Manager-Bright Star Nursery-Birtley

Gainford Care Homes Ltd; Birtley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery provider in Birtley seeks an experienced Nursery Manager to oversee daily operations, ensuring compliance with childcare regulations and leading a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum Level 3 qualification in early years, experience as a Nursery Manager, and a strong understanding of Ofsted and safeguarding. Competitive salary and benefits including 30 days annual leave and bonus scheme offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Bonus scheme

Staff discount

Qualifications

• Minimum of Level 3 qualification in early years is essential.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted, Safeguarding, Child Protection regulations.
• Experience of recruitment and HR procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the nursery.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted and Health and Safety legislation.
• Lead and manage the staff team with recruitment and retention.

Skills

Experience as a Nursery Manager

Understanding of Ofsted regulations

Knowledge of Child Protection and Safeguarding

Recruitment and HR procedures

Education

Level 3 qualification in early years

Willingness to obtain Level 5 in leadership

Job description

Gainford Group have an exciting opportunity for a Nursery Manager within Bright Star Nursery in Birtley. Our nurseries are rated Outstanding with Ofsted and have a total maximum capacity of 220 places. The nurseries form part of Gainford Group, a family run business operating since 1995. Employing over 1500 staff, Gainford Group have a portfolio of 13 good rated care homes, multi award winning hotels, bars and restaurants. We are one of the largest growing independent employers in the northeast.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the nursery.
• Ensuring all policies and procedures are implemented, updated and adhered to at all times, including compliance with Ofsted, Child Protection, special needs, safeguarding and Health and Safety legislation.
• Deliver outstanding care to all the children in your setting, overseeing the development and maintenance of appropriate planning, observation and assessment procedures to ensure a consistent service.
• Review and monitor occupancy levels to ensure they are maintained to maximum capacity, working with company directors or their representatives to proactively promote the nursery using advertising or marketing campaigns.
• Promote parental involvement, including a yearly plan of events for parents to join and an effective parent liaison programme, with regular communication via monthly newsletters, email and social networking.
• Monitor enquiries and bookings to ensure the nursery meets expected occupancy levels agreed with company directors.
• Lead and manage the staff team, including recruitment and retention, ensuring appointments are qualified, with DBS checks and contracts provided, and supporting continuous professional development.
• Develop and maintain the nursery environment, resources and equipment to provide a high-quality learning space with a wide range of experiences.
• Ensure healthy, nutritious food is offered at all times.
• Hold regular meetings with the directors to identify key concerns, priorities and agreed actions.

The Ideal Applicant:

• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager is essential.
• A minimum Level 3 qualification in early years and willingness to obtain a Level 5 in leadership.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted, Safeguarding, Child Protection and legislative requirements for working with children.
• Experience of recruitment and HR procedures (full support will be provided by Head Office for all HR matters).

Additional Benefits:

• Very competitive salary reflecting experience and qualifications.
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Bonus scheme.
• Staff discount.

Personal Responsibilities:

• All statutory training kept up to date.
• Commitment to excellence in childcare, sharing enthusiasm and passion for childcare, led by example and motivating the staff team to achieve a high‑quality standard of care and education.