At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a vibrant nursery, ensuring children thrive in a safe environment.
- Company: Join Piccolo Land, a creative and community-focused early years setting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and a supportive owner-led environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to make a real impact on young lives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's learning in a unique and nurturing space.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and experience in a nursery setting.
The Leader will be responsible for the day-to-day management, leadership and quality of care within Piccolo Land’s early years provision. The role ensures that all statutory requirements of the EYFS are met, children are safe and thriving and families feel confident and well-informed. This role is supported by Piccolo Land’s owner and our operations manager, who oversee wider operations, staffing, policies, health & safety and business management. The Early Years Leader works closely with the owner and operations manager as part of a collaborative leadership team.
Key Responsibilities of the Nursery Manager
- Leadership & Management
- Lead the daily operation of the nursery/preschool room
- Support, mentor and supervise staff
- Lead staff inductions and ongoing training
- Ensure staff deployment and ratios are always maintained
- Foster a positive, professional and supportive team culture
- Safeguarding & Welfare
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL
- Ensure safeguarding policies are implemented and understood by all staff
- Maintain a safe, secure environment for children at all times
- Oversee nappy changing, toileting and intimate care procedures
- Ensure all risk assessments are completed, reviewed and followed
- Manage accidents, incidents and concerns in line with policy
- Curriculum & Quality of Care
- Ensure delivery of the EYFS across all age groups
- Support staff in planning age-appropriate, engaging activities
- Embed Piccolo Land’s creative curriculum (music, movement, storytelling, role-play)
- Observe, assess and support children’s development
- Ensure inclusive practice and SEND support
- Maintain high standards of care, learning and wellbeing
- Operational & Compliance Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate records (children, staff, attendance, accidents, medication)
- Ensure policies and procedures are followed and reviewed
- Prepare for and support Ofsted inspections
- Ensure food hygiene, health & safety and infection control standards are met
- Liaise with external professionals where required
- Ensure parental consent and documentation is up to date
- Parent Partnership
- Build warm, professional relationships with families
- Lead settling-in processes
- Communicate clearly with parents about children’s progress and wellbeing
- Handle concerns or complaints sensitively and professionally
- Promote Piccolo Land’s values and ethos
What We Offer
- Opportunity to help shape a unique, creative early years setting
- Supportive owner-led environment
- Small, community-focused setting
- Competitive salary
- Ongoing professional development
- A chance to grow with the business
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years / Childcare (or above)
- Previous experience working in a nursery, preschool or early years setting as a room leader (minimum)
- Strong understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
- Experience supervising or supporting other staff
- Experience supporting children with SEND
- Paediatric First Aid
- Enhanced DBS check
- Confident communicator with parents and professionals
- Calm, nurturing and organised approach
Desirable (but not essential)
- Experience as a Deputy Manager or Manager
- Experience supporting Ofsted inspections
- SENCo training or experience
- Interest in creative or play-based learning approaches
- Experience helping to set up or develop a new provision
Nursery Manager in Maidenhead employer: Tinies Recruitment UK Ltd
Piccolo Land is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, allowing Nursery Managers to thrive in their roles. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care, employees are empowered to shape a unique early years setting while enjoying competitive salaries and the opportunity for growth within a small, community-focused nursery. Located in a nurturing atmosphere, Piccolo Land prioritises the wellbeing of both children and staff, making it an ideal place for those passionate about early childhood education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet other professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles – it’ll help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios related to safeguarding and staff management. Practise your responses so you can demonstrate your knowledge and experience confidently during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community at Piccolo Land.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years:When writing your application, let your love for early years education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives and how you plan to bring that passion to Piccolo Land.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention your understanding of the EYFS and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're the right fit for the Nursery Manager position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application is received promptly and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at Piccolo Land!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tinies Recruitment UK Ltd
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements. Brush up on how you can implement these standards in a nursery setting, as this will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the guidelines but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored staff in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you fostered a positive team culture or supported staff development, as this will highlight your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Demonstrate Your Safeguarding Knowledge
Be ready to discuss safeguarding policies and procedures. Share your experiences as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or how you've handled incidents in the past. This will reassure the interviewers that you prioritise children's safety and welfare.
✨Engage with Parents and Families
Think of ways you’ve built relationships with parents in your previous roles. Be prepared to talk about how you communicate children’s progress and handle concerns. This will show that you understand the importance of parent partnership in a nursery setting.