Salary: £37,500 – £45,000 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Hours: Full time, 42 hours per week
Days: Monday to Friday
Nursery opening hours: 7:30am – 6:30pm
Overview
My client is seeking an experienced and values-led Head of Nursery School to provide strong strategic and operational leadership within a well-established early years setting. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for educational quality, compliance, team management and the overall performance of the nursery.
The successful candidate will ensure that children receive rich, stimulating learning experiences in a warm, nurturing environment, while leading and developing a high-performing staff team.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Operations
Lead the day-to-day management of the nursery, ensuring high standards of care and education
Oversee the planning and delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Monitor children’s progress and analyse data to drive continuous improvement
Maintain compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, health & safety and statutory requirements
Act as the senior point of contact for inspections and external agencies
Ensure policies, procedures and risk assessments are reviewed and kept up to date
Quality & Compliance
Lead Ofsted inspections and be accountable for inspection outcomes
Maintain accurate records for children and staff, including training and suitability checks
Ensure staff ratios and conditions of registration are met at all times
Manage safeguarding concerns, complaints, incidents and accidents appropriately
Team Management
Recruit, induct, develop and retain a high-quality staff team
Conduct appraisals, supervision and performance management
Identify training needs and deliver or coordinate staff development
Manage rotas, annual leave and sickness absence
Promote a positive, collaborative and professional staff culture
Parent & Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong relationships with parents and carers
Ensure clear, timely and professional communication with families
Oversee parents’ evenings, newsletters and regular updates
Liaise with external professionals and agencies in the best interests of children
Financial & Administrative
Monitor budgets and expenditure to ensure cost efficiency
Support occupancy management and capacity planning
Oversee administrative functions and accurate record-keeping
Person Specification
Essential
Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)
Recognised management qualification
Paediatric First Aid certificate
Minimum two years’ experience managing an early years or educational setting
Strong understanding of Ofsted, EYFS and regulatory compliance
Proven leadership and organisational skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Competent IT skills and experience with digital nursery systems
Desirable
Degree or foundation degree in Early Years
Experience leading successful Ofsted inspections
Personal Qualities
Passionate about early years education
Values-driven and able to lead by example
Calm, professional and resilient under pressure
Collaborative, trustworthy and approachable
Highly organised with strong attention to detail
Safeguarding
This role involves working with children and is subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS clearance and appropriate references.
To apply, please submit your CV for a confidential discussion
Salary description
£37500.00 - £45000.00 per year