Nursery Manager

Job overview

Salary £41,974 - £50,387 (inclusive of HCAS)

We are seeking a full-time Nursery Manager (37.5 hours per week) to be based at Jack in the Box Nursery in Slough, working shifts between 7:00am and 6:00pm.

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT) Nurseries have been established for over 30 years, with sites in Maidenhead, Slough, and Reading. Open 51 weeks a year, Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm, our purpose-built, single-storey nurseries provide high-quality care and early education for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

As part of the NHS, BHFT Nurseries are trusted by families and recognised for delivering exceptional standards of care aligned with NHS values. Our teams are made up of dedicated colleagues, from trainees to degree-qualified practitioners, with a strong focus on staff development, retention, and wellbeing.

As Nursery Manager, you will lead a skilled and motivated team, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of care and learning, supporting the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and promoting positive outcomes for every child.

Lead a dedicated team and help us make the difference in children’s early years!

Main duties of the job

To develop and manage the nursery as a viable business, in accordance with organisation policies & procedures.

To ensure the consistent application of the health, safety & welfare policies in accordance with legislation and that the practices employed, the material and equipment used conform to standards.

To ensure the administrative arrangements necessary for the effective running of the nursery including Ofsted registration, inspection and insurance.

To monitor and support the professional & personal development of all nursery staff.

Ensure financial viability & balanced budget at year end.

To be up to date on new legislation and developments in the administration of nurseries and child related issues and to initiate changes where appropriate.

To develop good relationships with all parents and encourage parent interest and participation in the nursery.

To attend any meetings/training as required

To be responsible for the locking/unlocking of the nursery each week, arranging staff cover and breaks to ensure correct ratios are maintained.

To provide and maintain records as necessary and appropriate, to compose letters and memoranda as required by the functions of the post.

To demonstrate continual professional development that will also benefit the team.

To have a clear vision on the nursery strengths/areas for development.

To offer places from the waiting list as and when the spaces become available.

Any other duties from time to time

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The “must haves” for this role:

• Relevant Level 3 and 4 qualification or equivalent qualification in line with those listed on the ‘qualification finder’ section of www.education.gov.uk or working towards this

• In depth understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage

• Paediatric First Aid Certificate

• Food Hygiene Certificate

• As stated in the EYFS, a good standard of written and spoken English.  Also able to read and understand English such as to follow instructions or interpret a policy

• In depth knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection and appropriate protocol

• Evidence of ongoing professional development including childcare specific training

• Experience of any work which demonstrates the skills required for the post

• Experience of managing a team.  Management and supervisory skills within a nursery setting

• Budgetary control

• Excellent communication skills with adults and children

• Professional approach towards this post and all confidential matters

• Caring approach to the individual needs of the children

• Ability to work under pressure and manage and prioritise your workload

• Understanding and empathy with specific problems of working parents

• Flexible approach to hours which includes a willingness to attend meetings, training and nursery events as appropriate

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call: Lee Owen-Macleod on 01753 63 5480 or email: [email protected] who’ll be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Applications for this role will be considered on a first come first serve basis and we may close the vacancy early if the right candidate is found.