Job Description: General Manager
Salary: £18.76 per hour, Term time only £30,747 or FT £36,582.
Our client is seeking an enthusiastic and friendly manager, who is passionate about working with young children, to oversee the daily operations at our client’s nursery. Our client is a small team in a busy community setting who work very closely with the families. The nursery benefits from both the green fields and park area that surrounds the setting and the other facilities and organisations working in the same setting. They are seeking someone who is community minded and approachable with leadership experience to continue the positive journey that the nursery is on.
Work description:
This is a term-time position with working hours from 8.30am - 4.30pm. The nursery is currently open to children between 9.15am and 3.15pm.
Skills: A relevant childcare qualification in Early Years and at least 2 years’ experience of leadership within an Early Years Setting or childcare setting are essential.
You will hold a Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid certificate or be willing to undertake relevant training to gain these qualifications.
Position description:
This role will be the lead for the nursery and will consist of a mixture of operational and managerial tasks. The successful applicant will work closely alongside the Deputy Manager to manage staff and communication with parents and carers. They will plan and deliver an engaging curriculum consisting of daily child and adult led learning activities. They will ensure the nursery environment is safe and that best practice and standards are maintained.
Leadership and Management:
* Provide day to day leadership and management of a multi-disciplinary team.
*Ensure safeguarding policies are effectively implemented and that all staff understand and follow procedures.
*Ensure effective management, development, and administration of the setting.
*Act as role model, coach, mentor to staff.
* Ensure the implementation of all Nursery policies and practices.
*Work effectively with external agencies such as medical professionals and school staff to support children’s transitions and social workers.
*Maintain and share information on training and updates with staff and ensure the nursery is compliant with legal, county and OFSTED standards.
*Act as the nominated person for OFSTED and be the named Designated Safeguarding Lead for the setting.
*Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant legislation.
*Provide a brief written update for the Board of Trustees, attending quarterly meetings when required.
*Promote the nursery and maximise admissions by marketing, half termly newsletters, hosting visitors and managing social media.
Childcare and Nursery Administration:
*Provide high quality education and learning within the EYFS framework and ensure observations and assessments by staff are conducted in line with the EYFS framework and shared regularly with parents and families.
*Safeguard all children and promote child protection.
*Ensure the nursery environment is safe, clean and promotes the wellbeing and development of children.
*Champion children’s learning and development through a variety of child led and adult led activities.
* Provide care and meet the needs of all children.
*Build relationships with families including handovers with parents/carers.
*Carry out the key person role – planning for learning, recording observations, being a key contact for families.
*Promote healthy eating by providing daily healthy snacks and promoting good eating habits (e.g. eating at the table together).
Person Specification
EXPERIENCE
Experience of work in early years.
Experience of management and leading safeguarding.
Experience of working effectively with other agencies, parent/carers, and volunteers.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Excellent communication skills, (written and oral.)
Ability to write letters and keep clear and accurate records.
Ability to prioritise own work, to work autonomously and effectively.
Excellent organisational skills and ability to work to deadlines.
Ability to build relationships quickly.
Excellent working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and current Ofsted statutory guidance.
Understanding of the needs and rights of children under 5 years of age.
Good IT skills and experience of using setting management software.
Understanding and awareness of safeguarding procedures.
Ability to work in partnership with families from a diverse community.
Able to promote participation and ensure parental involvement.
Ability to promote good working practices i.e. confidentiality.
QUALIFICATIONS
Early Years minimum Level 3 - essential
Early Years degree or equivalent - desirable
MS programmes - Paediatric First Aid - desirable
Safeguarding Level 4 (DSL) - desirable
Level 5/6 graduate with EYTS - desirable
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Articulate, numerate and literate quick to grasp essentials with attention to detail.
Ability to work professionally with staff, parents, and volunteers.
Ability to understand the needs of diverse communities and the barriers that prevent inclusion.
Empathy with and understanding of staff needs with a calm and caring nature
Ability and commitment to work flexibly and collaboratively with others.
Maturity, adaptability, confidence, resilient.
Able to relate to individuals at all levels.
Reliable, enthusiastic, and flexible.
Able to perform under stress.