Field based hybrid role, with regular UK-wide travel to Nursery Group and Franchised nursery settings.
Schedule: 5 days a week for 34 hours a week
Role Summary
The Early Years Quality & Compliance Auditor is responsible for assessing the quality, compliance and effectiveness of early years provision across Monkey Puzzle’s network of Nursery Group and Franchised nursery settings through a robust programme of quality and compliance audits.
Through scheduled, risk based and follow up audits, the role will evaluate settings against the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework, relevant legislations and statutory guidance, Ofsted requirements, the Early Years Inspection Toolkit, and Monkey Puzzle policies, procedures and quality standards.
The role is responsible for conducting clear, objective and evidence-based evaluations of nursery performance, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and any safeguarding, compliance or quality risks. It will produce high quality audit reports and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) quality and compliance improvement plans within agreed timescales, working closely with the Early Years Quality Team to ensure alignment with any existing quality support plans. The role will communicate findings effectively to relevant stakeholders, undertake follow up activities, identify emerging risks, and support sustained improvements in quality and compliance across the nursery network.
Quality & Compliance Auditing
- Conduct scheduled, risk based and follow up quality and compliance audits across all Nursery Group and Franchised settings as part of a 12 month rolling programme.
- Support the Quality, Curriculum and Standards Lead in planning and delivering the audit programme, ensuring consistent, accurate and objective audit judgements.
- Evaluate settings through observation of practice and review of documentation against EYFS requirements, statutory guidance, Ofsted expectations and Monkey Puzzle quality standards.
- Observe practice and review documentation, including safeguarding, safer recruitment, health and safety, curriculum implementation, SEND and inclusion, leadership and management, to evaluate the effectiveness of provision.
- Champion high quality provision, curriculum implementation and EYFS compliance across the nursery network, identifying and recognising strengths, effective practice and areas of excellence across safeguarding, SEND, leadership, management, compliance and wider operational practice.
- Identify areas of non compliance, emerging risks and opportunities for improvement, providing clear recommendations and actions to strengthen quality, compliance and inspection readiness.
- Assess settings' readiness for Ofsted inspections and other regulatory visits, identifying strengths, areas for development and actions required to achieve the highest possible outcomes.
- Deliver tailored advice, guidance, training and support to Nursery Managers and Franchisees before, during and following Ofsted inspections and other regulatory visits.
Audit Reporting & Improvement Planning
- Produce clear, accurate and evidence based audit reports and SMART quality and compliance improvement plans within seven days of each audit.
- Ensure audit findings, judgements and recommendations are evidence based and clearly highlight strengths, effective practice, risks, areas of non compliance, opportunities for improvement and priority actions.
- Provide constructive feedback, professional guidance and appropriate challenge to Nursery Managers, Franchisees and relevant stakeholders, supporting sustained quality and compliance improvements.
- Work collaboratively with Early Years Quality Managers to ensure audit findings, improvement plans, support visits and reporting are aligned and deliver a coordinated approach to quality improvement.
- Share reports and improvement plans with relevant stakeholders and maintain accurate records using organisational systems, including Monday.com and SharePoint.
Follow-Up, Monitoring & Quality Improvement
- Agree and coordinate follow up activity with the Quality, Curriculum and Standards Lead and Early Years Quality Managers, ensuring audit findings, improvement plans, support visits and reporting are aligned.
- Complete follow up visits and re-audits to evaluate whether improvements have been implemented, embedded and sustained.
- Monitor progress against improvement plans, identifying where additional support, intervention or escalation is required.
- Provide advice and guidance on curriculum, safeguarding, SEND, inclusion, inspection readiness and regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to targeted quality improvement activity, post inspection action planning and the development of settings with Strong Standard or Exceptional potential.
Risk, Escalation & Performance Reporting
- Work closely with the Quality, Curriculum and Standards Lead and Early Years Quality Managers to share audit outcomes, monitor emerging risks, and coordinate follow up activity.
- Immediately report and escalate significant safeguarding, regulatory, compliance, health and safety or quality concerns inline with organisational procedures.
- Use audit findings and trends to identify emerging risks and support early intervention before concerns escalate.
- Highlight settings requiring additional oversight, intervention, support or further quality assurance activity.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive safeguarding, personnel and organisational information appropriately.
- Take accountability for managing allocated workload, travel, report writing and follow-up activity within agreed timescales, promptly communicating any circumstances that may affect delivery.
Quality Assurance, Data & Organisational Insight
- Contribute to the development and review of audit tools, policies, guidance, quality assurance processes and curriculum initiatives.
