Nursery Manager

Purpose of the Role

The Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and day-to-day operation of an independent Ofsted-registered nursery. The role ensures the nursery provides a safe, stimulating, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children can thrive while maintaining full compliance with all statutory requirements, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted regulations.

The Nursery Manager will lead and motivate the staff team, maintain high standards of care and education, promote continuous quality improvement, and ensure the nursery operates efficiently and sustainably.

Key Responsibilities Leadership and Management

• Provide strong, professional leadership to the nursery team.
• Create a positive, supportive, and inclusive working environment.
• Lead by example, promoting high standards of childcare and professionalism.
• Develop and implement nursery policies and procedures.
• Manage the daily operation of the nursery to ensure smooth and efficient running.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain outstanding standards of practice.

Quality of Education

• Ensure full implementation of the EYFS framework.
• Monitor the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Support staff in planning engaging learning experiences that meet children's individual needs.
• Promote inclusive practice and equal opportunities.
• Monitor children's progress and ensure appropriate interventions where required.

Ofsted and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with Ofsted requirements and all relevant legislation.
• Ensure the nursery is inspection ready at all times.
• Lead and coordinate Ofsted inspections.
• Maintain accurate records required by statutory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, safer recruitment, and employment legislation.

Safeguarding

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), or ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout the nursery.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are managed promptly and in accordance with local procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and staff training.

Staff Management

• Recruit, induct, supervise, and retain high-quality staff.
• Carry out regular supervision meetings and annual appraisals.
• Identify training needs and promote continuous professional development.
• Manage staff rotas, annual leave, absence, and performance.
• Address employee relations matters professionally and confidentially.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• Ensure a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors.
• Monitor risk assessments and health and safety procedures.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, infection control, first aid, and medication procedures.
• Promote children's emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour.

Parent Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Maintain effective communication regarding children's learning and development.
• Address compliments, concerns, and complaints professionally.
• Promote family engagement within the nursery community.

Financial and Business Management

• Manage nursery occupancy and support business growth.
• Monitor budgets and control expenditure.
• Ensure accurate administration of fees and funding.
• Promote the nursery within the local community.
• Support marketing initiatives and maintain positive public relations.
• Contribute to business planning and strategic development.

Administration

• Maintain accurate children's records.
• Ensure staff files remain compliant.
• Complete required reports and documentation.
• Manage nursery resources effectively.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with GDPR requirements.

Partnership Working

• Develop positive relationships with local authorities, health professionals, schools, and other agencies.
• Work collaboratively to support children's individual needs.
• Attend meetings and represent the nursery professionally.

General Responsibilities

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Undertake training to maintain knowledge and competence.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the role.

Person Specification Essential

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)
• Experience in managing an early years setting.
• Thorough knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted requirements and inspection processes.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and nursery operations effectively.
• Sound knowledge of employment legislation and safer recruitment.
• Current paediatric first aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Enhanced DBS clearance.

Desirable

• Degree in Early Childhood Studies or related subject.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
• SENCO experience.
• Experience of achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted inspection outcomes.
• Knowledge of nursery management software.

Skills and Attributes

• Inspirational leader
• Excellent communicator
• Organised and proactive
• Professional and approachable
• Strong decision-maker
• Child-centred
• Commercially aware
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Passionate about delivering outstanding childcare

Accountability

The Nursery Manager is accountable for:

• The welfare, safety, and development of all children.
• Compliance with all Ofsted and statutory requirements.
• The performance and wellbeing of the staff team.
• The operational and financial effectiveness of the nursery.
• Maintaining the nursery's reputation within the local community.

This job description outlines the main duties of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The Nursery Manager may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the position to meet the changing needs of the nursery.