Role Purpose: The Nursery Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of outstanding early years education and care in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.
The postholder will lead and develop the nursery team, ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, maintain high standards of safeguarding and child welfare, and drive continuous improvement across all aspects of the nursery.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
Lead, motivate and support the nursery team to deliver outstanding standards of childcare.
Oversee the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring safe, effective and efficient service delivery.
Foster a positive, inclusive and supportive culture for children, families and staff.
Manage staffing levels, rotas and annual leave to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
Lead recruitment, induction, supervision, performance management and staff development.
Identify training needs and promote continuous professional development.
Hold regular team meetings and maintain effective communication across the nursery.
Childcare, Learning & Safeguarding
Ensure high-quality early years education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and relevant regulatory standards.
Promote children's learning, wellbeing and development through engaging, age-appropriate experiences.
Monitor the quality of observations, planning and assessments to ensure consistently high standards of care.
Act as the Designated Safeguarding Officer (or ensure appropriate arrangements are in place) and maintain a safe environment that promotes the welfare of all children.
Ensure all safeguarding concerns, accidents and incidents are managed in accordance with legislation and nursery procedures.
Quality, Compliance & Operations
Ensure compliance with all childcare, safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory requirements.
Lead regulatory inspections and maintain inspection readiness.
Complete quality audits, maintain accurate records and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure nursery resources, equipment and learning environments are safe, well maintained and fit for purpose.
Monitor occupancy levels and support the continued growth and success of the nursery.
Manage external contractors and service providers where required.
Ensure nursery policies and procedures are implemented consistently and reviewed regularly to remain compliant with current legislation and best practice.
Parent & Community Engagement
Build positive and professional relationships with parents, carers and external agencies.
Maintain effective communication regarding children's progress and wellbeing.
Professionally manage compliments, concerns and complaints, ensuring positive outcomes wherever possible.
Promote an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and families.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:
Level 5 qualification in Childcare, Early Years or an equivalent recognised qualification.
Significant experience working within an early years or nursery setting.
Previous experience managing or supervising a team within a childcare environment.
Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and current early years best practice.
Thorough understanding of safeguarding, child protection and welfare responsibilities.
Sound knowledge of relevant childcare legislation, health and safety requirements and regulatory standards.
Excellent leadership, coaching and people management skills.
Experience managing staff performance, supervision and development.
Strong organisational, planning and time management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, colleagues and external agencies.
Ability to prioritise workloads and solve problems effectively.
Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements within an early years setting
Commitment to delivering high-quality childcare and driving continuous improvement.
Desirable Criteria
Experience developing, reviewing and implementing nursery policies and procedures in line with current legislation, regulatory requirements and best practice.
Experience preparing for and managing regulatory inspections (e.g. ETI, Health & Social Care Trust, or equivalent).
Designated Child protection. (training will be given)
Paediatric First Aid qualification.
Experience leading quality improvement initiatives.
Experience designing and delivering staff training and development programmes.
Pay: £20,800.00-£23,400.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
