Name of Employer:: Friendly Families Nursery
Job Title:: Nursery Manager
Closing Date:: Thursday 9th January
Salary:: £32,500 (full time 40 hrs per week)
Location:: Deptford, Lewisham, London
How to Apply:: Please visit our website for more information, to download our job advert and for details of how to apply https://friendlyfamiliesnursery.org/staff-vacancies/
Job Description:: Friendly Families Nursery is a new, not-for-profit and parent-led nursery in Deptford, due to open in Spring 2020. The nursery will have a particular emphasis on families, creativity and the outdoors. We are looking for an experienced Nursery Manager to help us set up and run the nursery.
About the nursery
Friendly Families Nursery will welcome children aged 2-4 years old for 50 weeks per year, and offer full and part-time childcare. The admissions policy and fees are designed to be inclusive for a broad range of families. At the opening, the nursery will accommodate up to 12 children per week (8 at one time) – and grow to a maximum of 35 children per week (24 at one time) by the end of the second year. The nursery staff will work alongside parent volunteers who will provide additional support for the children.
The nursery is situated between Friendly Gardens and the Peabody-run Vanguard Estate and is proud of the great diversity of its local community in Deptford, South East London. In establishing as a charity, a group of local parents has volunteered to become Directors (trustees) and, with other local parents, have set the vision and initial business plan for the nursery.
Friendly Families Nursery is committed to working with children, parents and the community to protect the rights and safety of the children, young people and vulnerable adults involved with the nursery. We implement best practice safeguarding measures and provide high-quality training for our staff and volunteers. Our safeguarding policy is available on our website.
The nursery benefits from a partnership with Peabody (including reduced rent, and training for parents and nursery staff), funding from Trust for London and the Greater London Authority, and support from the New Economics Foundation, Coram Family and Childcare with parent engagement, governance, and operations, which will continue for the first operational year.
About the role
You will work with a small group of parent directors and parent volunteers to design and deliver an affordable, welcoming and family-friendly environment, engaging with a wider group of local parents. The nursery aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore and learn through their interests, curiosity, and competence.
This is an ideal position for someone who values a strong partnership with parents, and an educational approach based on creative exploration and the outdoor environment, as essential for children’s learning and wellbeing.
Benefits
You will benefit from the opportunity to be part of an inclusive, progressive and parent-led setting. In addition, we are pleased to offer all staff the following:
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Additional two weeks paid leave over the Christmas and New Year period
- Pension with a 3% employer contribution
- Annual £500 training budget, plus training offered by Peabody
- Happy to discuss flexible working and discounted childcare Key responsibilities Learning, safeguarding and standards of care
- Uphold high standards of care and education of all children, ensuring the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, Ofsted regulations and required statutory frameworks are promoted and adhered to – including safeguarding and welfare.
- Ensure that best practice safeguarding measures are implemented, taking on the role of deputy safeguarding lead (or designated safeguarding lead, as agreed with the Directors).
- Ensure a high quality of education and learning is provided, including appropriate offers of support and stimulation for the children.
- Take the lead on the development and implementation of the curriculum plan, working with the Deputy Manager and Parent Directors, to ensure it meets the values of the nursery and EYFS requirements.
- Organise the key person system, including being a key person yourself for a group of children.
Parent partnerships
- Work closely with parent directors to set up the nursery, contributing your expertise in key decisions, and develop the ethos of the nursery that reflects the welcoming and family-friendly environment.
- Support and encourage parents to become involved with the nursery as volunteers – either assisting in the nursery sessions and/or in other roles.
Staff management
- Recruit and manage a diverse team of qualified staff and parent volunteers to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and development of all children.
- Ensure all staff and parent volunteers receive support, training, guidance, and coaching as required, and carry out regular supervision, annual performance appraisals, and team meetings.
- Adhere to all nursery policies and procedures regarding the provision of regular and relevant staff training and information.
Operational management
- Manage general day-to-day operations of the nursery including strategy, financial management, service delivery, marketing and management of the staff team.
- Report, as required, to parent directors on the financial and strategic progress of the nursery against agreed targets.
- Provide regular feedback to parents and carers about their child’s development and progress, ensuring staff keeps accurate data records.
- Act as an effective ambassador for the nursery in communicating with other stakeholders (e.g. potential parents, local authorities, other charities).
- To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the directors in accordance with the setting’s objectives.
You will receive appropriate support from parent directors and our partner organisations in this challenging and exciting role.
Person Specification:: All post-holders are expected to demonstrate a commitment to Equal Opportunities and a proven ability to work effectively in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting.
Applicants should address each of the selection criteria in their covering letter, with clear evidence of success.
Training, qualifications, and experience
- Recognized Foundation Degree or BA in Early Years Leadership or equivalent related professional qualification OR Relevant childcare qualification at Level 6 or above
- Successful leadership and management experience in a nursery, or in a relevant field outside education – including overall responsibility for safety, security, and well-being
- At least two years’ proven experience of working in early years care and education setting or at least two years’ other suitable experience
- In-depth knowledge and practical experience of leading the EYFS curriculum
- Knowledge and skills
- Management of an annual budget
Recruit and manage a diverse team of qualified staff and parent volunteers Productively engage and communicate with parents, colleagues and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds Problem solve with a positive attitude IT skills – including the ability to use accounting software, database, word- processing and email packages Good written and verbal communication skills
Characteristics
- Desire to work collaboratively with parent directors, and parents of children in the nursery
- Share in the nursery’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people?
- Approachable, committed, flexible, empathetic, organised and patient
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.
Any Other Information:: About the nursery, Friendly Families Nursery will welcome children aged 2-4 years old for 50 weeks per year, and offer full and part-time childcare. The admissions policy and fees are designed to be inclusive for a broad range of families. At the opening, the nursery will accommodate up to 12 children per week (8 at one time) – and grow to a maximum of 35 children per week (24 at one time) by the end of the second year. The nursery staff will work alongside parent volunteers who will provide additional support for the children.
The nursery is situated between Friendly Gardens and the Peabody-run Vanguard Estate and is proud of the great diversity of its local community in Deptford, South East London. In establishing as a charity, a group of local parents has volunteered to become Directors (trustees) and, with other local parents, have set the vision and initial business plan for the nursery.
Friendly Families Nursery is committed to working with children, parents and the community to protect the rights and safety of the children, young people and vulnerable adults involved with the nursery. We implement best practice safeguarding measures and provide high-quality training for our staff and volunteers. Our safeguarding policy is available on our website.
The nursery benefits from a partnership with Peabody (including reduced rent, and training for parents and nursery staff), funding from Trust for London and the Greater London Authority, and support from the New Economics Foundation, Coram Family and Childcare with parent engagement, governance, and operations, which will continue for the first operational year.
