Company Overview
Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO) is a women-led community organisation supporting women, girls and families through learning, wellbeing, personal development, employability, family support and community activities.
LOVO is developing a new day nursery to extend its support for women, children and families. We are seeking an experienced Early Years Development Lead to take the lead in coordinating the development, registration and preparation of the nursery for opening.
Purpose of the Role
The Early Years Development Lead will take operational responsibility for progressing the LOVO Day Nursery from its development stage through the required registration process and towards opening.
The postholder will lead and coordinate the nursery set-up, working independently while reporting progress and matters requiring strategic approval to the Founder & CEO. This role is intended to provide LOVO with the specialist early-years capacity required to establish the nursery while enabling the Founder & CEO to maintain strategic oversight of the wider organisation.
Key Responsibilities1. Ofsted Registration
Take the lead in coordinating the nursery through the Ofsted registration process. This will include:
· Establishing the appropriate registration requirements for the proposed nursery.
· Developing a registration checklist, action plan and timetable.
· Coordinating and preparing documentation required for the application.
· Liaising with Ofsted and relevant agencies on behalf of LOVO, where authorised.
· Ensuring required policies, procedures and supporting documentation are prepared.
· Identifying outstanding requirements and coordinating actions needed to address them.
· Supporting preparation for the Ofsted registration visit.
· Coordinating any follow-up actions required as part of the registration process.
· Keeping the CEO informed of progress and highlighting decisions or actions requiring CEO or Board approval.
The Development Lead will work through the registration process on behalf of LOVO, while recognising that formal declarations, legal responsibilities and certain regulatory decisions will remain with the appropriate registered individual, nominated individual, Nursery Manager and/or LOVO as the provider.
2. Nursery Development
· Develop and maintain a practical nursery implementation plan.
· Establish milestones and timescales for opening.
· Coordinate the different workstreams required to establish the nursery.
· Identify potential barriers, risks and delays and recommend appropriate solutions.
· Provide concise progress updates to the CEO.
3. Policies, Procedures and Safeguarding
· Develop and/or review the policies and procedures required for the nursery.
· Ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements are established.
· Coordinate risk assessments and health and safety requirements.
· Ensure proposed procedures reflect the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and other relevant requirements.
· Establish an organised nursery compliance and registration file.
4. Premises and Resources
· Assess nursery set-up requirements for the proposed premises.
· Identify any changes required to prepare the environment for registration and operation.
· Develop a list and budget for furniture, equipment, toys, learning resources and other nursery requirements.
· Coordinate procurement and set-up where agreed.
· Help create a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment for children.
5. Nursery Business and Financial Planning
Working with the CEO and relevant LOVO staff:
· Develop the nursery operating model.
· Support development of the nursery budget.
· Help establish appropriate fee structures.
· Explore funded childcare arrangements and other potential income.
· Develop realistic occupancy assumptions.
· Identify the number and age range of children the nursery can accommodate.
· Support planning for the financial sustainability of the nursery.
6. Staffing and Recruitment
· Develop the proposed nursery staffing structure.
· Identify required qualifications and staffing ratios.
· Prepare or review job descriptions and person specifications.
· Support recruitment of the Nursery Manager and Early Years Practitioners.
· Support development of induction, training and staff compliance arrangements.
7. Parents, Families and Partnerships
· Help develop the nursery offer in response to the needs of local families.
· Establish parent enquiry and registration processes.
· Develop appropriate parent information.
· Build relationships with relevant early-years, health, community and family services.
· Support initial promotion of the nursery and development of a pipeline of prospective families.
8. Opening and Handover
· Develop an opening-readiness checklist.
· Ensure key operational systems are established.
· Support the incoming Nursery Manager.
· Organise the nursery's registration, compliance and operational documentation.
· Provide a clear handover to the Nursery Manager.
· Identify any outstanding actions requiring completion following the initial six-month development period.
Pay: £20.00-£25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
