Nursery Manager
Job Title
Nursery Manager
Reports To
Nursery Owner
Qualification & Experience
Essential
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare (or above).
- At least 3 years' experience working within an Early Years setting.
- Previous experience in a leadership or management role.
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS Framework, safeguarding legislation, and Ofsted requirements.
- Strong understanding of child development and outstanding early years practice.
- Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to motivate, support and develop staff.
- Competent IT skills including Microsoft Office and nursery management software.
Desirable
- Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management (or willingness to work towards).
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
Job Purpose
To lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, education and safeguarding are consistently achieved.
The Nursery Manager will be responsible for driving continuous improvement across the setting with the primary objective of achieving a Good (or higher) judgement at the next Ofsted inspection. They will lead by example, ensuring outstanding practice is embedded throughout the nursery and that every child receives exceptional learning experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Lead the nursery with professionalism, enthusiasm and integrity.
- Ensure the nursery is fully prepared for the next Ofsted inspection with the aim of achieving a Good rating or above.
- Develop, implement and monitor the nursery improvement action plan.
- Complete regular audits to ensure continuous improvement.
- Monitor standards across all rooms and ensure consistent high-quality practice.
- Ensure the nursery complies with all statutory requirements and policies.
Quality of Education
- Ensure the nursery curriculum is fully embedded and consistently delivered across all rooms.
- Monitor teaching practice to ensure high-quality learning opportunities are provided every day.
- Support staff to provide meaningful, engaging and child-led experiences.
- Ensure children's learning and development is accurately assessed and next steps are implemented.
- Promote excellent language development and high-quality interactions with children.
- Ensure staff prioritise children's learning and wellbeing throughout the day.
Staff Leadership
- Recruit, induct and retain high-quality staff.
- Conduct staff supervisions, appraisals and probation reviews.
- Identify training needs and organise professional development opportunities.
- Coach and mentor staff to achieve excellent standards of practice.
- Hold regular staff meetings and communicate expectations clearly.
- Foster a positive, supportive and professional team culture.
Safeguarding, Health & Safety
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are always implemented.
- Complete and review nursery risk assessments.
- Carry out and record regular fire drills.
- Ensure all health and safety procedures are followed.
- Monitor accident and incident records and implement improvements where necessary.
Administration & Operations
- Manage the daily operation of the nursery efficiently.
- Complete invoicing and oversee nursery financial administration.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality.
- Monitor occupancy and staffing levels.
- Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and within required timescales.
- Complete administrative tasks delegated by the Nursery Owner.
Communication
- Build positive relationships with children, parents, staff and external professionals.
- Respond professionally to parent enquiries and concerns.
- Ensure clear communication across the nursery team.
- Represent the nursery positively within the local community.
Organisation & Continuous Improvement
- Support staff in developing excellent organisational skills.
- Ensure routines are effective while maintaining flexibility to meet children's individual needs.
- Monitor the quality of interactions between staff and children.
- Identify areas for improvement and implement effective solutions.
- Promote a culture of reflection, accountability and continuous improvement.
Additional Duties
- Carry out any reasonable duties requested by the Nursery Owner.
- Work flexibly to meet the operational needs of the nursery.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Person Specification
Essential Skills
- Excellent leadership and people management skills.
- Outstanding communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management abilities.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Confident decision-maker.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- High attention to detail.
- Passion for delivering exceptional childcare and education.
Personal Qualities
- Positive and professional attitude.
- Honest, reliable and trustworthy.
- Inspirational leader.
- Committed to continuous professional development.
- Child-centred approach.
- Solution-focused mindset.
- High expectations of themselves and others.
Our Expectations
The successful Nursery Manager will:
- Lead by example every day.
- Inspire and motivate the team to achieve excellence.
- Ensure outstanding quality of care and education throughout the nursery.
- Drive continuous improvement through effective monitoring and action planning.
- Work closely with the Nursery Owner to achieve the nursery's vision and strategic goals.
- Create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children, families and staff can thrive.
Pay: £15.80 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
