Nursery Manager – Sherwood – Nottinghamshire

Are you an experienced early years leader ready to take the reins at a setting based in a stunning 300 year old building with a large garden offering plenty of spaces for fun activities. ? This is a unique opportunity to lead a supportive team within a well-respected setting that proudly earned a Great Place to Work Certificate in 2024.

You’ll be:

• A natural leader—motivated, and passionate about delivering high-quality early education
• Able to build and manage your team.
• Able to develop strong partnerships with parents and other stakeholders.
• Approachable, confident, and calm under pressure
• Highly organised with strong communication skills
• Equally comfortable with administrative duties and the practical aspects of the role.
• Business minded
• Committed to high standards and continuous improvement in child care provision and learning opportunities.
• Passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children.

What the role offers:

• 80% Childcare Discount – T&Cs apply
• Life insurance cover and access to a health plan
• Great transport links.
• Free breakfast, lunches and healthy snacks including fresh fruit.
• Accredited training.
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity Fertility and Adoption leave.
• Regular staff rewards.
• Team appreciation events.
• Long service awards.
• Dedicated well being package.
• A day off for your birthday.

• To be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Nursery including coordinating daily schedules, activities, and routines to ensure smooth operation.
• Be responsible for overall administration of the nursery.
• To provide monthly reports to the Nursery Board.
• To Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, and other relevant information.
• To produce reports and statistical information as required, maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality in record-keeping.
• To implement the Nursery’s Equal Opportunities Policy in all aspects of the Nursery and other childcare services.
• To establish and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies providing services within the area such as Early Years Department, local childcare/educational providers, health providers, Sure Start and other providers.
• To receive and deal with complaints positively in accordance with procedures.
• To work as a senior member of the management team and to promote all activities being provided by the Nursery.
• To promote, attend and represent the Nursery at appropriate events, conferences, seminars and training.
• To be responsible for marketing the Nursery through the development and implementation of marketing strategy which includes the promotion of Children’s Tax credits and other benefits available to parents.
• To undertake any other task requested which is commensurate with this role and responsibility.

• To achieve the targets set for occupancy levels by managing capacity, reviewing numbers of children attending and following up enquires promptly to ensure maximum capacity levels are maintained at all times.
• To be responsible for the management of nursery fees and all other financial management of the nursery alongside the Nursery Proprietor.
• To manage an allocated budget in accordance with agreed procedures.
• To produce quarterly and annual finance reports for the Nursery Board.
• To be responsible and manage the nursery 15-30 hours free government funding with the responsible Local Authority.
• To ensure an effective stock control system is established and a register of assets is maintained.

• To continually inspire and motivate all staff to provide outstanding teaching and learning by overseeing the operation of the nursery to the highest standards.
• To provide support in hiring, training, and mentoring day care staff with the appropriate skills, qualifications, experience and qualities, ensuring the Nursery is staffed to the required levels at all times.
• To support a team of staff to meet statutory ratios and include contingency staffing where appropriate.
• To manage staff sickness and absence in accordance with procedures.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and training sessions.
• Implement a programme of supervision, performance management and an appraisal, providing constructive feedback in order to inspire and motivate each team member.
• To agree developmental plans for each member of staff which support the further development of the Nursery.
• Ensure staff adhere to policies, procedures, and best practices in child care.

• To take responsibility for quality assurance and compliance with all applicable legislation, regulatory and licensing requirements within the Nursery environment.
• To be responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe acceptable standard of practice that meets OFSTED criteria.
• To develop and review applicable policies and procedures and then to ensure that the Nursery operates within the framework set.
• To equip the Nursery with suitable equipment and materials, that will enhance the Nursery environment.
• To ensure the national standards for the registration of childcare are maintained at all times.
• To participate in the evaluation of the services offered at the Nursery.

• To provide a child-centred environment where children are cared for in a safe, caring and stimulating way that ensures their individual needs are met within a group setting.
• Ensure age-appropriate physical care routines including feeding, changing, and administering medicine are in place.
• Promote healthy lifestyles through balanced meals, snacks, and physical activity.
• Promote diversity, equality, and inclusion, reflecting cultural differences and family circumstances.
• Ensure staff model and promote positive behaviours and help children manage their behaviour.
• Establish and deliver an effective curriculum which includes assessment, planning and evaluation following the EYFS curriculum for all children 0-5 years.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of age-appropriate activities and educational programs.
• Ensure that appropriate learning experiences and environments for individual and group needs are in place.
• Ensure that activities encourage group learning and socialization.
• Ensure that numeracy and language development is supported through games and play.
• Ensure that adult-led and child-initiated activities are balanced.
• Ensure that children's learning and thinking is developed through sustained shared thinking.
• Ensure that systematic synthetic phonics and strategies for early literacy and mathematics are utilised.
• Promote diversity, equality, and inclusion, reflecting cultural differences and family circumstances.
• Ensure that children are supported through transitions and significant life events.
• Develop and maintain procedures for regular review and assessment of each child’s progress in partnership with staff and parents.
• Ensure that children's progress and development is monitored and that parents are regularly communicated with.

• Ensure the safety and welfare of the children at all times.
• Respond to accidents, injuries, and emergencies.
• Ensure the day care centre meets all health, safety, and cleanliness standards and regulations.
• Implement and oversee emergency procedures and protocols.
• Regularly review and update all nursery policies and procedures including: health, safety, security, confidentiality, and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Ensure all staff are aware of and adhere to the nursery policies and procedures at all times.
• Conduct risk assessment and management per policies and procedures.
• Be aware of the outcome of risk assessments and fully implementing the specific controls.
• Conduct regular safety drills and inspections in line with nursery policies and procedures.
• Be aware and observant of all health and safety issues, and address any concerns promptly and effectively in order to reduce the risk of incident or accident.
• Completing, keeping and monitoring accident, incident and risk assessment records effectively.
• Ensuring the Nursery medicine procedures are adhered to.
• Maintaining allergy management systems in line with the nursery policy.
• Ensure robust safeguarding procedures are in place and followed at all times.
• Adhere to all nursery policies and procedures.

• To build and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians.
• To implement and manage an effective parent liaison programme, ensuring regular communication and interaction with parents.
• To address parental concerns and feedback professionally and effectively.
• To organize parent meetings, conferences, and events.
• To provide regular updates on children's activities and progress.
• To handle inquiries and communications from parents and guardians.

• At least 2 years proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a Pre-school/Nursery Setting with 0-5 year olds.
• Excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and child development.
• Strong understanding of OFSTED standards and practices.
• Patience, compassion, and a genuine love for working with babies and young children
• The skill, creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm required for working in early years education.
• Ability to manage budgets and take responsibility for financial and administrative tasks in the nursery.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and projecting occupancy.
• Confidence to make decisions that balance the nursery’s reputation and financial aspects with the needs of children and families.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to motivate others and promote good team working.
• Ability to handle emergencies and stressful situations calmly.
• Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a nursery setting.
• Proficient in basic computer applications (MS Office, email, etc.).

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (miniumum)
• Level 3 Leadership & management training (desirable)
• GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.
• Degree in appropriate subject including Early Years Care, Finance, Business, Marketing. (desirable)

• Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Current Safeguarding certification.
• Current COSHH certification.
• Current Food and Hygiene certification.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
• Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.