Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)
Job Title
Reports to
Company Director
Contract
Fixed Term – Maternity Cover
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and inspirational Nursery Manager to lead our nursery during a period of maternity cover. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident leader to maintain the high standards of care, education and operational excellence that our nursery is known for, whilst supporting children, families and staff through a period of continuity.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring full compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Ofsted requirements, safeguarding legislation and all relevant statutory guidance.
The Nursery Manager will work closely with the Company Director and senior leadership team to ensure the nursery continues to provide an outstanding experience for every child and family.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Provide strong, hands on, visible and professional leadership to the nursery team.
- Create a positive, inclusive and supportive working culture where staff feel valued and motivated.
- Lead by example, promoting the nursery's vision, values and ethos.
- Support, coach and develop Deputy Managers, Room Leaders and practitioners.
- Ensure effective communication across all staff teams and with the wider management group.
- Maintain high standards of professionalism, conduct and confidentiality.
Quality of Education
- Ensure delivery of a high-quality curriculum in line with the EYFS Framework.
- Monitor children's learning, development and progress through effective observation and assessment.
- Support staff in providing engaging learning experiences that reflect children's interests and individual needs.
- Monitor planning, assessment and children's learning journals to ensure consistently high standards.
- Promote inclusive practice and equality of opportunity for every child.
- Conduct audits, observations and promote peer on peer observations.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Ensure safeguarding remains the highest priority throughout the nursery.
- Ensure all safeguarding concerns are managed promptly and in accordance with statutory guidance.
- Maintain accurate safeguarding records and liaise appropriately with external agencies.
- Ensure all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and understand their responsibilities.
Compliance and Health & Safety
- Ensure full compliance with:
- EYFS Statutory Framework
- Ofsted requirements
- Health and Safety legislation
- Food Safety regulations
- Data Protection (GDPR)
- Equality legislation
- Maintain a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment.
- Complete regular audits, risk assessments and compliance checks.
- Ensure accidents, incidents, medication and RIDDOR reporting are accurately completed where required.
Staff Management
- Lead recruitment, safer recruitment checks and induction of new employees.
- Complete probation reviews, supervisions, and annual appraisals.
- Support staff wellbeing and professional development.
- Identify training needs and promote continuous professional development.
- Manage staffing levels to ensure legal ratios are maintained at all times.
- Manage performance, attendance, disciplinary and grievance matters in accordance with company policies.
Operational Management
- Oversee the daily operation of the nursery.
- Ensure staffing, resources and routines are effectively organised.
- Monitor occupancy levels and support initiatives to maximise sustainable occupancy.
- Work within agreed budgets and support efficient financial management.
- Ensure accurate completion of administrative tasks, statutory returns and nursery records.
- Oversee maintenance of the building and equipment, reporting any issues promptly.
Parent Partnerships
- Develop strong, positive relationships with parents and carers.
- Ensure excellent communication throughout the child's nursery journey.
- Manage parent concerns professionally and seek positive resolutions.
- Lead parent events, meetings and opportunities for family engagement.
- Promote the nursery positively within the local community.
Quality Improvement
- Lead continuous quality improvement across the nursery.
- Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections.
- Develop and implement action plans following audits, inspections and feedback.
- Review nursery policies and procedures regularly.
- Promote reflective practice and innovation.
Business Development
- Support marketing initiatives to maintain healthy occupancy.
- Promote the nursery within the local community.
- Build positive relationships with local authorities, schools and external professionals.
- Identify opportunities to improve services and strengthen the nursery's reputation.
Person Specification
Essential
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)
- Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management (or willingness to work towards)
- Significant experience managing an early years setting
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS Framework
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding and child protection
- Experience of Ofsted inspections
- Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills
- Ability to motivate and inspire a team
- Strong IT and nursery management software skills
- Work 5 days per week for 40 hours.
- Lead monthly staff meetings.
Desirable
- Paediatric First Aid qualification
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training
- Safer Recruitment training
- Experience managing budgets and occupancy
- Experience leading an Ofsted inspection graded Good or Outstanding
- Experience of managing safeguarding issues.
General Responsibilities
The Nursery Manager will:
- Demonstrate professionalism and integrity at all times.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Comply with all nursery policies and procedures.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, as requested by the Company Director or other Senior Manager.
This job description is intended as a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive and may be amended to reflect the changing needs of the nursery or legislative requirements following consultation with the post holder.
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
