To lead and ensure that the nursery is meeting an outstanding provision and develop the nursery, ensuring outstanding early years provision in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted requirements.
The Head of Nursery holds full responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the setting, including teaching and learning, staffing, financial performance, recruitment, marketing, compliance, wellbeing, Family Invoices, Funding and premises management, ensuring a high-quality, sustainable, and thriving nursery.
1. Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight
- Provide clear leadership and direction across all nursery operations.
- Develop and deliver business and improvement plans.
- Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted standards.
- Drive continuous quality improvement across the setting.
2. Teaching, Learning & Quality of Provision
- Oversee delivery of a high-quality EYFS curriculum.
- Monitor children’s progress and outcomes for all groups.
- Lead quality assurance, observations, and inspection readiness.
- Coach and develop staff to maintain high standards.
3. Recruitment, Staffing & HR Management
- Lead safer recruitment, including advertising, interviewing, and on boarding.
- Ensure staffing ratios and qualifications meet statutory requirements.
- Manage staff performance, supervision, and appraisals.
- Promote retention, wellbeing, and a positive team culture.
4. Financial & Business Management
- Take full responsibility for financial performance and sustainability.
- Set and manage budgets, monitoring income, expenditure, and profitability.
- Oversee invoicing, fee collection, and debt management.
- Analyse financial performance to inform strategic decisions.
5. Financial Reporting, Funding & Data Management
- Manage all local authority funding processes in line with requirements.
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of funding estimates and actuals for funded children.
- Maintain accurate headcount data and ensure correct input onto funding systems.
- Reconcile funding payments and resolve discrepancies promptly.
- Ensure all parent declarations and eligibility documentation are compliant.
- Monitor funded vs fee-paying places for financial planning.
- Maintain robust systems for audit readiness and data accuracy.
6. Marketing, Occupancy & Business Growth
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive marketing strategy to drive occupancy.
- Oversee and manage the nursery’s website, ensuring it is current, engaging, and reflective of the nursery’s ethos.
- Lead all social media platforms, creating engaging content to promote the nursery and its activities.
- Monitor online presence, reviews, and engagement, responding professionally.
- Use digital insights to improve marketing effectiveness and reach.
- Coordinate local marketing and community engagement activities.
- Lead parent enquiries, tours, and enrolment conversion.
- Monitor and maintain occupancy levels to support sustainability.
7. Premises, Health & Safety & Maintenance
- Hold full responsibility for the safety, security, and maintenance of the nursery.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation and risk assessments.
- Oversee routine and reactive maintenance of the building and equipment.
- Manage contractors and ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
8. Safeguarding & Compliance
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or oversee safeguarding provision.
- Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are fully embedded.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure staff training compliance.
9. Ofsted Inspections & Regulatory Leadership
- Lead the nursery through all Ofsted inspections as the main point of contact.
- Ensure continuous inspection readiness.
- Maintain and review the Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) and improvement plans.
- Prepare staff and lead inspection days effectively.
- Present evidence of curriculum intent, implementation, and impact.
- Implement post-inspection action plans.
- Drive achievement of “Good” or “Outstanding” ratings.
10. Wellbeing, Culture & Staff Support
- Maintain oversight of staff and children’s wellbeing.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture.
- Monitor staff workload, morale, and engagement.
- Ensure children’s emotional wellbeing is prioritised.
- Implement wellbeing initiatives and support systems.
11. Parent & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with parents and carers.
- Manage feedback, concerns, and complaints effectively.
- Work collaboratively with external agencies and professionals.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable).
- Proven leadership experience in an early years setting.
- Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted frameworks.
- Experience managing budgets, staffing, and occupancy.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Commercial awareness and business acumen.
- Experience in marketing and occupancy growth.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to manage compliance, operations, and premises.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about early years education and child development.
- Strategic, proactive, and results-driven.
- Resilient and adaptable.
- Committed to safeguarding and continuous improvement.
Safeguarding Statement
This nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
What You’ll Be Doing
As Head of Nursery, you will:
- Lead and inspire a passionate team to deliver high-quality early years education
- Drive teaching and learning excellence across the nursery
- Take ownership of financial performance, including budgets, funding, and occupancy
- Manage recruitment, staff development, and retention
- Oversee marketing, social media, and website presence to grow occupancy
- Ensure accurate management of funding estimates and actuals for funded children
- Maintain full responsibility for health & safety, maintenance, and compliance
- Lead and prepare for Ofsted inspections, driving continuous improvement
- Champion wellbeing for both children and staff
- Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the local community
What We’re Looking For
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable)
- Proven leadership experience in an early years setting
- Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted frameworks
- Experience managing budgets, occupancy, and nursery operations
- Confident in leading teams, driving performance, and managing change
- Commercial awareness with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Passion for delivering exceptional childcare and education
Why Join Us?
At Wiggles and Giggles Oldbury, we offer:
- A supportive and forward-thinking environment
- Opportunity to lead and shape the future of the nursery
- A strong focus on staff wellbeing and development
- The chance to make a real impact on children’s early experiences
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership career and make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Oldbury B68 0BS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Senior: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 5 childcare (required)
Work Location: In person
