Leadership vs. Management in Childcare
Leadership and management are often thought to be the same thing, but they are two distinct roles with different focuses and responsibilities. Both are equally important in the early years sector, as they play a significant role in ensuring high-quality childcare and nurturing environments for children to play and learn confidently.
While leadership centres around setting a shared vision, and inspiring, and motivating a team, management is more about planning, organising, and effectively utilising resources to bring that vision to life. Together, these skills are at the heart of any successful childcare setting, influencing everything from daily operations to long-term goals.
In this blog, we will explore the key differences between leadership and management in early years education. We’ll examine how strong leadership can build a motivated and cohesive team, while effective management ensures smooth operations. We’ll also discuss the challenges leaders and managers face in childcare settings and share practical strategies to help you develop these essential skills.
Whether you’re a nursery manager, room leader, or aspiring childcare professional, this blog is designed to help you understand how leadership and management work together to create an inspiring and well-run environment for both children and staff.
Differences between leadership and management
A manager is usually focused on the operational side of things—ensuring tasks are completed, processes run smoothly, and the day-to-day running of the nursery is clear and organised. Managers are responsible for maintaining stability, assessing past achievements and challenges, and taking reactive steps to address issues or make improvements. Their role is largely process-driven, ensuring that resources, schedules, and staff are managed effectively to meet objectives and adhere to regulations.
Whereas, leadership is more about behaviour, vision, and inspiring others. Leaders focus on setting a clear direction for the future, inspiring innovation, and motivating their team to work towards shared goals. Leadership is about creating change, communicating a vision, and empowering others to achieve their best, often by building strong relationships that lead to a positive team culture.
In many early years settings, one individual may be required to fulfil both roles, balancing operational management with the broader vision and motivation that leadership demands. While leadership and management often overlap, it’s important to recognise their differences:
- Management: Focused on systems, and processes, and ensuring stability in day-to-day operations.
- Leadership: Centred on vision, behaviour, and driving innovation and change.
Leadership and management are two important factors in childcare, where the operation of a setting depends on both the smooth execution of operations and a motivated, inspired team.
How to develop both leadership and management skills, no matter your role
As mentioned previously, in the early years sector, it’s rare for nurseries to have separate roles for a leader and a manager. More often, one person takes on both responsibilities, which can make being a nursery manager a challenging job. Balancing the day-to-day demands of management with the vision and inspiration of leadership might feel like a lot—but don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to build these skills and be successful in both areas.
Communication is key
Strong communication is at the heart of effective leadership and management. Clear, straightforward communication helps your team understand their tasks and expectations. At the same time, sharing your vision in an inspiring and engaging way brings everyone together. Make time to actively listen to your team, adapt your communication style to suit different individuals, and use team meetings to celebrate successes and share goals.
Build positive relationships
Building strong relationships with your team is just as important as clear communication. Show trust and support by giving constructive feedback, being empathetic, and encouraging their professional growth. This helps to strengthen morale and creates a positive atmosphere. Don’t forget—listening to feedback from your team is just as valuable for your growth!
Jamie Victoria, the Childcare Guru, recently highlighted the importance of communication in one of our webinars. She emphasised how open, honest conversations help everyone feel valued and heard. Jamie also shared how one-to-one supervision between nursery managers and team members is a fantastic way to provide constructive feedback in a private and supportive setting.
Invest in your development
Strengthening your skills through professional development is a great way to build confidence. Training, workshops, and staying up to date with the latest trends in leadership and management will help you feel prepared to tackle challenges. We have plenty of free resources to help you get started, which you can find here.
Finally, take time to reflect on your own performance—self-reflection is a powerful tool for growth. Check out our blog on reflective practice here for tips. And remember, leading by example is just as important: stay calm under pressure, treat everyone fairly, and show your enthusiasm for the role.
What kind of nursery manager are you?
Being a nursery manager means juggling a lot of responsibilities, and we know how challenging (and rewarding) the role can be. That’s why we’ve created a fun quiz designed just for nursery managers!
This short quiz considers the many things you have to handle daily and helps you uncover your strengths as a manager. And who knows? You might even pick up a helpful tip or two for dealing with different situations along the way.
While it’s all just a bit of fun, learning more about your management style can be a great way to understand yourself better and bring out the best in your team. Ready to give it a go? Click here to take the quiz and find out what kind of nursery manager you are!
What Kind of Nursery Manager Are You?
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare
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