Deputy Nursery Manager

5 Star Day Nursery; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare facility in the UK is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager to oversee the daily operations in the absence of the Nursery Manager. Responsibilities include supervising staff, ensuring compliance with childcare regulations, and providing high-quality care for children aged 0-5. The ideal candidate will possess a level 3 childcare qualification, experience in early years education, and strong leadership skills. This role requires effective time management and excellent communication abilities with parents and staff, contributing to a positive work environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a level 3 childcare qualification or higher.
• Previous experience in early years education is essential.
• Effective communication skills with children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Act as Nursery Manager in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
• Supervise and support the delivery of high-quality care.
• Manage staff performance and development.

Skills

Knowledge of child development

Time management

Effective communication

Leadership

Education

Full and relevant level 3 childcare qualification

GCSE grades A-C in English & Maths

Job description

Purpose of Post

To act as Nursery Manager in the absence thereof, fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of the post to ensure the compliant and successful operation of the setting.

To support the day to day operation of the setting to the highest standards, ensuring that the best possible environment and care are provided for young children and their families.

To provide high quality, flexible childcare for families compliant with all national and local requirements and arrangements.

Adhere to, and ensure all staff of 5 Star Day Nursery follow the Policies & Procedures of 5 Star Day Nursery and compliance with the Childrens' Act, Health and Safety legislation and within the guidelines of OFSTED and the National Standards.

Reports To

Nursery Manager

Qualification Requirements

• A full and relevant level 3 childcare / teaching qualification or higher
• GCSE grades A-C / 4+ in English & Maths where required to meet the qualification full and relevant criteria.

Main Responsibilities

• To fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner post
• To supervise and support the delivery of consistently high standards of care and education of children between 0 to five years in accordance with statutory requirements
• To ensure the EYFS is promoted and delivered within the setting and the principles adhered to
• To ensure effective communication between the staff and with all partner organisations
• To provide support, development opportunities and feedback, reviewing staff performance, conduct and behaviour through the supervision process of staff within your area of responsibility, providing feedback to the Nursery Manager and agreeing any training or development required
• Responsible for monitoring & approving Family uploads of staff within your area of responsibility
• To lead on 'Show arounds' & Child Inductions for new starters within your area of responsibility
• Conduct monthly reviews on accident and incident forms (fed into staff meetings)
• Preparing termly funding forms ensuring they timely and accurate completion and submission to the Nursery Manager
• Liaising with EYP's within your area of responsibility to prepare the monthly calendar of events, celebrations and key activities, dates and information (fed into staff meetings)
• Reviewing and ensuring the room routines are being adhered to providing feedback to the Nursery Manager on suggested improvements as and when required
• Conducting regular room 'spot checks' within your area of responsibility to ensure the compliant operation of services, quality assurance of education and appropriate conduct and behaviour of staff; feeding back all information to the Nursery Manager and into the Supervision process.
• Take a lead role within SENCO & Safeguarding defined and agreed with the Nursery Manager to support all children and families within the setting
• Maintaining social media uploads of activities, events and information in compliance with policies and procedures, ensuring a consistent, positive social media presence which encourages user engagement
• Organising staffing to maintain ratios to covering sickness, annual leave, absences and other occupancy related variances
• Leading in staff meetings on areas of responsibility to provide information which drives service improvement and improves knowledge and understanding
• To support the complaints process positively in accordance with all policies and procedures
• To support effective partnership working with the Early Years Department, local childcare/educational providers, health providers, Sure Start and other Children's centres
• Conduct monthly stock checks of art, crafts, PPE and other associated consumables, to maintain resources within the setting, relaying all information to the Nursery Manager within the agreed timescales
• Updating room inventories for your area of responsibility on a termly basis, liaising with the Nursery Manager to agree necessary purchases with consideration of budget limits

Managing Staff

The post holder will be responsible for management and supervision of the following staff within their area of responsibility:

• Early Years Practitioners
• Apprentices
• Students on work experience / placement
• From time to time there may be a requirement to manage the work of staff who are appointed for supply work or to provide supervision for students on placement

Managing Resources

• The Deputy Nursery Manager will be a key holder for the Nursery

Managing Quality

• To support and maintain safe and acceptable standards of practice that meets OFSTED criteria
• To ensure quality standards, including the implementation of all relevant legislation, policies and procedures

Managing Information

• To produce reports and statistical information as required, maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality in record-keeping
• To promote, attend and represent 5 Star Day Nursery at appropriate events, conferences, seminars and training
• To undertake any other task requested which is commensurate with this role and responsibility

Contacts and Relationships

• Internal: Senior Management Team, All staff employed for the day care provision, Children
• External: Ofsted, Parents and families, Staff from a wide range of other agencies and settings including the Social Services, Primary Care Trust, NHS Trust, and a range of voluntary/private sector organisations and Day Care providers

The Deputy Nursery Manager will be expected to build good working relationships at every level. Working in partnership with parents and families is highly valued and the Deputy Nursery Manager must be approachable, friendly and able to always communicate effectively.

At all times the Deputy Nursery Manager will be expected to respect the confidentiality of sensitive family information (subject to child protection policies and procedures).

Decisions

Discretion: The Deputy Nursery Manager will work closely with the Nursery Manager and other members of the management team. Information and guidance will be readily available; however, the Deputy Nursery Manager will be expected to work autonomously in relation to their contribution to the day to day management of Nursery. The role requires the confidence to make day to day decisions thoughtfully and with a high degree of sensitivity to the needs of children and families.

Work Environment

a) Work Demands: The Deputy Nursery Manager will need to demonstrate effective time management being attentive to a planned timetable whilst retaining the flexibility to be accessible and available to parents and staff as and when needed. The Deputy Nursery Manager will need to make judgements about the delegation of tasks and responsibilities to Early Years Practitioners and other staff within their area of responsibility.

b) Physical Demands: The work requires normal physical effort. It may occasionally involve lifting and handling of training equipment, play equipment and other resources and to be involved in practical activities and physical care of young children.

c) Working Conditions: The Deputy Nursery Manager is room based, with agreed cover in order to fulfil duties which require such inclusive of meetings & training in other places.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge, understanding and practical experience of Day Care for young children
• Knowledge and practical understanding of child development and parenting
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation and regulations relating to day care for young children and the inspections process for approval of day care settings
• Knowledge and ability to implement policies and procedures consistent with legislation, regulations, and local requirements
• Able to work independently and to manage own time efficiently