Position Overview:
At My Playroom Nursery, we're passionate about redefining early years' education. Our mission is to create a nurturing and innovative environment where each child is encouraged to explore, learn, and grow. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Nursery Manager to lead our new nursery and ensure the highest standards of care and education. Join us on this exciting journey to make every moment of early education memorable, meaningful, and fun.
Type: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM (45 hours per week)
Flexibility: Accommodative schedules available for the right candidate
Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications
Start Date: August 2024
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Leadership: Oversee the day-to-day management of the nursery, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and safe environment.
- Staff Management and Development: Recruit, train, and develop staff, fostering a positive and productive work culture.
- Financial Oversight: Manage the budget, plan finances, and ensure cost-effectiveness (Work with HR/Finance officer).
- Facilities Management: Ensure the nursery facility is well-maintained and adheres to health and safety standards.
- Parent and Community Engagement: Liaise with parents and the wider community, maintaining strong relationships and effective communication.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all regulations, including Ofsted requirements and EYFS guidelines.
- Curriculum Development and Implementation: Design and oversee an engaging, inclusive curriculum in line with the EYFS framework.
- Educational Leadership: Lead the educational team, promoting innovative teaching methods and continuous improvement in learning outcomes.
- Staff Training and Support: Provide professional development and support to staff in curriculum implementation, observation, and assessment techniques.
- SENCO Role: Address the needs of children with special educational needs and coordinate with external agencies for support.
- Quality Assurance: Regularly assess and enhance the educational quality, aligning with Ofsted standards.
- Educational Outcomes and Assessments: Overseeing children’s progress and learning outcomes, ensuring they are on track with developmental milestones.
- Reporting: Provide regular reports on metrics and performance to the directors.
- Office and Classroom Support: Occasionally cover/work in children’s rooms.
- Regulatory Inspections: Lead inspections and visits from Ofsted and other bodies.
- Maintenance Oversight: Ensure the nursery is clean, safe, and well-maintained by staff.
- Equipment and Supplies: Oversee the maintenance of equipment and supplies.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience in Nursery Management: Proven track record in managing a nursery setting, with experience in leading Ofsted inspections and achieving 'Good' or 'Outstanding' ratings.
- Educational Background: Minimum Level 3 qualified in a childcare-related field. A degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development is preferable.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Advanced Qualifications: A degree or PhD in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Teaching Qualifications: Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Specialised Training and Certifications: Additional qualifications in areas such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or leadership and management in early years settings.
Attributes and Skills:
- Strong operational and financial management expertise.
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
- Dynamic and adaptable approach to the changing needs of the nursery setting.
- Commitment to nurturing an inclusive and high-quality early years educational environment.
- Curriculum Development Skills: Strong skills in creating, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
Why My Playroom Nursery?
- Impact: Shape young minds and the future of education.
- Growth: Opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Support: A collaborative, innovative workplace culture.
- Rewards: Attractive salary and bonuses for outstanding performance.
- Creativity and Autonomy: Freedom to innovate in management strategies.
Additional Requirements:
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Schedule:
School type:
Application question(s):
- Experience and Qualifications:
What is your highest level of education related to Early Childhood Education or Child Development?
How many years of experience do you have in nursery management?
Can you provide examples of your experience leading Ofsted inspections? What were the outcomes?
Describe a time when you successfully managed a nursery's daily operations. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
How do you ensure compliance with health and safety standards in a nursery setting?
- Staff Management and Development:
What strategies do you use to foster a positive and productive work culture among staff?
How do you handle staff training and professional development? Can you give an example of a successful training program you implemented?
- Curriculum and Educational Leadership:
What is your approach to designing and implementing an engaging and inclusive curriculum in line with the EYFS framework?
How do you support and inspire your educational team to use innovative teaching methods?
- Parent and Community Engagement:
How do you handle communication and build strong relationships with parents and the wider community?
Describe a time when you had to resolve a difficult situation with a parent. How did you handle it?
- Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:
How do you stay updated with changes in regulatory requirements and ensure your nursery complies with all standards?
Can you provide an example of how you improved the quality of education and care in your previous nursery setting?
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:
Give an example of a challenging decision you had to make as a nursery manager. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?
How do you handle unexpected issues that arise during daily operations?
- Personal Attributes and Skills:
What do you believe are the most important attributes for a Nursery Manager to possess?
How do you ensure you maintain a dynamic and adaptable approach to the changing needs of the nursery setting?
Education:
- Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
- Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
- Management: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Nursery Manager
Expected start date: 27/08/2024
