Nursery Manager Role
Village Location Between Aylesbury and Oxford
Salary £40,000 - £45,000
Job Purpose:
To provide safe, high-quality education and care for young children in accordance with all relevant legislation and standards. To lead and manage a team of early years professionals, ensuring the nursery operates efficiently, profitably, and in line with its vision and values.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management:
* Lead, support, and motivate the nursery team to deliver outstanding care and education.
* Ensure compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Ofsted standards, health and safety regulations, and all other relevant legislation.
* Implement and monitor policies and procedures effectively.
* Manage staff rotas, recruitment, induction, appraisals, and training needs.
* Conduct regular team meetings and promote professional development.
Childcare and Curriculum:
* Ensure a child-centred, inclusive environment where all children feel valued and secure.
* Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the EYFS curriculum to ensure high standards of learning and development.
* Work closely with staff to identify individual learning needs and ensure the development of personalised learning plans.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of children's progress and development.
Health, Safety & Safeguarding:
* Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring all staff are aware of and follow safeguarding policies.
* Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating environment in line with health and safety regulations.
* Carry out and document risk assessments regularly.
Parent & Community Engagement:
* Build strong, effective relationships with parents and carers through regular communication, feedback, and meetings.
* Promote the nursery within the local community and develop partnerships with external agencies as needed.
Financial & Administrative Duties:
* Manage budgets, invoicing, funding applications, and financial records.
* Monitor occupancy levels and implement strategies to ensure targets are met.
* Maintain accurate administrative records, including staff files, children's records, and health and safety logs.
Person Specification:
Essential Qualifications:
* Level 3 qualification in Early Years or Childcare (e.g., NVQ Level 3, CACHE, or equivalent).
* Paediatric First Aid certificate.
* Safeguarding training (DSL certification desirable).
* Proven experience in a supervisory or managerial role in an early years setting.
Essential Skills & Experience:
* Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and current childcare legislation.
* Excellent leadership and people management skills.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to manage budgets and nursery operations.
* High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
Desirable:
* Level 5 qualification in Childcare, Early Years Management, or equivalent.
* Experience with Ofsted inspections.
* Familiarity with nursery management software systems (e.g., Famly, Tapestry).
Additional Information:
* This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
* Ongoing training and professional development will be provided.
* The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of the nursery and supporting every child's early development journey.