At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a brand-new nursery project and inspire a passionate team.
- Company: Join YMCA, a charity committed to nurturing children's development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 100% childcare discount, generous holiday, and a joining bonus.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape young minds in a fun, outdoor-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Level 5 Childcare qualification or willingness to study.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Ready to lead an exciting new project from the beginning? YMCA are delighted to be partnering with Hounsome Fields Primary School in Basingstoke, offering a fantastic opportunity to shape and grow a brand-new setting from day one, based within a new housing development.
Benefits:
- 100% discount on childcare
- Joining Bonus – Total of £500
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- 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
- Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
- Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
- 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 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.
Nursery Manager employer: YMCA Fairthorne Group
YMCA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new nursery setting in Basingstoke. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including a 100% discount on childcare, a joining bonus, and extensive holiday allowances, alongside a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. Join us in creating an inspiring environment for children while enjoying the advantages of working within a community-focused organisation dedicated to making a positive impact.
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 childcare 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 organisation and its values. Understand the YMCA Way and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed teams and improved child care quality in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements will demonstrate that you're the right fit for shaping this new nursery.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager
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 excited you are about shaping a new nursery and making a difference in children's lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leadership and childcare. We’re looking for someone who can manage a team and create an inspiring environment, so share specific examples that showcase your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
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 right from the start.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Fairthorne Group
✨Know Your 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 a child-led, play-based environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your leadership skills. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams, inspired staff, and maintained high standards of care in early years settings.
✨Budgeting Brilliance
Brush up on your budgeting skills! Be prepared to talk about your experience managing budgets and how you plan to contribute to the nursery's financial success while achieving occupancy targets.
✨Regulatory Knowledge is Key
Make sure you're up to speed with Ofsted requirements and other regulatory standards. Be ready to explain how you would ensure compliance and strive for an 'Outstanding' grade in your new role.