We are recruiting for a Nursery Area Manager URGENTLY
About The Nursery
we are a family. Founded with a deep
love for nurturing young children, our family-run business has grown alongside our own
children, expanding to five thriving locations across Dorset and Devon.
We believe a child’s early years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and
happiness. That’s why we create warm, loving environments where every child feels
safe, valued and encouraged to explore the world around them.
Summary
We are seeking an Area Manager to join our management team in Plymouth. The Area
Manager will oversee the operational excellence, compliance, and leadership of a group
This role ensures that each setting upholds the highest
standards of education, care, and practice while meeting regulatory and business
performance goals. For this role, we are ideally seeking a candidate looking for 4 days,
38 hours a week.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership:
• Oversee day-to-day operations across 2 nurseries initially, ensuring smooth and
compliant delivery of the EYFS.
• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and inspections to monitor quality, staffing,
and compliance.
• Support Nursery Managers with action plans following internal reviews, Ofsted
inspections, or funding audits.
• Ensure occupancy levels, staff ratios, and resources are managed efficiently.
People Management:
• Line manage and mentor Nursery Managers, supporting leadership development
and effective team performance.
• Oversee recruitment and retention strategies in collaboration with HR.
• Lead on performance management, including appraisals, supervision, and
capability processes where needed.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and motivated culture across all settings.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Ensure all nurseries meet or exceed Ofsted and local authority standards.
• Monitor health & safety, safeguarding, and statutory requirements, maintaining
up-to-date records and reporting systems.
• Liaise with external agencies, local authorities, and parents when required.
• Maintain high-quality environments reflective of our ethos and principles.
Financial & Business Oversight
• Work with the Directors and Finance team to monitor budgets, fee income, and
expenditure across sites.
• Contribute to setting occupancy and revenue targets and support managers in
achieving them.
• Monitor staff scheduling and resource allocation for cost efficiency.
Communication & Reporting
• Attend termly Director meetings to provide operational updates and
improvement plans.
• Cascade company communications effectively to all managers and staff.
• Collaborate with Marketing, HR, and Training teams to support growth and
development across the business.
Person Specification
Essential:
• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable).
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Proven experience managing multiple settings or large teams within Early Years.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and people management skills.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and compliance.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel between settings/ cover in the
absence of a manager.
Desirable:
• Experience working in a family-run or growing multi-site organisation.
• Strong business acumen with confidence in budgets, occupancy, and
recruitment planning.
Values & Culture Fit:
• Passionate about early childcare and education and nurturing environments for
children and staff.
• Calm, solution-focused, and professional under pressure.
• Able to balance care, compliance, and commercial thinking.
• Committed to growth, collaboration, and long-term impact