Nursery Relief Manager in Crawley

Job Description Where little moments make big futures. Be part of a team that helps children discover the world around them through play, creativity, and hands-on experiences. You’ll work in a welcoming, supportive environment where your ideas are heard, your professional development is supported, and your work truly makes an impact. We are looking for a Relief Nursery Manager to join our relief team at Kiddie Capers Childcare. In this role, you will provide leadership and management support across our nurseries in East and West Sussex, helping to ensure continuity of care and operations when a setting is without a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager. This may be due to vacancies, sickness absence, annual leave, or other periods of absence. Salary & Hours: £40,160.00 per annum (base salary of £36,000 per annum plus flexibility allowance of £4,160.00 per annum) 40 hours Monday-Friday Job Requirements Experience of working in a Nursery Management position (ideally as a Nursery Manager) Excellent communication skills Strong leadership skills Adaptable and resilient Confident decision-maker with sound judgement Strong organisational skills Professional, reliable and accountable Willingness and flexibility to travel between settings and adapt to changing business needs Remains calm and effective under pressure Job Responsibilities Provide leadership and operational support appropriate to the role being covered, taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of the nursery when acting as Nursery Manager or supporting the Nursery Manager when acting in a Deputy capacity Lead, motivate and develop nursery teams, ensuring effective staff deployment and appropriate staffing ratios Oversee the delivery of the EYFS, ensuring children receive high-quality learning experiences in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented and maintained Maintain accurate safeguarding records and liaise with external agencies and professionals when required Ensure compliance with Ofsted requirements, legislation, nursery policies, health and safety standards, and regulatory requirements Monitor planning, observations and assessments to ensure children's individual learning, development and wellbeing needs are met Build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues and external professionals, promoting effective partnership working Support continuous improvement, quality assurance processes and inspection readiness across all settings Oversee nursery systems, records and documentation, ensuring information is accurate, confidential and up to date Monitor food hygiene, cleaning schedules, accident and incident reporting, medication records and compliance documentation Job Benefits Private Healthcare 34 days holiday, including bank holidays plus increased holiday allowance with length of service A dedicated “Me” Day after probation Company sick pay Discounts across retail, leisure and utilities Termly Employee Appreciation Incentives Wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme Discounted childcare across all our sites Development opportunities in a rapidly growing company Pay: £40,160.00 per year Work Location: In person