We’re thrilled to be recruiting for a new Manager at our established Steyning Nursery. We are looking for experienced, confident and compassionate Managers to lead the team forward. *Why Work For Us?* Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned company that operates six nurseries in the South Coast. Our purpose is to ensure children have the best start in life through outstanding education and care. At Pumpkin Patch we aim to create an environment where children can achieve, belong and thrive. We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian Forest School approaches and are looking for someone who shares the same passion. *This role requires: * * A minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years * Recent experience working in a Good or Outstanding nursery setting as a Deputy or Manager * A strong and confident knowledge of the EYFS framework * Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, people-first approach * A genuine passion for giving young children the best possible start in life *What we offer* * Paid breaks * Flexible working * Discounted childcare * Annual pay enhancements * Real living wage employer * Bonus and voucher schemes * Company-funded qualifications * Two-week induction programme * Educational tours to Italy and Iceland * Summer and Christmas social events * Christmas to new years off every year * Charity of the year and fundraising activities * Mental health and wellbeing representatives * Paid overtime up to 5 hours per week then TOIL * In-house workshops for continuous development * Participation in nursery outings such as beach school *Roles and Responsibilities* * Ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all children, staff, and visitors at all times. * Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking prompt action on any safeguarding issues and providing appropriate support. * Lead the integration of Pumpkin Patch’s pedagogical approach within the nursery, ensuring the team’s view of the child aligns with this philosophy. * Oversee the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the Pumpkin Patch curriculum. * Manage nursery admissions and waiting lists to ensure optimal occupancy levels. * Work with the Local Authority to support vulnerable groups, including children eligible for EYPP, those with SEND, and others receiving additional funding. * Oversee the observation and assessment processes to monitor children’s learning * Ensure effective use of Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) funding to help children reach their full potential. * Lead staff development initiatives, including INSET days, team meetings, staff training, supervisions, and appraisals. This is intended to give you an indication of the main duties but is not meant to be an exhaustive list. *Main terms and conditions* Salary: £39,000 - £42,640 per annum Contract Type: Full time, Permanent Hours: 40 hours, Monday to Friday Location: 1 & 2 Chanctonfold, Horsham Road, Steyning BN44 3AA *Safeguarding* Pumpkin Patch Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and ensures all staff and volunteers share this commitment. Pumpkin Patch have robust safeguarding and safer recruitment policies and procedures to ensure all positions are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer. The position for which you are applying involves contact with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all subsequent amendments (England and Wales). For this position you are not entitled to withhold information about police cautions and convictions that have been made against you. Including any that would otherwise be considered ‘spent’ under the Act. *For further information* Please contact Lucy Dann our HR and Recruitment Administrator on 01273 568798 for further information or an application form. CV’s will not be accepted. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: £39,000.00-£42,640.00 per year Benefits: * Casual dress * Childcare * Company pension * Employee discount * Referral programme * Sick pay Application question(s): * How many years of nursery experience do you have? * Which Childcare qualification do you have? * How many years of managerial experience do you have? Work Location: In person