Nursery Operations Manager

West House School; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

West House School is seeking an experienced Nursery Operations Manager to lead the EYFS department. You will champion a safe, stimulating environment, oversee planning and staffing, and collaborate with senior leadership to deliver outstanding Early Years provision.

You will implement progressive safeguarding, manage after-school and holiday care, and drive continuous improvement in learning environments while maintaining excellent parent and staff relations.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Early Years settings.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding.
• Ability to lead, develop and motivate staff.
• Experience coordinating after-school and holiday provision.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high-quality EYFS provision and curriculum with long-term planning.
• Oversee staff performance, training and wellbeing, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Lead safeguarding and DSL/Deputy DSL responsibilities for EYFS.
• Recruit, onboard and manage EYFS Practitioners and support staff.
• Manage operational paperwork, risk assessments and payroll liaising.
• Promote the nursery to prospective parents and run tours.
• Support ISI/Ofsted readiness and continuous improvement.

Education

Level 5 Early Years Leadership

SENCO qualification

Paediatric First Aid

Safeguarding training

Tools

CPOMs

Famly app

MS Office

Job description

The EYFS Department at West House School is seeking a experienced, enthusiastic and highly motivated Nursery Operations Manager.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent leadership skills, a strong understanding of EYFS and safeguarding requirements, and a proven ability to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive. They will be committed to delivering outstanding care and education while supporting, motivating and developing staff to achieve the highest standards, helping to implement and bring to life the vision and aims of the Head of Pre-Prep and EYFS.

Job Description

Reporting to: Head of Pre-Prep and EYFS.

Line Managing: Deputy Nursery Manager, EYFS Practitioners.

To maintain a high-quality Early Years provision and curriculum, including:

• Promoting a caring, safe and welcoming setting, above all promoting the safeguarding and health, safety and wellbeing of children in the department
• Providing an enabling, encouraging and stimulating environment for children to learn and develop
• Overseeing the implementation of a varied, inclusive and high-quality integrated curriculum, conducting short, long and medium term planning and continuously monitoring for improvement
• Following and implementing all regulations and recommendations to ensure successful ISI inspections
• Ensuring the department’s policies and procedures are known and embedded
• Keeping abreast of developments in the EYFS and Preparatory School sector, maintaining own continuous professional development and sharing best practice with colleagues
• Providing and organising an after-school and Holiday Club service, ensuring correct ratios and arranging suitable activities
• Ensuring the children’s welfare, development and wellbeing remain the highest priority
• Monitoring the quality of learning environments and educational activities
• Supporting staff in delivering age-appropriate learning and development programmes.

To maintain a positive culture to identify and support children with their progress, development or well-being, including:

• Acting as Deputy DSL with responsibility for EYFS, demonstrating knowledge of the Child Protection Safeguarding Policy, undertaking regular training and providing in-house training to new members of staff as required.
• Keeping the Headmaster and relevant colleagues informed of all safeguarding matters using CPOMs software
• Referring children to colleagues or external agencies for specialist support
• Working with the DSL to record and report incidents in line with school policies and procedures
• Monitoring progress and achievement, overseeing the compilation of profiles and reports on pupils throughout their EYFS journey
• Ensuring EYFS practitioners keep records and evidence of progress, including effective use of the Famly app
• Developing strong relationships with parents and families, ensuring children’s individual needs and medical requirements are taken care of sensitively and appropriately, and organising regular parents’ evenings
• Ensuring all safeguarding policies and procedures are followed.

To manage and support a positive and committed team of skilled EYFS Practitioners, including:

• Recruiting and onboarding new staff
• Arranging and providing training, mentoring and continuous performance management and support
• Performing regular supervisions and observations of staff to ensure implementation of the EYFS Statutory Framework
• Arranging regular staff briefings, promoting wellbeing, encouraging an open dialogue and space for Practitioners to exercise their creativity and innovation
• Organising the deployment of staff and their working hours to comply with statutory ratios, approving the use of high quality agency staff where necessary
• Proactively and supportively line managing EYFS staff, setting clear work and development objectives
• Leading, motivating and supporting EYFS staff to achieve high standards of performance.

To manage the operations of the Department efficiently and effectively, including:

• Ensuring all necessary paperwork, documentation and risk assessments are completed, monitored and reviewed
• Promoting the nursery to prospective parents, providing tours and organising settling in sessions
• Ensuring fees and charges are processed promptly and accurately
• Updating and reviewing information presented to parents and displays throughout the EYFS department building
• Recording and approving staff hours and overtime and submitting information to the payroll department
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, safeguarding requirements and regulatory standards
• Addressing concerns, feedback and enquiries professionally and promptly.

To act as an ambassador of the school and maintain a positive image of its aims and objectives, including:

• Carrying out duties and responsibilities of the post with regard to the Equal Opportunities Policy and the needs of the school.
• Liaising with members of the Senior Leadership Team and other colleagues on a regular basis
• Carrying out playtime and lunchtime duties if required.
• Attending all Open Days and at least two Parents’ Association events organised during the academic year
• Attending staff meetings and training as appropriate.
• Carrying out any other duties which will be seen to enhance the children’s learning and care in the school.
• Keeping all information regarding the school, pupils and staff completely confidential at all times.
• Having the highest regard for physical safety, including the well-being and administration of first-aid.
• Engaging in the school’s appraisal system as required.
• Embedding the principles of the West House Way into the EYFS department

This job description is not exhaustive. Other task and responsibilities may be allocated as necessary and reasonable from time to time.

Person Specification

• Paediatric First Aid training, or willingness to undertake training at start of employment
• Safeguarding training and qualifications
• DSL/Deputy DSL training or willingness to undertake training at start of employment
• Significant experience working within an Early Years setting
• Experience of working with children aged 0 to 5 years
• Thorough knowledge of Experience of implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage framework
• Knowledge of SEND requirements and inclusive practice
• Experience of liaising with parents, carers and external agencies
• Awareness of health and safety legislation within childcare settings
• Understanding of Ofsted/ISI requirements and inspection processes
• Experience of supervising, leading or managing a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Strong organisational skills
• Excellent problem solving, decision making and prioritisation skills
• Ability to maintain confidential, accurate records and documentation
• Self-starter with an enthusiastic attitude, drive and a passion for achieving results
• Enthusiasm for working in a school/EYFS setting to deliver the best environment for education
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
• Willingness to promote and support the school’s aims and ethos.
• Willingness to promote and support the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures
• Level 5 qualification in Early Years Leadership/Management or willingness to work towards this
• SEND or SENCO qualification
• Experience of delivering staff training and mentoring
• Experience of managing an Ofsted/ISI inspection
• Experience of working in a DSL/Deputy DSL role
• Experience as a Fire Safety Officer or similar