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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create an inspiring, child-led nursery environment.
- Company: Join YMCA England & Wales, a charity dedicated to community support and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension, discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 5 Childcare qualification or willingness to study, plus leadership experience.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Nursery Manager role at YMCA England & Wales.
Benefits:
- Employer pension
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Additional leave to purchase (up to 10 days per year)
- Celebration leave
- Life assurance
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
- Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
- 30% discount on food
- Wellbeing assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme
Duties And Responsibilities:
- Provide outstanding leadership and operational management in line with the YMCA Way
- Maintain an exciting and inspirational child‑led, play‑based environment utilising the outdoors as much as possible
- Manage, recruit, train, support and inspire an outstanding staff team able to meet the needs of all children in our care
- Manage the nursery as a business, contributing to the writing and monitoring of an annual budget and implementing marketing and sales plans to achieve income and occupancy targets
- Follow the YMCA pedagogy and curriculum, using systems to monitor children’s progress, share information with parents and plan activities to support each child’s development
- Maintain staffing ratios at all times
- Maintain full regulatory and legislative approval, including meeting Ofsted, Environmental Health and Health and Safety requirements, this includes seeking an Ofsted grade of ‘Outstanding’
- Ensure compliance with all YMCA policies and procedures. These include Child protection, Health and Safety, Human Resources and Financial policies
Qualifications/Experience:
- Hold a minimum level 5 Childcare qualification, or hold an excellent understanding of child development and be willing to study towards a level 5 and/or 6 qualification
- Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in an early years setting
- Evidence of achieving high quality of care, over and above that required by EYFS
- Hold level 4 safeguarding qualification or willingness to work towards
- Ability to work to budgets
- Good IT working knowledge, including Windows, Word, and Excel (training will be given on nursery software)
- First aid qualification (or willingness to train)
- Skills in mentoring and coaching staff and students
In all YMCA settings, children’s needs come first. Children are cared for and nurtured; supported to challenge and develop themselves, and most importantly allowed to play and enjoy their childhood. We believe children learn best through play, particularly using the outdoor environment. We aim to provide a secure and stimulating environment where children can develop emotionally, intellectually, morally, physically, and socially, at their own pace. Staff use the "YMCA Way" to ensure every child secures the very best outcomes and staff are able to excel.
Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request. Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continue to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Non-profit Organization Management
Nursery Manager employer: YMCA England & Wales
Contact Detail:
YMCA England & Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching YMCA's values and the 'YMCA Way'. Show us that you understand our mission and how you can contribute to creating an inspiring, child-led environment. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership experience and commitment to high-quality care.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a nurturing environment for children and how you can inspire your team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the YMCA Way!
Be Specific: Use specific examples in your application to demonstrate your achievements. Whether it’s improving staff performance or enhancing children's learning experiences, we want to hear about your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our team at YMCA England & Wales.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA England & Wales
✨Know the YMCA Way
Familiarise yourself with the YMCA Way and how it shapes their approach to childcare. Be ready to discuss how you can implement this philosophy in your leadership style and create an inspiring environment for both children and staff.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your leadership skills, particularly in early years settings. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams, supported staff development, and maintained high standards of care.
✨Understand the Budgeting Process
Brush up on your budgeting skills and be prepared to talk about how you would manage the nursery as a business. Think about how you can contribute to writing and monitoring budgets, and share any relevant experiences you have in achieving income and occupancy targets.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Approaches
Be ready to discuss your understanding of child development and how you plan to create a child-led, play-based environment. Share ideas on how you would utilise outdoor spaces to enhance children's learning and development, aligning with the YMCA's values.