- Use audit outcomes and quality data to inform early intervention, quality improvement priorities and organisational decision-making.
- Share audit learning, effective practice and quality insights with the Early Years Quality Team and wider network to support continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the development and consistent implementation of Monkey Puzzle's early years curriculum and pedagogy where required.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, safeguarding guidance, legislation and sector research, applying developments to practice and organisational improvement.
Collaboration, Training & Professional Development
- Work collaboratively with the Early Years Quality Team, Operations Teams, Nursery Managers, Franchisees and other stakeholders to support quality improvement and compliance across the network.
- Build effective professional relationships while maintaining the objectivity and integrity required of the audit role.
- Support Ofsted registration visits and contribute to policy updates, professional development activities and the sharing of audit learning and effective practice.
- Contribute to the design, delivery and continuous improvement of training and resources that support quality, compliance, curriculum implementation and inspection readiness.
- Deliver training and presentations through a range of forums, including online sessions, INSET days, conferences and other internal events.
- Attend and contribute to relevant meetings, industry events, professional networks and development opportunities, applying sector developments and research to improve practice.
- Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.
- Undertake other duties and projects appropriate to the scope and responsibilities of the role.
Essential:
- Level 3 Full and Relevant Early Years qualification or above.
- Experience within a senior or leadership role in an early years setting.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework, Early Years Inspection Toolkit and Ofsted inspection process.
- Experience of leading an early years setting through an Ofsted inspection with positive outcomes.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, safer recruitment and health and safety requirements.
- Knowledge of SEND, inclusion and equality legislation.
- Experience of evaluating quality and compliance within early years settings.
- Experience of identifying areas for improvement and developing effective improvement plans.
- Ability to gather, evaluate and triangulate evidence to make secure and objective judgements.
- Experience of producing professional reports and communicating findings effectively.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to provide constructive professional challenge.
- Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement and maintain confidentiality.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft 365.
A keen learner, with a commitment to ongoing training, professional development and upskilling.
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Desirable:
- Experience of conducting quality or compliance audits.
- Experience within a multi-site or franchise organisation.
- Experience supporting Ofsted registration visits.
- Experience analysing quality data and trends.
DSL, Safer Recruitment or relevant quality assurance training.
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Skills & Attributes
- Passionate about improving outcomes and experiences for children.
- Professional, objective and evidence-based.
- Analytical with excellent attention to detail.
- Accountable for delivering work to a high standard and within agreed timescales.
- An excellent communicator, able to provide constructive challenge and build positive professional relationships.
- Collaborative, proactive and solution-focused.
- Adaptable, compassionate and calm under pressure.
Committed to continuous professional development and maintaining up-to-date sector knowledge.
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Additional Requirements
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business travel.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK.
- Willingness to undertake occasional overnight stays.
- Ability to work flexibly in response to organisational priorities, audit requirements and emerging risks.
- Successful completion of all required safer recruitment and suitability checks.
Length of Service Recognition: We want you stay with us! We recognise and reward your length of service with Monkey Puzzle
- Enhanced Maternity Pay: Enhanced pay after 2 years’ service
- YuLife: You will be enrolled into our Group Life Assurance policy and have access to the YuLife app
- Conversion based incentive
- Social Events: We arrange catch ups with the team alongside our Christmas parties
- Additional Annual Leave Entitlement: 25 days plus 8 UK bank holidays
- Early finish on a Friday!
#Berkhamsted
Safeguarding Statement
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are committed to Keeping children safe; therefore, it is necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record Disclosure and Barred check to be undertaken. All posts involving direct contact with children and vulnerable adults are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. All candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions, you may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your employment commences.
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries is a renowned brand that offers outstanding day nursery and preschool child care services for children aged 3 months to 5 years old. With over fifteen years of experience, Monkey Puzzle has worked closely with parents, staff, and Ofsted to deliver exceptional childcare, providing children with unlimited opportunities to play, learn, and grow in a safe and secure environment. With a network of carefully designed nurseries across the United Kingdom, Monkey Puzzle is dedicated to supporting families and answering the question, "Where can I find a nursery near me?". Their nurseries are located in various counties and London boroughs, ensuring accessibility for families in different areas. Monkey Puzzle also prioritizes the growth and development of their team members. They offer apprenticeship programs, early years career opportunities, and comprehensive training and development for their staff, resulting in a highly skilled and dedicated team. From babies to preschoolers, Monkey Puzzle caters to the educational and developmental needs of children in each age group. Their curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring that children are well-prepared for their transition to school. Choose Monkey Puzzle for exceptional childcare and a nurturing learning environment for your child's early years.
