Nursery Manager

Ever wanted your own nursery? We are looking for an experienced manager for Woodlands Nursery.

In our purpose-built nature-based preschool, the curriculum emerges through children’s exploration and play in the great outdoors. We encourage child led learning along with qualified forest schoolteachers to give children the best early years start.

Woodlands Nursery was built in 2020, the timber-framed design with 3 light filled open classroom layouts, each containing kitchen and toilet facilities. Nursery layouts designed by community play fit their beautiful furniture to give the children a completely child sized home from home. A spacious outdoor area offers plenty of playing and learning opportunities and four days a week we have qualified forest schoolteachers who have built Forest school into our weekly routine for both inside and out. Set within the grounds of a beautiful Mill and parklands means we get to explore the grounds and playpark almost every day.

Two years in, we are now full with a waiting list and now have an exciting opportunity for a manager to take full ownership over the nursery and lead us forward. I understand that woodlands staff are our greatest asset and I embrace change and the welcome freshness it brings. The manager will receive a performance related bonus on top of a competitive salary and the ability to have flexible hours between 37.5 and 40 to give a work life balance.

Woodlands is the sister nursery of Small World Montessori in Ipswich which as the owner I manage full time, this means I am able to share some of the administrative duties such as policies and am currently in charge of all the funding duties for woodlands.

You

I am looking for a manager who has at least 3 years previous experience of a management position leading a large team with a minimum of 5 years’ experience of working within a Day Nursery. Sound knowledge of the latest EYFS framework and regulations are essential.

Ideally you would have a management qualification or a L6 in Early Years / Childcare and experience of working in Ofsted outstanding nurseries.

Your role

As manager, you will take full responsibility for the daily running of Woodlands Nursery, including the leadership and management of staff and premises, the welfare, learning and development of children and liaison with parents, in accordance with the statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

You will be accountable for the provision of high quality inclusive play and learning opportunities for all children and sustain a safe, welcoming, purposeful, stimulating and encouraging environment both indoors and outdoors.

Your responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for all aspects of the operation of the nursery, including the management and deployment of staff and the safety, security, education and wellbeing of all children in line with the written policies of woodlands Nursery, Ofsted registration requirements and all statutory legislation.
• Take responsibility for ensuring policies and procedures are in place to meet the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Statutory Framework for the EYFS.
• Oversee the planning of appropriate experiences for children of all ages in line with the nursery’s policy on teaching and learning to meet the learning and development requirements of the Statutory Framework for the EYFS.
• Oversee the organisation and implementation of the nursery’s key person system.
• Monitor the implementation of Wooodlands Nursery policy on planning, assessment, recording and reporting in line with the requirements of the Statutory Framework for the EYFS.
• Manage the use of the space within the building and outdoors to ensure all children have access to an appropriate range of opportunities and experiences.
• Manage communication with parents, addressing any concerns, informing them of their children’s progress, and encouraging them to become involved in their children’s learning.
• Take responsibility for all matters relating to special educational needs, safeguarding and child protection, in line with the policies of the Nursery.
• Manage a planned programme of supervision for all staff to foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement which encourages the confidential discussion of sensitive issues.
• Implement the the Nursery performance management policy including a planned cycle of staff observation.
• Operate strict financial controls in order to manage the designated budget of the nursery.
• Oversee the organisation of a programme of staff training to meet identified training needs and ensure all trainees receive appropriate mentoring, coaching and training.
• Develop professional working relationships with all relevant authorities, including the local authority, Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE).
• Take responsibility for personal professional development, including participation in any necessary training.

We will offer you

• A Competitive Salary
• Workplace Pension
• Free Enhanced DBS Check
• Free Training Opportunities and CPD
• Free Onsite Parking
• Social Events

To apply for the position please send your CV and a covering letter to emma@woodlandsnurserykerseymill.co.uk

Emma’s Small World Ltd is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its children, families and staff. All staff, students and volunteers are required to have an enhanced DBS check to ensure their suitability and undertake safeguarding training.