Job Description

Description

The Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring high-quality educational practice

across all Little Elms nurseries. This role focuses on developing and upskilling staff

through coaching, modelling, training, and embedding the Little Elms Curriculum in line

with child development knowledge, EYFS, and the organisation's pedagogical

principles.

The Quality Manager is a hands-on pedagogical leader who works alongside managers,

room leaders, apprentices and practitioners to elevate practice, drive curriculum

fidelity, and ensure exceptional outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Visits & In-Practice Mentoring

Conduct regular quality visits across nurseries. Observe practice, assess quality and learning environments, and provide

constructive feedback.

Coach staff in real time, scaffolding practice and demonstrating effective

strategies.

Model exemplary interactions, routines, and classroom organisation. Identify areas of improvement and support action plans with nursery leaders.

2. Training Design & Delivery

Design and deliver engaging training sessions at the Centre for Learning, during

inset days, and in settings.

Support the development of training programmes aligned to curriculum pillars,

developmental knowledge, and organisational goals.

Facilitate reflective practice and pedagogical discussions that deepen

practitioner understanding and extend their skill set.

3. Curriculum Understanding & Implementation

Support teams in applying the Little Elms Curriculum, ensuring theory-topractice fidelity. Promote understanding of curriculum pedagogical pillars (e.g., Little Artists,

Little Athletes, Little Innovators, Little Wellbeings).

Guide room leaders and managers to plan, deliver and evaluate learning through

high-quality interactions.

Monitor curriculum execution and recommend improvement strategies.

4. Child Development Expertise

Strengthen staff understanding of typical and atypical child development from

birth to 5.

Support early identification of needs, development delays, and appropriate

intervention pathways.

Work alongside SENCOs, DSLs and leadership to foster inclusive practice and

differentiated provision.

Promote a high-expectation culture where every child is seen as capable and

competent.

5. Quality Assurance & Improvement

Ensure alignment with EYFS, Ofsted EIF, safeguarding principles, and internal

policies.

Provide evidence-based recommendations to managers and senior leaders

following visits.

Support nurseries to prepare for inspections through ongoing practice

development and documentation.

6. Long-Term Research & Innovation (Strategic)

Contribute to the development of a research-informed culture within Little Elms. Support the Head of Education and Training in establishing partnerships with

universities, training bodies, or research organisations.

Participate in small-scale action research projects to evaluate impact of

pedagogy, curriculum delivery, or interventions.

Help design and trial pilot programmes or educational initiatives, capturing

insights and feedback.

Use research outcomes to refine training content, curriculum guidance and

practice expectations.

Note: this is a long-term responsibility that will grow as organisational capacity

develops.

Culture & Collaboration

Role-model professionalism, respect, and a growth mindset. Build strong, trusting relationships with nursery teams to create conditions for

improvement.

Promote collaboration, shared learning, and professional dialogue between

settings.

Champion the Little Elms values through daily actions and interactions.

Key Measures of Success

Improvements in quality ratings from visits and internal audits. Increased practitioner competence, confidence and engagement with coaching. Evidence of curriculum fidelity and improved outcomes for children. Strengthened understanding of child development indicators and intentional

practice.

Positive feedback from nursery teams and leaders on training and support

provided.

Contribution to research initiatives that inform long-term educational direction.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Minimum Level 6 Early Years qualification. Strong pedagogical knowledge of early childhood development. Demonstrated experience in coaching, mentoring or training early years staff. Deep understanding of EYFS, Ofsted expectations and inclusive practice. Confidence in role-modelling outstanding interactions and strategies. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence positively. Desire to engage with educational research and evidence-based practice.

Personal Attributes

Passionate, child-centred and committed to excellence. Reflective and curious, with a love of learning. Warm, professional and emotionally intelligent. Solution-focused, organised and proactive. A natural educator who inspires others

About Little Elms Daycare

Little Elms is an established nursery that aims to provide the highest standards of care for children aged between 3 months and 5 years.

A family-run business, we believe that a fun and a caring environment is crucial to happy and healthy development.



Our nurseries offer state-of-the-art facilities, combining bright and spacious rooms indoors with fabulous outdoor areas. Our experienced and motivated team provides a stimulating yet safe environment for creative play. Little Elms takes pride in being a friendly setting in which each child's physical, emotional and developmental needs are met. Every child is special and is encouraged to achieve his or her full potential in the precious pre-school years.



Established in 2009, we have 11 nurseries across South London.