Head of Nursery

Context and Purpose of the Role

Little Years Nurseries is dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education through a blended approach, incorporating Reggio, Steiner, and Montessori educational philosophies. Our nurturing environment is designed to support the growth and development of children while fostering creativity, curiosity, and independence. As a family-focused nursery, we prioritise strong relationships with both children and their families to ensure a holistic developmental experience. At the core of our mission is a commitment to creating a caring and stimulating learning atmosphere for all children.

The role of the Head of Nursery is to ensure the nursery provides inclusive and outstanding care and education for all children at LYN. Working with the Head of Operations and fulfilling managerial responsibilities as well as taking on additional day to day leadership responsibilities. The Head of Nursery will be an inspiring, compassionate, kind, and caring leader who seeks to motivate and lead.

Responsible to

The Head of Nursery is responsible to Head of Operations.

Responsibilities

• Offer all children equal opportunities regarding their religious persuasion, racial origins, gender, disabilities, cultural or linguistic background; in particular, challenging situations where racism or discrimination is displayed. Support children’s wellbeing at all times.
• Support the requirements of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities via specialist programmes so that the Company’s admission policy may be as inclusive as possible. Identify an individual to be trained to support this.
• Develop and maintain the nursery environment and equipment to ensure that it provides a clean, safe and high-quality learning environment that offers children a wide range of experiences and works in conjunction with the Company mission statement.
• Ensure that appropriate records and administration systems, including the children’s families, staffing, registers, health and safety, sickness records etc., are maintained to ensure confidentiality of information.
• Ensure that Health & Safety policies are fully implemented within the nursery with support from the Health and Safety Consultant. Ensure the required standards of cleanliness and hygiene are achieved, risk assessments are in place, the environments and equipment are appropriately maintained, and that best practice is communicated and promoted throughout the nursery.
• Develop and maintain an ethos of reflective practice across the nursery and use information to develop and support development plans designed to address areas identified for development across the nursery and for individuals.
• Adhere to the guidance issued in the Company’s Operational Plan, Policies and Procedures, and Staff Handbook, and ensure this is implemented throughout the nursery (this may include duties relating to administration, early years practice, leadership of the team and personal behaviour and responsibilities).
• Work with the management team to ensure the smooth running of the nursery.
• Attend meetings and training as necessary to ensure own professional development and ensure the smooth running of the nursery.
• Take necessary action to ensure the smooth running of the setting and the safety and well-being of children, parents, and colleagues.
• Provide excellent care and education to all children and have responsibly for your key family. Work as a team to ensure all learning development is recorded and the children care needs are met and communicated to all.

Main Duties

• Action and monitor all child protection and health and safety issues to ensure that any remedial action is taken immediately, and advice is sort from the management team.
• Liaise with outside agencies, including Children’s Services, health providers, local primary schools, advisory teachers, the local authority, and SEN/inclusion agencies.
• In the performance of the duties outlined in this role description, the Head of Nursery may have access to confidential information relating to staff, children, and parents. They may also have access to information relating to the practice of the company organization. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential.
• With guidance from the Head of Nursery conduct regular inductions with all newly appointed staff, including changes in position, and set action plans for improvement with members of the team who may be failing. Supervise and provide advice, guidance and training to students, trainees and others on work placements or work experience in order that they receive the appropriate support.
• Give guidance and establish relationships with colleges and schools as necessary in order that their activities are coordinated.
• Support with all disciplinary and grievance matters within the nursery, seeking advice and support from the management team, and where necessary, from HR.
• Effectively and efficiently handle parental complaints, whether childcare or business in nature, seeking advice from the nursery manager and managing director.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge

• At least two years in a position as a senior member of staff in a nursery / early year setting Level three qualification in early years Degree level training is desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of the EYFS and of high-quality early years practice including statutory requirements. Theorist and current research Knowledge of and commitment to child protection, health and safety, equal opportunities, and SEN/Inclusion.

Skills and Abilities

• An ability to lead with a compassionate and caring approach.
• A team player with a flexible, considered, kind and resilient approach.
• Approachable manner with a high level of interpersonal skills.
• The ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Delegation, time-management, effective time-management, an ability to problem-solve and an ability to ensure tasks are completed in a timely and effective manner.

Physical Requirements

This position requires an ability to perform the following job requirements, with or without reasonable recommendations.

• Kneeling – Bending -Sitting on the floor -Pushing/Pulling – Jumping
• Running – Dancing – Sweeping – Singing
• Standing – Twisting at the waist – Raising arms above the head
• Rising from kneeling/sitting position – Lifting and carrying children up to the age of 5.

Safeguarding and Legal Requirements

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children in our care. All applicants, therefore, must be willing to undergo effective child protection and safeguarding screening, this will include:

• References from previous employers and a DBS check and then registered with the Update service. We shall also seek compliance with sections 15-25 of the immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
• Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
• All staff must confirm they are not included on Children’s barred list or PoVA or barred by the Independent Safeguarding Authority; or disqualified from working with children or live with someone who has been disqualified from working with children, or been refused registration or had it cancelled; subject to sanctions imposed by a regulatory body, e.g., the Teaching Agency or Health and Care professions council and Ofsted.
• All our posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings including those regarded as ‘spent’, must be declared.
• Declare any social care involvement with your own family.

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