Purpose of the Role
The Business & Operations Manager plays a key leadership role within the nursery, providing operational, administrative, financial and safeguarding support to the Nursery Manager. The post holder will ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the nursery, allowing the Nursery Manager to focus on delivering outstanding care, education and staff leadership.
The role combines business administration, finance, human resources, compliance, customer service and operational management, while also acting as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL). The successful candidate will work closely with the management team to ensure the nursery consistently meets all statutory, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Management
- Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day operation of the nursery.
- Assist with occupancy planning and forecasting.
- Monitor nursery systems to ensure efficient daily operations.
- Support room organisation and staffing administration.
- Produce operational and management reports.
- Contribute to continuous quality improvement across the nursery.
- Assist with preparing for Ofsted inspections and quality assurance visits.
- Deputise for the Nursery Manager when required.
Administration
- Manage the nursery office and daily administrative functions.
- Answer telephone calls, emails and enquiries professionally.
- Maintain accurate children's records.
- Maintain confidential staff personnel files.
- Prepare correspondence, reports, newsletters and documentation.
- Organise meetings and take minutes where required.
- Maintain confidentiality and GDPR compliance at all times.
- Ensure nursery documentation is organised and up to date.
Finance & Business Administration
- Support occupancy management and admissions.
- Process new registrations and funding applications.
- Submit Early Years Funding claims.
- Produce invoices and monitor fee payments.
- Assist with debt management and payment plans.
- Monitor budgets and expenditure.
- Raise purchase orders and process invoices.
- Order equipment and nursery resources.
- Liaise with suppliers and contractors.
- Support the Director with financial reporting where required.
Human Resources
- Support recruitment and onboarding.
- Prepare contracts and employment documentation.
- Maintain staff records.
- Monitor annual leave requests.
- Record sickness absence.
- Monitor mandatory training compliance.
- Coordinate staff inductions.
- Support performance management processes.
- Assist with safer recruitment administration.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure nursery records remain compliant with EYFS requirements.
- Monitor DBS renewals and suitability checks.
- Ensure statutory training remains up to date.
- Support policy reviews and updates.
- Maintain compliance documentation.
- Support internal audits.
- Prepare documentation for Ofsted inspections.
- Promote continuous improvement throughout the nursery.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
The post holder will act as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and will support the Nursery Manager (DSL) in promoting a strong safeguarding culture throughout the nursery.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead with safeguarding concerns.
- Recording safeguarding concerns accurately and confidentially.
- Maintaining safeguarding records.
- Supporting referrals to Children's Social Care and other agencies where appropriate.
- Providing safeguarding advice and guidance to staff.
- Monitoring safeguarding training.
- Promoting safeguarding best practice.
- Deputising as the Designated Safeguarding Lead during periods of absence.
- Ensuring safeguarding remains central to all nursery practice.
- Promoting the welfare, safety and wellbeing of every child.
Parent & Family Engagement
- Welcome prospective and existing families.
- Act as a professional first point of contact.
- Respond to parent enquiries promptly.
- Support nursery communications.
- Build positive relationships with families.
- Promote excellent customer service.
- Work alongside each child's Key Person to carry out home visits for new families. These visits will help establish positive relationships, gather important information about each child's needs, support a smooth transition into nursery and ensure families feel welcomed and supported from the outset.
- Support parent meetings where appropriate.
Marketing & Admissions
- Support nursery marketing initiatives.
- Assist with social media and website updates.
- Arrange show-rounds for prospective families.
- Maintain waiting lists.
- Process admissions efficiently.
- Promote the nursery within the local community.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Professional and confidential approach.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent time management.
- Commitment to safeguarding children.
- Willingness to complete Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
Desirable
- Experience working within an Early Years setting.
- Knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework.
- Experience using nursery management software.
- Experience with financial administration.
- Knowledge of employment law and HR procedures.
- Previous experience as a DSL or Deputy DSL.
- Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections.
Personal Qualities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Excellent leadership potential.
- Professionalism.
- Integrity.
- Reliability.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- A calm and positive approach.
- Flexibility.
- Strong problem-solving abilities.
- Initiative.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Compassion and empathy.
- Commitment to safeguarding children.
- A passion for delivering outstanding childcare.
General Responsibilities
The post holder will:
- Work in accordance with the EYFS Statutory Framework.
- Comply with all Sunflower Childcare Frome Ltd policies and procedures.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Attend staff meetings and mandatory training.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Nursery Manager or Director.
Safeguarding Statement
Sunflower Childcare Frome Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all employees to share this commitment.
This role is subject to:
- An Enhanced DBS check.
- Satisfactory references.
- Right to work checks.
- Health declaration.
- Ongoing safeguarding and suitability checks in accordance with statutory guidance.
Pay: From £34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
