THE LITTLE LEARNERS MONTESSORI
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: NURSERY MANAGER
BASED: WATFORD
RESPONSIBLE TO: DIRECTORS
JOB PURPOSE:
The Nursery Manager is a qualified childcare professional who oversees the day-to-day operations of the nursery, ensuring it provides a safe, high-quality, and stimulating learning environment for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
This role involves leading by example, mentoring staff, and building strong relationships with parents. As a reflective and creative leader, the Nursery Manager is responsible for implementing innovative ideas, maintaining compliance with all regulations, and continuously improving the nursery’s practices to meet the needs of children, parents, and staff.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
o Oversee the daily operations of the nursery, ensuring smooth functioning and full compliance with all policies and regulations.
o Supervise and mentor a team, including the Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, Room Leaders, SENCO, and Curriculum Leaders (Montessori and EYFS).
o Manage recruitment, staff onboarding, performance appraisals, and regular training, encouraging professional growth across all levels.
o Maintain a positive and supportive culture that inspires staff to excel in their roles and uphold the nursery’s values.
o Set clear expectations and targets for team performance, aligning with key performance indicators (KPIs) based on inspection feedback and termly supervisions / reviews.
Childcare & Education
• Ensure the nursery provides a high-quality, stimulating environment aligned with Montessori and EYFS principles.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), promptly addressing any safeguarding concerns and liaising with external agencies (e.g., LADO/LCSB).
• Oversee weekly and mid-term curriculum planning, ensuring activities meet children’s developmental milestones and align with Montessori pedagogy.
• Work closely with the SENCO to identify and support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), maintaining strong partnerships with external professionals.
• Monitor classroom setups, ensuring Montessori materials and resources are utilised effectively to promote creativity, exploration, and independence.
Parent Partnerships
o Build trusting relationships with parents, fostering open communication and addressing concerns effectively.
o Organise parent meetings, coffee mornings, and events to discuss children’s progress and provide parenting support.
o Ensure parents feel supported and involved in their children’s learning journey through regular updates, newsletters, and the FAMLY app.
o Manage fee collection and liaise with parents regarding financial matters when necessary.
Operational Responsibilities
o Oversee opening and closing procedures, ensuring classrooms are organised, safe, and welcoming for children and staff.
o Conduct daily risk assessments and maintain the highest standards of health and safety throughout the nursery.
o Monitor stock levels, ensuring all resources, equipment, and materials are replenished and maintained in good condition.
o Manage and update the FAMLY app, ensuring accurate records of registrations, attendance, and child progress.
o Maintain and regularly review children’s individual records, including registration forms, emergency consent, and attendance logs.
Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities
o Ensure adherence to all Ofsted requirements, including safeguarding, health and safety, and staff qualifications.
o Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures, including those for safeguarding, complaints, equality of opportunity, behaviour management, and health and safety.
o Keep accurate records of key documents such as accident reports, medication records, public liability insurance, and Ofsted registration.
o Manage and resolve complaints in line with the nursery’s complaints procedure.
o Keep accurate and secure records of children, staff, and operational matters.
Operational Management
o Create and manage staffing schedules to ensure appropriate child-to-adult ratios at all times.
o Ensure the nursery is clean, organized, and well-maintained, with sufficient resources and materials available.
o Conduct daily risk assessments and maintain health and safety standards across the nursery.
o Monitor KPIs (based on inspection feedback) and implement improvements to maintain excellence.
Professional Development & Training
o Support staff undertaking qualifications, including Level 2, Level 3, Level 5, and Montessori certifications.
o Encourage and mentor staff to develop their skills, confidence, and ability to provide exceptional early years education.
Important Operational Documents
The following must be regularly reviewed and maintained:
• Policies and procedures (e.g., safeguarding, complaints, equality, emergency evacuation).
• Records signed by parents (e.g., medication, accidents/incidents).
• Staff files, including DBS checks and training records.
• Risk assessments, daily checks, and nappy-changing logs.
• Visitor logs and registers.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the higher management team.
Employee Name _________________________________
Employee Signature ________________________________
Date _________________