At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver exceptional care and education for young children.
- Company: Family-owned nursery dedicated to child development and well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, 32 days annual leave, and health cashback plan.
- Other info: Supportive environment with mentorship, training, and community events.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Educator required; leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Abacus Ark Nursery is a family-owned and operated nursery school devoted to the well-being and development of children. Our child-focused team is passionate about delivering the highest quality of care and education. Our nursery offers a vibrant and welcoming environment where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn. We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Nursery Practitioners to join our team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young children!
At Abacus, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.
What You’ll Enjoy:
- A 4-Day Work Week: Full-time hours across 4 days, giving you that day off each week to rest, recharge, or pursue personal passions.
- 32 Days Annual Leave: Including 4 personal wellbeing days and 8 bank holidays.
- Medical Cashback Plan: Health Shield plan worth over £1,000 annually, covering everyday health costs like dental, optical, and therapies.
- Training & Development: Ongoing courses in First Aid, Safeguarding, and more—plus access to our self-paced learning platform, Flick.
- Mentorship & Support: Learn from experienced early years educators and receive regular guidance and feedback.
- Mental Health Support: Access to resources and a workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing.
- Paid DBS Check: We cover the cost, so you can focus on what matters.
- Company Pension and Events: Including social activities that help you feel part of a community.
The Nursery Manager is the site leader responsible for delivering outstanding care, education, and operational performance at their nursery. They hold accountability for achieving occupancy, compliance, quality, staff engagement, and financial targets. Looking for a leader of people and a hands-on manager, responsible for compliance with EYFS and Ofsted requirements, curriculum delivery, and creating a culture where staff and children thrive.
Professional Requirements:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator (minimum); Level 5 or higher preferred.
- Proven leadership experience in a nursery or early years setting.
- Strong understanding of EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding requirements.
- Excellent people management and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own all site-level KPIs, including occupancy, revenue, staff ratios, and compliance.
- Execute the monthly performance reviews with the Operations Director, tracking variances and implementing corrective actions.
- Ensure that all staff understand their role-specific accountabilities and performance expectations.
- Ensure the nursery consistently meets or exceeds Ofsted requirements and Abacus Ark quality standards.
- Lead safeguarding and safer recruitment practices, ensuring compliance with all EYFS requirements.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, staff ratios, and statutory documentation.
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high performing nursery team, working with the Head of People and Ops Director.
- Lead by example, embedding Abacus Ark’s values (Partnership, Awareness, Creativity, Thrive) in daily operations.
- Deliver regular 1:1s, team meetings, and performance feedback to ensure staff engagement and accountability.
- Work with the Deputy Manager (Curriculum Lead) to ensure curriculum planning meets Abacus Ark’s pedagogical principles.
- Build strong partnerships with parents through open communication, regular updates, and meetings.
- Actively support marketing and sales efforts, including site tours and conversion of enquiries into enrolments.
- Manage the nursery budget, ensuring expenditure stays within agreed limits.
- Monitor and act on weekly and monthly KPIs, including occupancy, staffing costs, and margin.
- Provide accurate site-level reporting to the Operations Director and CFO team.
Success Indicators:
- Occupancy growth meets or exceeds site-level targets.
- Ofsted outcomes Good or Outstanding.
- Staff turnover remains below sector benchmark.
- Positive parent NPS and high levels of satisfaction.
- Budget adherence and site profitability achieved.
Our mission is to empower every child with the essential tools they need to thrive from day one of school and to discover the joy of learning. We are dedicated to nurturing their Focus, Independence, Resilience, Social Understanding, and Trustworthiness, alongside introducing language, mathematics, and a wider understanding of the world. We seek to ensure children are not only ready to learn but also to shine. We believe in the boundless potential of every child and strive to ignite their passion for learning, helping them grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.
Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover - Maida Vale) in City of Westminster employer: RGIT Australia
Abacus Ark Nursery is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its team members. With a supportive work culture, a 4-day work week, and comprehensive benefits including a medical cashback plan and ongoing training opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the vibrant Maida Vale area, our nursery fosters a community spirit where staff can make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover - Maida Vale) in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the nursery's values and mission. At Abacus Ark, we value partnership, awareness, creativity, and thriving. Show us how you embody these values in your work with children and staff!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to EYFS and Ofsted compliance. We want to see your expertise shine through, so be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Abacus Ark Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover - Maida Vale) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how much you care about nurturing and developing young minds.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the Nursery Manager role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the specific requirements of the job.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at RGIT Australia
✨Know Your EYFS and Ofsted Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Ofsted requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the standards but are also committed to maintaining them in your nursery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a nursery setting. Think about specific challenges you've faced, how you motivated your staff, and the positive outcomes that resulted. This will demonstrate your capability as a hands-on manager.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Abacus Ark’s values: Partnership, Awareness, Creativity, and Thrive. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you would instil them in your team. This alignment can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. Inquire about their approach to staff development or how they measure success in terms of occupancy and parent satisfaction. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the nursery's mission.
