Job Description: Assistant Manager
Location: Nature's Little Learners, Hornbeam Park Reports to: Nursery Manager/Owner Contract Type: Full-time
Role Purpose
The Assistant Manager plays a key role in supporting the Nursery Manager in the smooth, compliant, and inspiring running of the nursery. This role blends leadership and governance responsibilities with hands-on practice, ensuring high-quality provision across all areas of the EYFS The Assistant Manager helps maintain a nurturing, curiosity-led environment where children's learning, welfare, inclusion, and achievement are central. In the Manager's absence, the Assistant Manager assumes full leadership responsibility for the nursery.
Areas of Responsibility 1. Leadership & Governance
* Support the Manager in ensuring compliance with the EYFS 2025 statutory framework, Ofsted requirements, and local safeguarding board procedures.
* Assist with policy development, review, and implementation, ensuring practice reflects the most up-to-date guidance (including safer eating, absence monitoring, intimate care)
* Contribute to safer recruitment, induction, and monitoring of staff suitability checks (DBS, references, qualifications).
* Lead daily operational oversight: ratios, room deployment, safety, and adherence to routines.
* Represent the nursery with professionalism during inspections, audits, and stakeholder meetings.
2. Curriculum & Teaching
* Oversee delivery of a broad, balanced, and curiosity-inspired curriculum across all seven EYFS areas of learning.
* Ensure educational programmes reflect the characteristics of effective teaching (playing & exploring, active learning, creating & thinking critically).
* Support room leaders and practitioners to plan activities that are age-appropriate, child-led, and responsive to children's interests.
* Monitor quality of teaching and learning; provide constructive feedback to strengthen practice.
* Promote outdoor and natural exploration as part of daily routines.
3. Children's Welfare & Wellbeing
* Act as a safeguarding lead when required; ensure policies and procedures are always followed.
* Prioritise children's safety, health, and emotional security within a nurturing and caring culture.
* Oversee risk assessments, first aid provision, hygiene standards, and safe eating practices.
* Ensure staff consistently promote children's independence in self-care, toileting, eating, and transitions.
* Support children's emotional regulation and resilience through warm, responsive interactions.
4. Inclusion
* Ensure equal opportunities and inclusive practice for all children, including those with SEND, EAL, or additional needs.
* Work with SENCO and external professionals to ensure individual support plans are delivered effectively.
* Champion diversity and anti-discriminatory practice throughout the nursery environment, curriculum, and family partnerships.
* Ensure resources and environments reflect inclusivity, accessibility, and representation.
5. Achievement
* Oversee the quality and timeliness of observations, assessments, and "next steps" for all children.
* Ensure the progress check at age two and transition reports are completed to a high standard and shared with parents.
* Track cohort progress, identifying trends, gaps, and areas requiring intervention.
* Work with staff to implement strategies for children at risk of delay, ensuring targeted support is in place.
* Celebrate children's achievements and promote a culture of high expectations within a supportive, child-centred ethos.
6. Staff Development
* Support recruitment, induction, supervision, and appraisal processes.
* Mentor staff, apprentices, and students; model best practice and share reflective feedback.
* Ensure all staff complete mandatory training (safeguarding, first aid, food hygiene, EYFS 2025 updates).
* Promote a culture of reflective practice and continuous professional development.
* Contribute to succession planning and leadership development within the team.
7. Parents, Carers & Community
* Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with families.
* Ensure communication is clear, respectful, and two-way through daily handovers, meetings, and the Famly app.
* Involve parents in their child's learning journey; share achievements, progress, and "next steps."
* Support transitions in and out of the nursery, including into school.
* Represent the nursery within the community, strengthening local links and promoting the ethos of a family-run, curiosity-inspired setting.
Main Duties (Daily Practice)
* Support the Manager in ensuring the smooth daily running of the nursery, stepping into full line management responsibility when required.
* Work in close partnership with the Nursery Manager, ensuring consistency in leadership and decision-making.
* Provide daily support, encouragement, and direction to the staff team, maintaining a positive, professional culture.
* Model and promote a positive attitude, contributing to a calm, respectful, and supportive working environment.
* Help maintain a safe, clean, and well-organised workspace across all areas of the nursery.
* Maintain accurate records: registers, accident forms, safeguarding logs, progress checks.
* Monitor resources and environments; ensure they are safe, stimulating, and well maintained.
* Work flexibly across rooms where required, modelling high-quality practice.
* Contribute to reflective team meetings, self-evaluation, and improvement planning.
* Ensure all safeguarding, health & safety, and EYFS 2025 requirements are fully met at all times.
Person Specification
Essential
* Level 3 Early Years qualification (full and relevant under EYFS 2025).
* Strong understanding of the EYFS 2025 framework, particularly safeguarding, inclusion, achievement, and staff development.
* Proven experience of leading or supporting teams within an early years environment.
* Excellent communication skills with staff, parents, and external professionals.
* Nurturing, reflective, and committed to the Curiosity Approach.
* Organisational and problem-solving skills, with ability to step into leadership role.
Desirable
* Paediatric First Aid qualification.
* Experience using Famly or similar online journals.
* Previous experience preparing for Ofsted inspections.
* Knowledge of SEND support and multi-agency working.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £40,300.00 per year
Benefits:
* Bereavement leave
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person