Job Description

Job Title:

Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager

Pay: Negotiable

Reports to:

Nursery Director / HR Director

Job Purpose:

To ensure that the nursery maintains the highest standards of quality care, education, and safety by overseeing compliance with statutory regulations, early years frameworks, safeguarding requirements, and internal policies. The role is responsible for developing, monitoring, and improving quality assurance systems, ensuring best practice across the nursery, and preparing the setting for inspections (e.g., Ofsted or local authority).

Key Responsibilities:Quality Assurance

Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality assurance frameworks to ensure consistently high standards of childcare and education. Regularly audit and review teaching, learning, and care practices to promote continuous improvement. Provide coaching and support to staff to enhance performance and maintain consistency in practice. Monitor and evaluate children's progress, learning outcomes, and safeguarding practices to ensure compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Compliance & Safeguarding

Ensure the nursery operates in full compliance with Ofsted, EYFS, local authority, and health & safety requirements. Oversee safeguarding protocols and act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or support the DSL team. Conduct regular checks on health, safety, risk assessments, and incident reporting to ensure a safe environment for children and staff. Keep up to date with changes in legislation, policies, and inspection frameworks, and communicate these effectively to staff.

Policy & Documentation

Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with statutory and regulatory requirements. Review and update policies and procedures, ensuring they reflect best practice and compliance standards. Lead preparation for inspections and external quality assessments, ensuring all documentation and evidence is audit-ready.

Training & Development

Identify training needs and coordinate staff development programmes in safeguarding, compliance, and quality improvement. Deliver workshops and training sessions to embed a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice.

Leadership & Collaboration

Work closely with the Nursery Manager, Room Leaders, SENCO and staff to drive a culture of accountability and excellence. Provide clear feedback and action plans following audits and observations. Promote strong communication with parents, carers, and external agencies regarding quality, compliance, and safeguarding matters.

Key Skills & Attributes:

Strong knowledge of EYFS framework, Ofsted inspection framework Ofsted regulations, and safeguarding practices. Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills. Strong leadership and mentoring abilities. Ability to analyse data and identify areas for improvement. Confident communicator with staff, parents, and external bodies. Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Qualifications & Experience:

Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent (Level 5 or above desirable). Experience in a senior role within early years education. Strong knowledge and experience of quality assurance and compliance processes in a nursery or childcare setting. Strong Knowledge of EYFS framework 2025 Strong Knowledge of Ofsted Inspection Framework Safeguarding/DSL training (or willingness to undertake). First Aid at Work / Paediatric First Aid (desirable)
Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime On-site parking
Work Location: In person