recognise your experience and the value you bring.

- Long-term security – access to ongoing contracts and exciting temp-to-perm opportunities.

- Invest in your future – access to ongoing CPD, training and opportunities to develop your skills.

- Reliable weekly payments – prompt, dependable pay with dedicated payroll support.

- Outstanding opportunities – access to rewarding roles across SEN, SEMH, alternative provision and mainstream education.

About Luma Education Recruitment

Luma Education Recruitment is a specialist education recruitment agency connecting exceptional teachers and support staff with schools and specialist settings across the UK. We understand that great education professionals deserve great opportunities, genuine support and a recruitment partner who puts them first.

Luma Education Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates will go through safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS and reference checks.

Luma Education Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

To apply, send your CV to daniel.benson@lumaedrec.com or call 0204 576 4344.

Luma Education Recruitment® – Bright Talent. Bright Futures.

Essential requirements

- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum) - Nursery management, deputy or senior room leader experience - Strong knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding - Team leadership and parent communication - Paediatric First Aid / DSL training (desirable)

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