Early Learning and Training Manager
Field-based role | Grandir UK
• Senior leadership role in Early Years
• Opportunity to drive quality and Ofsted outcomes
• Work closely with nursery leaders and regional teams
We are looking for an experienced Early Years professional to lead our Early Learning and Training Partners and support nurseries to achieve strong and exceptional outcomes in line with our Quality Strategy.
This is a senior, field-based role with a strong focus on quality, safeguarding, compliance, leadership and inspection readiness, supporting nursery teams and leaders across the business.
About the role
As the Early Learning and Training Manager, you will lead and develop the Early Learning and Training Partner team while working closely with Nursery Managers, Regional Managers and senior leaders.
You will play a key role in embedding high-quality Early Years practice, supporting nurseries requiring targeted support and driving continuous improvement across the organisation.
Key responsibilities
• Lead, line manage and develop the Early Learning and Training Partner team
• Conduct 1:1s, performance management and wellbeing support
• Monitor Health, Safety and Safeguarding compliance in line with EYFS Welfare Requirements
• Work in partnership with Regional Managers to support nurseries requiring intensive support
• Support opportunity nurseries to achieve strong and exceptional inspection outcomes
• Deliver Early Years training programmes and measure impact
• Provide hands-on coaching, mentoring and role modelling
• Support the creation of inspiring learning environments and high-quality continuous provision
• Ensure all staff complete mandatory compliance training
• Monitor and support effective SEND provision in line with the SEND strategy
• Contribute to the Early Years Board and support strategic priorities
• Prepare nurseries for inspection and attend Ofsted inspections where required
• Support leaders in resolving parent concerns where necessary
• Complete annual Compliance & Regulatory Assessments across assigned nurseries
• Maintain accurate reporting and records
• Keep professional knowledge and CPD up to date
What we are looking for
Essential
• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Proven experience delivering outstanding-level Early Years practice
• Previous team leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and the Ofsted Inspection Framework
• Minimum 2 years’ experience within the Early Years sector
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly
• Ability to commit to 12-week nursery support blocks
Desirable
• EYT, EYPS or equivalent higher-level Early Years or teaching qualification
• Train the Trainer qualification
Skills and attributes
• Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
• Confident influencing senior stakeholders
• Excellent relationship-building skills
• Child-centred, values-led approach
• Calm and decisive under pressure
• Strong problem-solving and judgement
• Agile and responsive to change
• Accountable for improving quality and outcomes
Core benefits
• 35 days annual leave including bank holidays, with 3 days used during the Christmas shutdown period
• Christmas and New Year shutdown
• Flexible working options available
• Generous childcare discount
• £500 refer a friend bonus
• Company pension scheme with employer contributions
• Statutory Sick Pay from day 1
• Life assurance for employees aged 18 to 65
• Certified Great Place to Work, voted for by our current colleagues
Enhanced family and wellbeing benefits
• Maternity and adoption leave paid at 100 percent for the first 12 weeks
• Paternity leave paid at 100 percent for 4 weeks
• Parental bereavement leave up to 4 weeks paid
• Compassionate leave up to 2 weeks paid
• Miscarriage leave up to 2 weeks paid
• Wellbeing Day – an extra day off just for you
• The Grand Event – up to an additional week of annual leave to attend a significant life event after 2 years’ service
Even more benefits
• Employee benefits portal with hundreds of retail discounts including ASOS, gym memberships, cinema, M&S and major supermarkets
• 24 hour remote GP appointments
• Medical cashback for dental treatment, physiotherapy and alternative therapies
• Recognition, rewards and team celebrations throughout the year, with May dedicated to celebrating our teams
• Tailored in-house training and genuine progression opportunities
• Sustainability focus with Carbon Literacy trained teams and Eco Schools accreditation
If you are passionate about raising quality in Early Years and supporting nursery teams to thrive, we would love to hear from you.
Join Grandir UK and help shape exceptional early learning experiences for children across our nurseries.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
To support our recruitment process, we may use AI-assisted tools for tasks such as application screening and reference checks. These tools help us manage applications efficiently, and all hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team.
Grandir UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references will be required for the successful candidate.