Job Description

Nursery Manager.

Nursery:

Little Lodge Nursery

Job Type

: Full Time, Full year-round [40 hours per week]

Little Lodge is looking for a full time, Nursery Manager to join our team. Situated on Binswood Avenue and part of Arnold Lodge School, this is an exciting opportunity for a high-quality practitioner to be part of a wonderful Nursery setting.

Our Nursery

Little Lodge is a full time Day Nursery that educates children from 0 to 4 years old within an environment that places the happiness and confidence of children at the heart of our ethos. Arnold Lodge School has recently acquired the nursery and opened "Little Lodge" and we are excited for the future to help create the most wonderful nursery we can.

We know that happiness and self-assurance are central to children's development. When pupils are happy and confident, they are able to make outstanding progress in all areas.

As part of Arnold Lodge School, Little Lodge shares the school ethos & values, the school facilities as well as the specialist teachers in order to enrich the children's experience. In keeping with the values of Little Lodge, as our children grow, we hope to nurture them to be kind, honest and hard working.

Hours of Appointment

This is a full time, full year position for 40 hours. The successful candidate, in discussion with the Director, will be able to consider the shift rotation and how this works over the week.

What can we offer you?

Competitive salary up to 50,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications Genuine leadership opportunity to shape the future of Little Lodge Nursery Association with Arnold Lodge School (established 1864) and Newman Schools Group wider settings (Stratford Preparatory School; Little Prep Nursery) Operational autonomy with appropriate senior leadership support Investment in professional development including funded qualifications, courses and conferences Generous annual leave allowance (details to be confirmed at interview) Pension scheme with employer contribution Private health insurance Generous staff discount at Newman Schools Group settings Opportunity to establish Little Lodge as the leading early years provision in the area Working environment that values excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities Leadership and Management:

Genuine passion for early years education and child development. Commitment to our values: hard working (Dedicas), honest (Veritas) and kind (Amicus). Resilient, adaptable and solution-focused approach. Reflective practitioner with commitment to continuous professional development. Professional, calm and approachable demeanour. Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Curriculum and Quality of Education:

Lead the design, implementation and continuous development of an ambitious, child-centred curriculum. Ensure all practitioners understand and effectively deliver the EYFS, supporting children to make excellent progress. Embed our nursery values (hard working, honest, kind) through our character mascots Amicus, Dedicas and Veritas. Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning and assessment across all rooms. Ensure accurate, meaningful observations and assessments that inform planning and identify next steps. Oversee the progress check at age two and preparation for the EYFS Profile.

Safeguarding and Welfare:

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the nursery or work closely with the appointed DSL. Create and maintain a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Ensure all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and understand their duties. Manage concerns, disclosures and referrals in line with statutory guidance and local procedures. Lead on safer recruitment practices, ensuring all required checks are completed and recorded. Ensure children's health, safety and wellbeing are prioritised in all aspects of nursery life. Implement and monitor robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all staff are trained and vigilant.

Inclusion and SEND:

Work closely with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). Ensure early identification of children who may need additional support. Coordinate with external agencies, professionals and families to secure appropriate interventions. Champion inclusive practice so that every child can access the curriculum and make progress.

Regulatory Compliance and Administration:

Manage nursery admissions, occupancy levels, and waiting lists. Oversee the efficient use of resources and manage the nursery budget effectively. Ensure all administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time (e.g. record-keeping). Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all children and staff.

Regulatory Compliance and Administration:

Ensure full compliance with the EYFS statutory framework, Ofsted requirements and all relevant legislation Maintain accurate records, policies and procedures as required by the EYFS and Ofsted Prepare for and lead on Ofsted inspections, demonstrating the quality of provision Manage nursery budgets effectively in partnership with the business team. Oversee occupancy, admissions and parent communications.

Qualifications & Experience [essential]

Approved Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or above) as listed on the DfE Early Years Qualifications List. Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics (statutory requirement for managers appointed from January 2024). At least five years' experience working in education, an early years setting, or equivalent suitable experience. Proven experience in a leadership or senior practitioner role within early years. Current Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain). Designated Safeguarding Lead training (or willingness to complete). Safer Recruitment training (or willingness to complete).

Qualifications & Experience [desirable]

Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or degree-level qualification in Early Childhood Studies. Experience of leading a setting through Ofsted inspection. SENCo qualification or experience. Experience of managing budgets and business administration.

Knowledge & Skills [essential]

Comprehensive knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework, Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters. Thorough understanding of Ofsted inspection requirements and what constitutes outstanding practice. Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together. Understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive approaches to early years education. Excellent communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and staff. Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail. Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.

Personal Qualities [essential]

Genuine passion for early years education and child development. Commitment to our values: hard working (Dedicas), honest (Veritas) and kind (Amicus). Resilient, adaptable and solution-focused approach. Reflective practitioner with commitment to continuous professional development. Professional, calm and approachable demeanour. Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
We encourage early application and we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before the closing date if we receive adequate applications.

Little Lodge is committed to safeguarding our children. The successful candidate will be required to provide an Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS and a disqualification from childcare disclaimer before any appointment is confirmed. Little Lodge may undertake online searches of shortlisted candidates as part of due diligence checks.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 42,500.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company events Company pension Employee discount Free flu jabs Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (required)
Experience:

Nursery: 2 years (required) Childcare: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Leamington Spa CV32 5TW (preferred)
Work Location: In person