Nursery Manager
Cobham
Full-time
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Overview
The Nursery Manager will lead the establishment, development and ongoing success of the School's new Nursery provision for children aged 6 months to 4 years. This is a rare opportunity to shape a high\-quality early years setting from its inception, creating an exceptional environment where babies and young children are nurtured, inspired and supported to flourish.
The Nursery will benefit from its association with the School whilst maintaining its own distinct identity, ethos and provision. The Nursery Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the Nursery provides outstanding standards of care, learning and development, delivering a warm, welcoming and home\-from\-home environment where children feel safe, secure and valued.
As the founding Nursery Manager, the postholder will play a key role not only in educational leadership and operational management but also in building occupancy, establishing the Nursery's reputation and developing strong relationships with prospective and current families. They will be expected to contribute actively to the growth and long\-term success of the Nursery, ensuring it becomes a thriving and valued part of the wider School community.
Key areas of Responsibility
Leadership \& Strategic Development
- Lead the establishment and development of the Nursery from launch through to full operation.
- Develop a clear vision for the Nursery aligned with the School's values and strategic objectives.
- Establish a warm, welcoming and inclusive culture for children, families and staff.
- Contribute to the growth and long\-term sustainability of the Nursery.
- Promote strong collaboration between the Nursery and the wider School whilst maintaining the Nursery's distinct identity and provision.
- Support the development of policies, procedures and operational systems.
- Ensure the highest standards of care for babies and young children from 6 months onwards.
- Create a nurturing environment that promotes secure attachments and emotional wellbeing.
- Oversee age\-appropriate routines including feeding, sleeping, personal care and transitions.
- Ensure individual care plans are implemented and reviewed where appropriate.
- Promote children's physical, emotional, social and cognitive development through high\-quality interactions and experiences.
- Support children through key developmental milestones and work closely with parents to ensure consistency between home and Nursery.
- Ensure environments are carefully designed to meet the differing needs of babies, toddlers and pre\-school children.
- Develop a culture where every child is known as an individual and where children's wellbeing is prioritised alongside their learning and development.
- Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) as required.
- Ensure safeguarding remains central to all aspects of Nursery practice.
- Promote children's welfare, wellbeing and emotional development.
- Ensure compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety and welfare requirements.
- Maintain a safe, secure and stimulating environment for children and staff.
- Manage the day\-to\-day operation of the Nursery.
- Ensure compliance with EYFS requirements, Ofsted regulations and all relevant legislation.
- Oversee staff deployment and ensure appropriate staffing ratios are maintained.
- Manage occupancy levels and support admissions activity.
- Monitor resources and equipment to ensure the Nursery remains well\-equipped and financially sustainable.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Work with School HR Team to recruit, induct, manage and develop Nursery staff.
- Foster a positive and collaborative team culture.
- Conduct performance management and appraisal processes.
- Identify training needs and promote continuous professional development.
- Support staff wellbeing and engagement.
- Build strong relationships with prospective and current families.
- Act as a key ambassador for the Nursery and School.
- Lead Nursery tours and admissions discussions.
- Ensure parents are kept informed about their child's progress and wellbeing.
- Handle parental concerns professionally and sensitively.
- Support the achievement of occupancy targets.
- Contribute to Nursery marketing and recruitment initiatives.
- Manage Nursery budgets in accordance with delegated authority.
- Ensure resources are used efficiently and effectively.
- Identify opportunities to enhance the Nursery's reputation and growth.
- Participate in School events and activities as appropriate.
- Support the integration of Nursery children into the wider School community where beneficial.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the School.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Head consistent with the level of the post.
- Monitor occupancy levels, enquiry numbers and conversion rates, providing regular updates to the Head.
- Contribute to the Nursery's financial sustainability through effective occupancy management and resource planning.
- Promote the benefits of continuity between the Nursery and the School whilst respecting the Nursery's distinct identity.
- Act as an enthusiastic ambassador for both the Nursery and the wider School at all times.
- Participate in School events and activities as appropriate.
- Support the integration of Nursery children into the wider School community where beneficial.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the School.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Head consistent with the level of the post.
Essential
- Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
- Suitable qualification meeting EYFS and Ofsted requirements for Nursery leadership.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Safeguarding training appropriate to the role.
- Significant experience within an Early Years setting.
- Demonstrable experience working with children under two years of age.
- Strong understanding of attachment theory and the developmental needs of babies and toddlers.
- Experience of building strong partnerships with parents and carers.
- Experience leading teams within a full daycare or nursery environment.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of occupancy management.
- Strong knowledge of EYFS requirements and best practice.
- Experience of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Experience of working closely with parents and families.
- Excellent understanding of child development.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
- Ability to balance educational quality with operational effectiveness.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Warm, approachable and nurturing.
- Inspirational and collaborative leader.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Resilient and solution\-focused.
- High levels of professionalism and integrity.
- Enthusiastic ambassador for the Nursery and School.
- Experience opening, expanding or significantly developing a nursery provision.
- Experience of improving occupancy levels and growing nursery enrolment.
- Experience working in a nursery attached to an independent school.
- Experience managing provision for babies from 6 months of age.
- Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
- Experience of opening or significantly developing a nursery provision.
- Experience of Ofsted inspections.
- Budget management experience.
- Experience within an independent school environment.
Pay: £50,000\.00\-£60,000\.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On\-site parking
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