We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly organized Childcare Manager to lead our team and ensure the highest standards of care and education. The successful candidate will be a proactive leader, ensuring the setting remains compliant, safe, and a nurturing environment for all children.
Key Responsibilities
• Leadership & Operations: Coordinate and oversee the daily operations of the setting. This includes planning and managing efficient staff rotas to ensure correct ratios and creating engaging learning schedules for children.
• Safeguarding & Welfare: Act as a lead for safeguarding, ensuring all staff understand and follow child protection policies. You will be responsible for maintaining a culture of vigilance and reporting.
• Educational Oversight: Track and monitor children's development using relevant frameworks (e.g., EYFS). You will ensure that observations are accurate and that every child is making progress toward their developmental milestones.
• Health & Safety: Conduct and approve rigorous risk assessments for the setting and outings. You will ensure that daily safety checks are completed meticulously every morning and afternoon.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain the setting to Ofsted (or relevant regulatory body) "Good" or "Outstanding" standards, ensuring all documentation, policies, and procedures are up to date.
• Staff Management: Mentor, supervise, and conduct appraisals for the staff team, fostering professional development and a positive working culture.
• Parent Partnership: Act as the main point of contact for parents, building strong relationships and providing regular updates on their child's wellbeing and progress.
Requirements
Requirements (Essential)
• Qualifications: Minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare/Early Years (Level 5 or a Degree in Early Years is highly preferred
• Experience: Proven experience in a leadership or management role within a childcare setting.
• Safeguarding Knowledge: Advanced understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in tracking developmental data and using childcare management software.
• Compliance: Deep understanding of health and safety regulations, including the ability to draft and approve detailed risk assessments.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional communication, time management, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Additional Requirements Included for this Role
• Pedagogical Leadership: Ability to lead the curriculum to ensure diverse and inclusive learning.
• Financial Literacy: Basic understanding of budget management and occupancy tracking.
• First Aid: Valid L3 Paediatric First Aid certificate/ relevant training can be provided.
• DBS: An enhanced DBS check is a mandatory requirement for this position