Assistant Nursery Manager

Reports To: Nursery Manager

Annual Leave: 23 days plus bank holidays

To ensure our nurseries operate to the highest possible standards, we ask our Assistant and Nursery Managers to work over 5-days, working a variety of shift patterns to support the needs of the nursery. As part of your role, some evening and weekend work will be required. This will be paid or given back as TOIL - and we’ll let you know arrangements ahead of time.

As an Assistant Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for directly contributing to and maintaining the successful leadership, management and reputation of your nursery setting. Qualified to at least Level 3 in Childcare with a proven track record, you will inspire, lead and motivate your team whilst drawing on your in-depth knowledge and early year’s experience to successfully support the nursery whilst role modelling best practice in early years education. Alongside this, you will carefully prioritise and take ownership of some office-based duties to ensure a safe, high performing and sustainable nursery business, in close collaboration with the Nursery Manager supported by the Senior Management Team. Key to the success of this role is balancing the needs of all stakeholders including children, their families, staff and our regulator, Ofsted. You will also be responsible for being a reliable key holder. In this role, continuous professional and personal development is an essential part to maintain up to date relevant knowledge.

Due to the changing nature of the service we provide, this job description will not be an exhaustive list of all your duties. Cherubs Nurseries reserves the right to amend this job description should it be deemed necessary. You have a personal and professional responsibility to inform us immediately of any change in your circumstances that might affect your suitability to work with children.

Description of Duties

Deliver: Deliver an amazing service, for both our children and families

• Ensure you are visible within your nursery, this may involve being room-based and ensuring that all rooms in your nursery are being successfully run and operating to Cherubs Nurseries guidelines.
• Get to know the children, families and staff team at the nursery, creating a trusting rapport with all.
• Ensure all SEN/ASL needs are identified early and are met with respect, care and professionalism.
• Ensure that ratio and internal regulations are met at all times, whilst taking into account any statutory or welfare requirements.
• Ensure the nursery is safe, clean and welcoming, with well-kept educational resources.
• Assist in overseeing the Step Ahead Kids’ Club (both on-site and off-site) ensuring it remains compliant with Cherubs Nurseries operating policies and procedures.
• Assist in completing all office-based duties, ensuring deadlines are met and targets achieved against the management calendar.
• In the absence of the Nursery Chef, undertake the kitchen duties ensuring compliance with all guidelines and regulations.

• In the absence of your Nursery Manager, take ownership and responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring all children have the best time whilst in our care.
• Effectively deal with all parental complaints/concerns in an efficient and timely manner, ensuring parent satisfaction at all times.
• Ensure the nursery remains within the allocated monthly budget for catering, janitorial and consumables.
• Ensure you follow the Cherubs Nurseries operating policies and procedures at all times. Asking and clarifying if you are ever unsure.
• Ensure records are properly maintained and archived, following the Cherubs Nurseries GDPR policy.
• Keep up to date with all industry news, legislation and policy changes - relaying this back to your team where appropriate.
• Ensure that your SEF remains up to date and relevant, sharing this with your team at every staff meeting.

• Take an active role in marketing and selling the nursery, ensuring you are the main point of contact at the beginning and end of each day.
• Regularly update Marketing/PR Department of any changes to any print or media associated with your nursery, to ensure that information is always up to date and relevant.
• Monitor the nurseries planning, observation and assessment through Blossom, ensuring these are up to date and all children are achieving positive outcomes.

• Embrace and implement the Cherubs Nurseries vision, values and brand promises, ensuring you promote these in all aspects of your role.
• Embrace any other duties which may be regarded as within the nature of the duties and responsibilities of the post, as defined, subject to the provision that normally any changes of a permanent nature shall be incorporated into the job description in specific terms.

• Manage the team and organise training/meetings to keep them up to date on business changes and best practice.
• Supervise and appraise the team, keeping them motivated whilst addressing any issues that may arise.
• Be the first point of contact for the team, discussing any issues with your Nursery Manager to ensure they are resolved and your team remains happy at all times.
• Maintain open-communication with the Senior Management Team, giving them an honest and transparent overview of the nursery operation.
• Challenge any behaviours or practices that go against the Cherubs Nurseries vision, values, brand promises in addition to our operating policies and procedures.
• Assist in the appointment of the Designated People within your nursery, ensuring all roles remain filled at all times and skilled individuals are empowered and motivated to undertake them to the best of their ability.
• Mentor your team and always demonstrate best practice, ensuring that your team learn and develop because of your outstanding practice.

• Educated to GCSE Level (or equivalent)
• Level 3 in Childcare (or equivalent)
• Minimum of Level 3 in Management
• 3 years’ experience post Level 3 qualification
• 2 years’ experience of leading a room or unit within an early year’s environment
• Experience of Safeguarding and/or SENDCo and/or Language Lead
• Proven track-record of contributing to or running an Ofsted “Good” or “Outstanding” nursery
• Degree in Early Years or similar would be advantageous but is not essential
• Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) would be advantageous but is not essential