NURSERY MANAGER - MID ANNANDALE PLAYCARE (M.A.P) - £21.52 an hour - Up to 35 hours a week Join a truly special childcare community in the heart of Lockerbie! Foxgroves Education ( division of Foxgroves Recruitment Ltd ) are delighted to partner with Mid Annandale Playcare (M.A.P) to support their search for an experienced Nursery Manager to lead their impressive Lockerbie-based provision. We are thrilled to work alongside their dedicated Board of Directors to identify a visionary leader who shares their commitment to outstanding childcare for children. This is your opportunity to make a real difference in a well-established, community-focused nursery that's been serving families in Lockerbie for many years! What makes M.A.P special: • Community-Centered - Non-profit organisation run by a dedicated board of directors from their membership • Comprehensive Care - From babies (3 months) through to primary school-age children (summer and before/after school provision) • Flexible & Accessible - Open 50 weeks a year, 7:30am-6:00pm, serving the whole community • Funded Partnership - Working with D&G Council to provide funded Early Learning and Childcare • Natural Learning Environment - Amazing outdoor space for risky play, tree climbing, and vegetable growing! Their Vision & Values: They embrace a play-based approach in a high-quality learning environment, promoting a nurturing ethos that supports children's wellbeing, learning and development. Their values of equality, achievement, inclusivity, curiosity, teamwork, and caring are at the heart of everything they do. What you'll be doing: As Nursery Manager, you'll be at the heart of everything that makes M.A.P the fabulous Nursery it is today: • Strategic Leadership - Work with the Board of Directors on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation to shape the nursery's future • Operational Excellence - Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring the highest standards of care and education for children aged 3 months to primary school age • Team Development - Lead, mentor and inspire a dedicated team including Deputy Manager, Senior Staff, Practitioners and Support Workers through regular supervision and appraisals • Quality Assurance - Prepare for and lead Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland inspections, maintaining exemplary standards • Financial Management - Take responsibility for budgets, fee collection, and presenting comprehensive reports to the Managing Directors • Partnership Building - Develop strong relationships with parents, local schools, and community partners while maintaining effective liaison with Social Services and statutory bodies • Curriculum Leadership - Ensure Early Years Framework Standards are delivered exceptionally, supporting staff with planning, observation and assessment • Safeguarding Champion - Maintain the highest child protection standards and ensure all policies comply with current legislation Benefits Package: • Long-term service bonuses - £250 at 5 years, £500 at 10 years, £750 at 15 years, £1,000 at 20 years, then £5,000 every 5 years thereafter • 28 days annual leave - Including 10 days Christmas closure, 5 days summer closure, plus 13 flexible days subject to approval • Highly discounted childcare for staff families • Uniform provided - Professional workwear supplied • Pension contributions - MAP contributes at statutory minimum of 3% • Staff community social events - Regular team building and social activities • CPD program - Ongoing professional development opportunities • Free onsite parking - Convenient and secure parking facilities You'll thrive in this role if you have: • At least a Level 4 Social Services Children and Young People qualification (essential) • Desirable: PDA 9 in Children and Young People or BA in Childhood Practice (or willingness to work towards within SSSC 5-year timescale) • Proven nursery management experience with strong leadership skills • Deep understanding of EYFS requirements and regulatory standards • Financial acumen and experience managing budgets in childcare settings • Passion for play-based learning and outdoor education • Commitment to community values and inclusive childcare Ready to lead a team that's genuinely changing lives every day? At M.A.P, you'll be joining more than just a nursery - you'll be part of a community institution that's been nurturing children's growth, confidence, and independence for years. If you're passionate about play-based learning, outdoor education, and creating inclusive environments where every child can thrive, we'd love to hear from you. Please Note - Employment is conditional upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks and successful registration with the SSSC. Location: Harcourt Place, Lockerbie, DG11 2AH Please Note: All applications for this role are being managed exclusively by Foxgroves Education. Please apply through our designated application channels only. Foxgroves Education (a division of Foxgroves Recruitment Ltd) is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy and is working on behalf of our client. All successful appointments are subject to our comprehensive pre-employment screening process which includes right to work checks, PVG Scheme membership (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) - required for working with children in Scotland, rigorous reference checks, and verification of qualifications. As specialists in education recruitment, we maintain the highest standards of safer recruitment practices in line with statutory safeguarding requirements for working with children and vulnerable adults in Scotland. Reasonable adjustments will be made for individuals with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment process.