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Nursery Manager (Maternity)

About Us

Handprints Day Nursery & Preschool is located in Earl Shilton, Leicester. As a team of professionals, our primary goal is to provide top-quality care for children and cultivate positive relationships with everyone involved. Our nursery has a capacity of 50 places and is open for 50 weeks a year, catering to children aged between 0-11. We adhere to the Curiosity Approach, which is supported by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

Summary
The Nursery Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the nursery. You will be responsible for managing the staff, creating and implementing programs and activities, ensuring compliance with all relevant current and new regulations and laws, maintaining the facility, and ensuring the safeguarding and wellbeing of all children in the care of the nursery. The day-to-day management of the nursery including quality improvement, marketing and administration.

 

Key Areas

  • High standards of care and early learning of all children

  • Regulatory, industry and legal standards met  

  • Team building and staff management

  • Support with marketing support and customer growth

  • Managing rotas and invoices

  • Managing parent queries around invoicing; additional sessions and more

  • Regular reporting on metrics and performance to the owners

  • 50% office based and 50% with children

 

Staff Management

  • Oversee hiring, training and supervision of childcare staff, including deputy managers, practitioners, and apprentices.

  • Develop work schedules, assign tasks, and assess performance through periodic supervision.

  • Promote a positive work environment, supporting teamwork and growth.

  • Follow safer recruitment procedures for effective hiring, promotion, and HR record-keeping.

  • Ensure all staff and regular visitors undergo required pre-employment checks and have DBS registration.

  • Conduct inductions, supervise staff, and hold performance appraisals.

  • Identify and address training needs, manage performance, and handle disciplinary actions.

  • Maintain appropriate staffing levels and communicate changes in procedures.

  • Lead by example, chair staff meetings, and foster positive child behaviour management.

  • Utilise IT systems, particularly Famly and Google Drive, for accurate information delivery.

  • Hold periodic team meetings to cascade key messages to staff

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Regulatory Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with government regulations, including health and safety standards, Ofsted requirements and staffing ratios.

  • Participate in inspections and audits by regulatory agencies.

  • Undertake internal audits to ensure high quality performance and outcomes

  • Liaise with relevant authorities to meet reporting criteria, including reporting to Ofsted on health and safety issues.

  • Lead inspections and visits from Ofsted and other bodies.

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Setting Management

  • Ensure that the nursery is clean, safe, and well-maintained by staff.

  • Oversee the maintenance of equipment and supplies.

  • Develop and implement plans for emergency preparedness and response, fire safety drills, ensure First Aid kits and extinguishers are in working order and serviced as required. 

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Budgetary Management

  • Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue and reduce expenses.

  • Work with the Finance Manager to ensure the financial performance of the nursery is meeting expectations 

  • Lead marketing activities such as tours to increase occupancy and revenue for the nursery - Maximising occupancy levels through proactive marketing alongside the owner and excellent presentation of the nursery

  • Prepare, chase and ensure payments of invoices are made in a timely manner 

  • Ensure headcount records are up-to-date 

  • Ensure EYPP and additional children funding is properly managed and spent on maximising our children's experience in our nursery

  • Following-up with unpaid invoices

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Operational Management

  • Undergo training with the current manager for an effective handover along with supporting the current manager with 'keep in touch days'

  • Collaborate with the Deputy Manager on planning, tasks and delegate as needed.

  • Oversee nursery success, including administration, daily operations, and security.

  • Adhere to company policies and Children Acts while implementing EYFS requirements.

  • Implement safeguarding policies, monitor EYFS curriculum, and ensure a stimulating environment.

  • Ensure cultural diversity is reflected and maintain accurate child records.

  • Oversee proper use of targeted plans and tailored routines, and monitor planning quality and resource provision.

  • Lead observation and assessment of children's development, including for special needs.

  • Promote ECERS/ITERS audits, the Curiosity approach, and partnerships with advisors.

  • Maintain strong communication with parents about child progress and food safety compliance.

  • Manage internal systems, weekly staff rotas, complaints, and sector updates.

  • Troubleshoot on-site problems, maintain the facility, and handle enrolment and parent queries.

  • Plan annual events and prepare for Ofsted inspections, implementing recommendations.

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Health & Safety 

  • Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, ratios, and registration conditions.

  • Adhere to fire safety regulations and maintain up-to-date fire drill records.

  • Implement robust procedures for managing children's allergy and dietary needs.

  • Stay vigilant on health and safety issues, reducing risks through preventive actions.

  • Promote health and safety via periodic employee briefs and training.

  • Maintain high cleanliness standards and conduct regular cleanliness and safety checks.

  • Follow health and safety policies, including risk assessments and control measures.

  • Monitor accident records and submit reports to regulatory bodies.

  • Adhere to medicine procedures and maintain allergy management systems.

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Qualifications

  • Full and relevant NVQ Level 3 or higher

  • At least 1-2 years experience working as a Manager

  • Experience as a Deputy Manager is also welcome

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Job Details and Benefits

  • Location: Earl Shilton, Leicester

  • Job Type: Full-time

  • Contract: Maternity cover (12 months)

  • Schedule: Monday to Friday

  • Hours: Variable start/finish times between opening hours

  • Salary: Negotiable

  • Responsible To: Nursery Owners

  • Competitive and Negotiable Salary

  • Company pension

  • Sick pay

  • Discounted childcare (up to 50%)

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