Job Description:

A fast-growing and reputable early-years childcare and education provider is seeking a Nursery Manager to run a nursery safely and to a high standard, ensuring it is Ofsted-ready at all times. The Nursery Manager will have previous experience working in an early-years setting, have a strong understanding and current knowledge of the EYFS framework, and be fully conversant with all the necessary safeguarding regulations, Ofsted inspection frameworks and statutory early-years requirements. In addition, the Nursery Manager will hold, or be working towards, a DSL qualification, have excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills, and have good staff management skills and day-to-day operational experience, such as handling rotas, business income and expenditure, and logistics.

Having successfully achieved the Investors in People standard at their main site, our client is now rolling this approach out across their entire organisation. This reflects a long-term commitment to developing its people, strengthening leadership, and ensuring employees experience the same high standards of support and development wherever they work.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the site runs safely, smoothly, consistently, and at a high standard, and is Ofsted-ready at all times
• Make sure all statutory requirements, safeguarding obligations, and EYFS frameworks are fully met and evidenced
• Escalate any regulatory concerns to the Operations Manager immediately
• Manage staff rota, performance, and ensure they feel supported and valued
• Respond professionally and promptly to parents and handle any day-to-day concerns sensitively
• Make sure all staff are trained and aware of their obligations to safeguarding on site, and record and escalate any concerns in line with group policy and statutory requirements
• Keep the site clean and maintained at all times, update risk assessments and how incidents are recorded, and inspect the site on a regular schedule
• Complete accurately and on time the LA headcount and funding submissions
• Work with colleagues to support the enrolment process such as welcoming prospective families, conducting tours, and ensuring places are confirmed
• Be responsible for the site’s day-to-day operational budget and escalate any future concerns or significant spend to the Ops and Finance Managers promptly
• Implement the brand and environment standards for the site, update Meet the Staff board, and ensure visitor impressions are consistently positive

Knowledge, skills and qualifications required:

• Previous experience working in an early-years setting
• Have a strong understanding and current knowledge of the EYFS framework
• Fully conversant with Ofsted inspection frameworks, safeguarding regulation and statutory early years requirements
• Hold or working towards a DSL qualification
• Great customer service and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent communication, teamwork, leadership, and management skills
• A good understanding of health and safety in an early-years setting
• Previous experience in handling related operational duties such as rotas, admissions and logistics
• Able to handle day-to-day business income and expenditure
• Is professional and discreet

Salary: circa £42,000 DOE

Benefits: yearly bonus, 31 days annual leave incl. bank holidays + add. 2 days & birthday leave, 1 free childcare place, strong support and development programme