Nursery Manager Role

Village Location Between Aylesbury and Oxford

Salary £40,000 - £45,000

Job Purpose:

To provide safe, high-quality education and care for young children in accordance with all relevant legislation and standards. To lead and manage a team of early years professionals, ensuring the nursery operates efficiently, profitably, and in line with its vision and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management:

• Lead, support, and motivate the nursery team to deliver outstanding care and education.
• Ensure compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Ofsted standards, health and safety regulations, and all other relevant legislation.
• Implement and monitor policies and procedures effectively.
• Manage staff rotas, recruitment, induction, appraisals, and training needs.
• Conduct regular team meetings and promote professional development.

Childcare and Curriculum:

• Ensure a child-centred, inclusive environment where all children feel valued and secure.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the EYFS curriculum to ensure high standards of learning and development.
• Work closely with staff to identify individual learning needs and ensure the development of personalised learning plans.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of children’s progress and development.

Health, Safety & Safeguarding:

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring all staff are aware of and follow safeguarding policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating environment in line with health and safety regulations.
• Carry out and document risk assessments regularly.

Parent & Community Engagement:

• Build strong, effective relationships with parents and carers through regular communication, feedback, and meetings.
• Promote the nursery within the local community and develop partnerships with external agencies as needed.

Financial & Administrative Duties:

• Manage budgets, invoicing, funding applications, and financial records.
• Monitor occupancy levels and implement strategies to ensure targets are met.
• Maintain accurate administrative records, including staff files, children’s records, and health and safety logs.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications:

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years or Childcare (e.g., NVQ Level 3, CACHE, or equivalent).
• Paediatric First Aid certificate.
• Safeguarding training (DSL certification desirable).
• Proven experience in a supervisory or managerial role in an early years setting.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and current childcare legislation.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and nursery operations.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.

Desirable:

• Level 5 qualification in Childcare, Early Years Management, or equivalent.
• Experience with Ofsted inspections.
• Familiarity with nursery management software systems (e.g., Famly, Tapestry).

Additional Information:

• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
• Ongoing training and professional development will be provided.
• The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of the nursery and supporting every child’s early development journey.