We are seeking an experienced and motivated Registered Nursery Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our nursery service in Edinburgh.
This is an important leadership position with responsibility for maintaining a safe, nurturing and high-quality environment where children are supported to learn, develop and thrive. The successful candidate will provide clear leadership to the staff team, oversee regulatory compliance and ensure the nursery consistently meets the standards expected by the Care Inspectorate.
Key Responsibilities
The Registered Nursery Manager will:
- Take responsibility for the safe, effective and compliant operation of the nursery.
- Lead the Care Inspectorate registration process, where required, and maintain ongoing readiness for inspection.
- Ensure the service operates in line with the Health and Social Care Standards, relevant childcare legislation and current Care Inspectorate guidance.
- Provide visible and supportive leadership to the nursery team.
- Recruit, induct, supervise and develop staff using safer recruitment procedures.
- Ensure staff registrations, qualifications, PVG membership and mandatory training remain current.
- Plan staffing levels and rotas to maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios at all times.
- Promote child-centred and inclusive practice.
- Ensure children’s personal plans, observations, learning records and development information are accurate and regularly reviewed.
- Work closely with parents and carers, providing clear communication and responding appropriately to concerns.
- Oversee safeguarding practice and act promptly where there are concerns about a child’s welfare.
- Liaise with social work, health professionals, education services and other agencies where required.
- Manage complaints, accidents, incidents and significant events in accordance with nursery procedures and Care Inspectorate notification requirements.
- Monitor the nursery environment, equipment, food safety, infection prevention and general health and safety arrangements.
- Oversee staff performance, supervision, appraisals and ongoing professional development.
- Maintain accurate records relating to children, staffing, attendance, medication, accidents, incidents and quality assurance.
- Support the financial and administrative operation of the nursery, including occupancy, resources and budget monitoring.
- Lead ongoing service improvement through self-evaluation, staff feedback, parent participation and children’s views.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a qualification accepted by the Scottish Social Services Council for registration as a manager of a day care of children service.
- Be registered with the SSSC in the appropriate category, or be eligible and willing to register within the required timescale.
- Be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme, or be willing to complete an updated PVG check.
- Have substantial experience working within an early learning and childcare setting.
- Have previous leadership, supervisory or management experience.
- Have a sound understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures in Scotland.
- Understand the Care Inspectorate inspection framework, Health and Social Care Standards and quality improvement processes.
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of child development, inclusive practice and the Curriculum for Excellence.
- Be confident managing staff performance, rotas, recruitment, training and service development.
- Have strong written, organisational and communication skills.
Essential Qualification Requirements
Applicants must hold a qualification that meets the Scottish Social Services Council requirements for registration as a Manager/Lead Practitioner of a Day Care of Children Service.
This must include:
- A recognised practice qualification, such as an HNC Childhood Practice or SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7; and
- A recognised management qualification, such as a BA Childhood Practice, BA (Hons) Childhood Practice, or an accepted Professional Development Award in Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 9.
Desirable Experience
It would be beneficial for applicants to have:
- Previous experience as a Registered Nursery Manager or Depute Nursery Manager.
- Experience supporting the registration or reopening of a nursery service.
- Experience of Care Inspectorate inspections and improvement planning.
- Knowledge of local authority funded early learning and childcare requirements.
- Experience managing nursery occupancy, budgets or administrative systems.
- Training in areas such as paediatric first aid, food hygiene, child protection and safer recruitment.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
- Warm, approachable and genuinely committed to improving outcomes for children.
- Confident in making decisions and providing clear direction.
- Organised, reliable and accountable.
- Calm and professional when managing difficult situations.
- Able to build positive relationships with children, families, staff and external professionals.
- Committed to continuous improvement and high standards of childcare practice.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Supportive provider and senior management.
- Opportunity to lead and develop the nursery service.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- A welcoming environment with the opportunity to shape the nursery’s culture and future direction.
Pay: £34,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
