Early Years Funding Manager

Kids Planet Day Nurseries; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery care provider is seeking an Early Years Funding Manager to oversee funding responsibilities. You'll ensure compliance with funding legislation, manage local authority relationships, and coordinate audits. Ideal candidates will have strong financial acumen, excellent attention to detail, and proven experience in early years funding processes. This is a senior role that involves strategic planning and team collaboration to enhance funding efficiency.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of early years funding frameworks and Local Authority processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
• Advanced skills in financial forecasting and cash flow analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead for early years funding legislation and guidance.
• Ensure Local Authority deadlines for funding claims.
• Manage reconciliations between Funding Loop and Famly.

Skills

Understanding of early years funding frameworks

Attention to detail

Financial forecasting skills

Communication skills

Ability to lead audits

Proficiency in Famly and Funding Loop

Problem-solving skills

Experience in finance or similar role

Managing LA relationships

Financial acumen

Leadership experience

Tools

Famly

Funding Loop

Job description

Kids Planet Day Nurseries is dedicated to providing exceptional nursery care and education in a unique environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and socialize. With over 200 nurseries and growing, we are a rapidly expanding company committed to excellence in early childhood education.

About the Role

We are seeking an Early Years Funding Manager to join our team. This senior role reports directly to the Head of Billing & Collections and coordinates all aspects of early years funding across the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the organisation’s lead for early years funding legislation and statutory guidance, proactively monitoring changes and ensuring senior leadership and relevant teams are informed and aligned with any updates.
• Ensure all Local Authority (LA) deadlines for early years funding claims are met and that submissions are accurate and timely.
• Manage reconciliations between the Funding Loop system and Famly, identifying and resolving any discrepancies promptly.
• Monitor cash flow to confirm that payments received align with claims submitted, and escalating any variances.
• Forecast future funding claims to support financial planning and provide insights to senior leadership.
• Review and manage LA early years funding contracts, ensuring compliance and communicating key requirements internally.
• Act as the main point of contact for all LAs, maintaining strong relationships and handling all funding‑related queries.
• Coordinate and lead audits with LAs, both virtually and in person, ensuring full compliance and accurate documentation.
• Support the SEND team with Disability Access Fund (DAF) and SEND funding applications and reconciliations when required.
• Create and confirm term dates for all nurseries in line with LA requirements and communicate these internally.
• Update internal funding information and ensure all relevant training materials reflect the latest changes.
• Deliver training sessions to the Billing & Collections team and other stakeholders on funding processes and updates.
• Identify opportunities to streamline funding processes and improve efficiency across systems and workflows.
• Support the Head of Billing & Collections with any additional tasks or projects related to funding and financial compliance.

Key Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of early years funding frameworks and LA processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
• Advanced skills in financial forecasting and cash flow analysis.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, particularly with external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead audits and ensure compliance under pressure.
• Proficiency in systems such as Famly and Funding Loop (or similar platforms).
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Proven experience in early years funding, finance, or a similar role within the childcare or education sector.
• Experience managing LA relationships and funding audits.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with reconciliations and forecasting.
• Leadership experience or ability to influence and train others.