Early Years Support Officer in Epping

At Banana Moon Franchise, we are passionate about supporting franchisees to open and operate high-quality early years settings across the UK. With over 50 nurseries nationwide, we provide nurturing and inspiring environments where children grow, learn, and thrive. As a recognised leader in the sector, our award-winning nurseries consistently achieve strong regulatory outcomes and receive glowing parent feedback. We are a growing franchise network that values innovation, compliance excellence, and supporting our teams to deliver the very best experiences for franchisees, children, and families.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Early Years Support Officer to join our Early Years Department. In this field-based role, you will support the quality, compliance, and educational excellence of our nursery network, ensuring each franchise location upholds the high standards, values, and mission of the Banana Moon brand. You will work closely with the Head of Early Years to monitor statutory requirements, drive continuous improvement, and support franchisees and nursery managers in delivering exceptional early years education and care.

Responsibilities:

• Champion excellence by monitoring statutory requirements and ensuring nurseries across the Banana Moon Network remain fully compliant with regulatory inspection frameworks.
• Act as an ambassador for the Banana Moon brand, promoting our mission and values across the network.
• Support franchisees in delivering high-quality learning and development in line with the EYFS framework.
• Conduct regular onsite visits, virtual meetings, and provide telephone guidance to nursery teams.
• Assist nurseries during regulatory inspections, offering reassurance and practical, hands-on support.
• Review and maintain network-wide compliance standards, completing audits and producing detailed reports.
• Inspire and upskill teams by delivering engaging face-to-face and virtual workshops and training programmes.
• Maintain accurate records through visit notes, audit documentation, and compliance tracking systems.
• Support new nursery projects as they prepare to launch and embed the Banana Moon ethos.
• Provide professional guidance to franchisees and managers to confidently address operational and educational challenges.

This is a field-based role requiring regular travel to franchise locations across the UK. The role offers flexible, hybrid working, including home-based work and occasional visits to our Warwick-based Franchise Support Office. Occasional overnight stays may be required.

Requirements:

• Minimum of three years' experience in an early years management role, ideally with multi-site experience.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding legislation.
• Relevant qualification in Early Childhood Education or Development.
• Proven track record of positive Ofsted inspection outcomes.
• Ability to deliver professional training and educational guidance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong and supportive relationships.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Proactive, solution-focused mindset and ability to manage a varied workload.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check due to regular contact with children.

Benefits:

• Fully expensed company vehicle.
• Apple tech products for work, inclusive of an iPhone for business and personal use.
• Ability to manage and co-ordinate your own diary.
• 30 days annual leave.
• Two paid wellbeing days per year.
• Annual black tie awards event (Midnight Moon Awards).
• Private health care plan.
• BUPA 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.