Bright Start Nursery

Job Specification

Purpose of the Role

To lead Bright Start Nursery with excellence, ensuring outstanding quality of education, care, and compliance. The Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall operational, financial, and educational performance of the setting, creating a culture where children thrive and staff feel valued, supported, and motivated.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Quality Assurance

• Lead the nursery to achieve and maintain Outstanding outcomes across the EYFS.
• Oversee curriculum planning, pedagogical approaches, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure high-quality interactions, teaching, and learning throughout the setting.
• Carry out regular audits of practice, environment quality, documentation, and staff performance.
• Lead inspections and ensure full compliance with Ofsted requirements.

2. Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Compliance

• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or support the DSL if delegated.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are embedded, understood, and followed by all staff.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, risk assessments, and accident logs.
• Ensure the environment meets all statutory health and safety standards.
• Liaise with external agencies regarding safeguarding and SEND.

3. Staff Leadership, Recruitment & Development

• Lead, manage, and inspire a high-performing team across all rooms.
• Oversee recruitment, selection, onboarding, and safer recruitment checks.
• Conduct supervisions, appraisals, performance management, and coaching.
• Create a supportive culture that promotes staff wellbeing and retention.
• Identify and implement staff training and CPD pathways.

4. Parent Partnerships & Communication

• Build warm, professional relationships with families and maintain open communication.
• Address enquiries, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally.
• Lead parent meetings, open days, and community events.

5. Administration, Finance & Operational Management

• Manage occupancy levels and oversee nursery admissions and tours.
• Manage budgets, invoicing, staffing levels, and resource allocation.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are current and adhered to.
• Oversee recruitment of external services, maintenance, and inspections.

6. Environment & Daily Operations

• Ensure a high-quality, safe, organised, and stimulating learning environment.
• Monitor routines, transitions, and practice across all rooms.
• Understand and support the needs of children with SEND.

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 or above in Early Years (Level 5/6 strongly preferred).
• Significant experience in nursery management or senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of EYFS, Ofsted, safeguarding, and SEND.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive quality improvements.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Degree in Early Childhood Studies.
• DSL qualification.
• Experience managing large teams or multiple rooms.
• Experience delivering staff training.

Competencies & Personal Qualities

• Confident, professional leadership style.
• Warm, approachable, and supportive with staff and families.
• Highly organised with strong decision-making skills.
• Passionate about high-quality early years provision.

Other

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Maintain professionalism when dealing with sensitive issues.
• Ability to support staff and children across all rooms.