Job Description

The operations Manager is responsible for the operational oversight, quality, compliance, and staff management of all Kidspace settings -- currently 9 after-school clubs and 3 preschools. This list outlines the main expectations of the role but is not exclusive, and additional duties may be required as the business evolves.

Hours 40 hours per week, 42 weeks per year + 5.6 Holiday

1. Leadership & Oversight

Visit each setting regularly (a minimum of every two weeks, or weekly where possible -- unless providing major illness cover).

Delegate a clear focus or task for the Assistant Area Manager to complete during each setting visit -- such as reviewing a specific area of practice, auditing paperwork, or following up on previous actions -- and review outcomes together weekly.

Ensure all clubs and preschools operate safely, efficiently, and in line with EYFS, Ofsted, and company standards.

Provide direction, guidance, and day-to-day support to Setting Managers and staff.

Lead meetings, cascade updates, and ensure consistency across all settings.

Ensure all settings complete and embed agreed actions from management meetings, audits, and inspections.

Maintain a supportive, professional culture and high staff morale.

Be present for all Ofsted and Food Hygiene inspections, leading the visit on behalf of Kidspace or providing direct support depending on the Proprietor's availability.

Undertake regular and unannounced visits to monitor practice, ratios, and environment quality.

Support the development of improvement/Audits plans to ensure business continuity across all settings.

Ensure effective delegation within settings and follow up on outcomes.

Model professionalism, discretion, and Kidspace values at all times.

2. Quality, Compliance & Improvement

Maintain and monitor compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, safeguarding, and health and safety requirements.

Ensure all policies and procedures are up to date and implemented consistently.

Ensure all audit findings and action plans are logged, tracked, and reviewed to closure.

Embed a consistent quality assurance cycle (monitor ? feedback ? action ? re-check).

Support Pre-school managers to evidence intent, implementation, and impact within their EYFS curriculum.

Prepare settings for inspections and ensure action plans and paperwork are completed and reviewed.

Ensure statutory documentation and risk assessments are current and accessible.

Liaise with Ofsted, local authorities, schools, landlords, and professional bodies as required.

Promote innovation and continuous improvement through reflection and shared good practice.

3. Safeguarding & Welfare

Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for Kidspace.

Ensure all managers and staff follow safeguarding procedures and that all recruitment processes are carried out in line with EYFS Safer Recruitment guidance.

Maintain oversight of safeguarding files, referrals, and incident trends.

Provide regular safeguarding updates and ensure all staff training is current.

Support DSL networks and cascade learning from serious case reviews or new guidance.

Oversee staff compliance with confidentiality, GDPR, and record-keeping standards.

Ensure safer working practice guidance is fully embedded and revisited annually.

Ensure supervision levels and welfare standards are consistent across all activities.

4. Staffing & HR Management

Oversee interviews, onboarding, and induction for new staff.

Maintain appropriate staffing levels and manage cover during absence.

Conduct appraisals, supervisions, and return-to-work meetings.

Manage staff performance, conduct, and disciplinary matters fairly and consistently.

Identify training needs and ensure all statutory and CPD training is completed on time.

Promote staff wellbeing and retention by monitoring workloads and recognising good performance.

Mentor Setting Managers and Deputies, building strong leadership capacity within the team.

5. Curriculum, Play & Learning

Support Preschool Managers to deliver a high-quality EYFS curriculum.

Support Club Leaders to provide inclusive and engaging play opportunities.

Monitor learning environments and ensure all children's needs and interests are met.

Monitor the balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning to ensure a responsive curriculum.

Promote inclusion and equality throughout all settings.

6. Parent, School & Community Relations

Oversee parent complaints and ensure concerns are handled promptly and professionally.

Build and maintain positive relationships with schools, community partners, and external agencies.

Ensure communication with parents reflects Kidspace values -- professional, friendly, and solution-focused.

Ensure consistent marketing and local reputation for quality provision.

Support and attend key parent and community events where possible.

7. Business & Financial Oversight

Support the Proprietor with budgets, resource allocation, and financial compliance.

Ensure timesheets and payroll information are accurate and on time.

Support settings to meet and maintain occupancy levels through effective communication, planning, and parent engagement.

Assist on new site openings or refurbishments.

8. Health, Safety & Premises

Conduct regular environment walks and ensure all premises are safe, clean, and well maintained.

Ensure fire, first aid, and risk assessments are completed, reviewed, and recorded.

Oversee COSHH compliance in settings and safe storage of cleaning materials.

Ensure any maintenance or landlord issues are reported and followed up promptly.

Ensure all staff understand emergency and critical incident procedures.

Lead on Food Hygiene compliance, ensuring Environmental Health standards are met across all settings.

9. Administration & Communication

Maintain accurate company-wide records stored securely on OneDrive.

Ensure documentation and checklists are completed and reviewed regularly.

Establish effective communication systems between settings and management.

Respond promptly to messages and represent Kidspace professionally in all correspondence.

10. Reporting & Accountability

Provide brief written visit reports summarising key findings, actions, and follow-up needs.

Maintain a professional diary or visit log to evidence monitoring frequency and outcomes.

Keep transparent records of visits, audits, and actions taken.

Notify the Proprietor immediately of any safeguarding, staffing, or serious incidents.

Note: This task list is not exclusive. The operations Manager may be asked to carry out additional duties as required by the Proprietor to meet the evolving needs of Kidspace

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: 13.00-15.50 per hour

Benefits:

Childcare Flexitime
Work Location: On the road