Ofsted-Ready Nursery Manager: Early Years & Ops Lead

Forces Recruitment Solutions Ltd.; London Borough of Havering; On-site; GBP 37,800 - 46,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Yearly bonus

31 days annual leave including bank holidays

Free childcare place

Support and development programme

Job summary

Forces Recruitment Solutions Group Ltd is looking for a Nursery Manager to run a nursery safely while ensuring it meets Ofsted standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early-years education, an understanding of EYFS frameworks, and knowledge of safeguarding regulations. Responsibilities include managing staff, overseeing operational budgets, and ensuring that the nursery environment is welcoming and compliant with legal standards.

Additional benefits include a yearly bonus, 31 days of annual leave, and a free childcare place.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in an early-years setting.
• Strong understanding of EYFS framework.
• Fully conversant with Ofsted inspection frameworks.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the nursery operates safely and is Ofsted-ready.
• Manage staff performance and support them effectively.
• Handle day-to-day operational budget and expenditures.
• Implement and uphold brand standards.

Skills

EYFS framework knowledge

Safeguarding regulations

Conflict resolution

Staff management

Education

DSL qualification (or in progress)

Job description

A fast-growing and reputable early-years childcare and education provider is seeking a Nursery Manager to run a nursery safely and to a high standard, ensuring it is Ofsted-ready at all times. The Nursery Manager will have previous experience working in an early-years setting, have a strong understanding and current knowledge of the EYFS framework, and be fully conversant with all the necessary safeguarding regulations, Ofsted inspection frameworks and statutory early-years requirements. In addition, the Nursery Manager will hold, or be working towards, a DSL qualification, have excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills, and have good staff management skills and day-to-day operational experience, such as handling rotas, business income and expenditure, and logistics.

Having successfully achieved the Investors in People standard at theirmain site, our client is now rolling this approach out across their entire organisation. This reflects a long-term commitment to developing its people, strengthening leadership, and ensuring employees experience the same high standards of support and development wherever they work.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the site runs safely, smoothly, consistently, andat a high standard, and is Ofsted-ready at all times
• Make sure all statutory requirements, safeguarding obligations, and EYFS frameworks are fully met and evidenced
• Escalate any regulatory concerns to the Operations Manager immediately
• Manage staff rota, performance, and ensure they feel supported and valued
• Respond professionally and promptly to parents and handle any day-to-day concerns sensitively
• Make sure all staff are trained and aware of their obligations to safeguarding on site, and record and escalate any concerns in line with group policy and statutory requirements
• Keep the site clean and maintained at all times, update risk assessments and how incidents are recorded, and inspect the site on a regular schedule
• Complete accurately and on time the LA headcount and funding submissions
• Work with colleagues to support the enrolment process such as welcoming prospective families, conducting tours, and ensuring places are confirmed
• Be responsible for the site’s day-to-day operational budget and escalate any future concerns or significant spend to the Ops and Finance Managers promptly
• Implement the brand and environment standards for the site, update Meet the Staff board, and ensure visitor impressions are consistently positive

Knowledge, skills and qualifications required:

• Previous experience working in an early-years setting
• Have a strong understanding and current knowledge of the EYFS framework
• Fully conversant with Ofsted inspection frameworks, safeguarding regulation and statutory early years requirements
• Hold or working towards a DSL qualification
• Great customer service and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent communication, teamwork, leadership, and management skills
• A good understanding of health and safety in an early-years setting
• Previous experience in handling related operational duties such as rotas, admissions and logistics
• Able to handle day-to-day business income and expenditure
• Is professional and discreet

Salary: circa £42,000 DOE

Benefits: yearly bonus, 31 days annual leave incl. bank holidays + add. 2 days & birthday leave, 1 free childcare place, strong support and development programme