Nursery Manager

Job Overview

Reports to: Head of Nursery Operations
Responsible for: Deputy Manager, Assistant Deputy Manager, Room Seniors and nursery team

Hours: 40 hours over 4/5 days. Hours could be negotiated for the correct applicant

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Nursery Manager to lead our early childhood education team with enthusiasm and expertise. In this vital role, you will oversee daily nursery operations, ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children, and foster a positive team culture. Your leadership will inspire staff, engage with families, and uphold high standards of childcare and early childhood development. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about shaping young minds and managing a vibrant childcare setting.

Role Purpose

The Nursery Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the nursery, ensuring company expectations and high standards of care, education, safeguarding, staff performance and parent experience are achieved. Working closely with the Head of Nursery Operations, the Nursery Manager will lead a large and busy team, ensuring the nursery is organised, compliant, efficient and operating to the highest standards at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team, creating a culture of high standards, accountability and professionalism.
• Ensure the nursery operates safely, efficiently and smoothly every day.
• Maintain exceptional standards of safeguarding, childcare, education, hygiene, presentation and health & safety.
• Lead and support the Deputy Manager, Assistant Deputy Manager and Room Seniors, ensuring they effectively manage their teams.
• Monitor staff performance, attendance, conduct and professional standards, addressing concerns promptly.
• Ensure staffing, ratios and deployment are always managed effectively.
• Monitor the quality of practice across all rooms and drive continuous improvement, dealing with any aspects of poor performance efficiently so it doesn’t turn into a bigger issue.
• Ensure the nursery is always inspection-ready, following guidance and targets from the Head of Nursery Operations and fully understand EYFS, Inspection Toolkit and company requirements.
• Maintain strong, professional relationships with parents and ensure concerns are dealt with promptly.
• Oversee appropriate and professional use of Famly and other communication systems.
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed consistently.
• Identify issues proactively and take action before they become problems.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager, providing clear updates and escalating significant issues appropriately, meeting targets and adhering to deadlines.
• Ensure agreed actions are completed and standards are maintained consistently.

Leadership Expectations

The Nursery Manager is expected to be:

• Visible, proactive and highly organised
• Passionate, encouraging and inspiring
• Calm and decisive under pressure
• An excellent communicator and not afraid of difficult conversations
• Consistent and fair
• Confident in managing performance and proactive when doing so
• A strong role model
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Uncompromising when it comes to safeguarding and children's wellbeing

Roundabouts have exceptionally high standards, and The Nursery Manager is responsible for ensuring these exceptional standards are not occasional achievements but the everyday expectation across the whole nursery.

Candidates must:

-Hold a full and relevant Early Years Level 3 or above

-Have a suitable level 2 maths qualification nor be willing to work towards one.

-At least 2 years Early Years experience within a nursery

-Have held a leadership or management position for at least 12 months

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,360.00 per year

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Experience:

• leadership and management: 1 year (required)
• Nursery setting: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Level 3 Early Years qualificaiton (required)
• Level 2 maths qualification (preferred)

Work Location: In person