Nursery Manager - Bright Star Nursery

Job description

Gainford Group have an exciting opportunity for a Nursery Area Manager to overlook both Bright Star Nursery in Chester le Street and Birtley. Our nurseries are rated Outstanding with Ofsted and have a total maximum capacity of 220 places. The nurseries form part of Gainford Group, a family run business operating since 1995. Employing over 1500 staff, Gainford Group have a portfolio of 13 good rated care homes, multi award winning hotels, bars and restaurants. We are one of the largest growing independent employers in the northeast.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of both Nurseries Ensuring all policies and procedures are implemented, updated and adhered to at all times including ensuring that all legislation in relation to Ofsted, Child Protection, special needs, safeguarding and Health and Safety are complied with.
• Deliver outstanding care to all the children in your setting. Oversee the development and maintenance of appropriate planning, observation and assessment procedures to ensure a consistent service.
• Review and monitor occupancy levels to ensure they are maintained to maximum capacity. Work with the company directors or persons on their behalf to proactively promote the nursery using advertising or marketing campaigns.
• Promote parental involvement in the nursery which includes a yearly plan of events for parents to be part of and enabling a parent’s close involvement in their child’s development. Implement and manage an effective parent liaison programme, ensuring regular communication and interaction with parents including producing a monthly newsletter for all nursery parents, email and social networking communications.
• Monitor enquiries and bookings to ensure the nursery has an expected level of occupancy as agreed with the company directors.
• Lead and manage the staff team, including responsibility for recruitment and retention ensuring that those appointed are qualified and have the skills required to work in the nursery, references and DBS checks are obtained, and contracts issued. As well as supporting continuous professional development.
• Develop and maintain the nursery environment, resources and equipment to ensure that they provide a high-quality learning space which offers children a wide range of experiences.
• Ensure that healthy, nutritious food is offered at all times
• Hold regular meetings with the Directors to identify key concerns, priorities and agreed actions.

The Ideal Applicant

• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager is essential
• A minimum of a level 3 qualification in early years and willing to obtain a level 5 in leadership.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted, Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the legislative requirements for working with children
• Experience of Recruitment and HR procedures (full support be given by Head Office where necessary for all HR issues)

Additional benefits:

• A very competitive salary reflective of experience and qualifications
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Bonus scheme
• Staff discount

Personal Responsibilities:

• All statutory training should be kept up to date.
• Have a commitment to excellence in childcare, share enthusiasm and passion for childcare, led by example and motivate the staff team to ensure a high-quality standard of care and education is attained.