Nursery Manager and Nominated Individual

Nursery Manager (Registered Manager & Nominated Individual)

Number 1 Day Care Ltd is seeking an exceptional Nursery Manager (Registered Manager & Nominated Individual) to provide strategic and operational leadership for our well-established bilingual English-Spanish nursery in Tooting, South West London. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years professional to lead a committed team, drive high-quality education and care, and ensure full compliance with the EYFS Statutory Framework and Ofsted requirements. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the nursery's operations, including safeguarding, staff leadership, quality assurance, curriculum delivery, regulatory compliance, and business performance. They will also act as the main point of contact with Ofsted, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and outstanding outcomes for children. We are looking for an inspirational, resilient and highly organised leader with a proven track record in nursery management, excellent communication skills, and a genuine passion for supporting children, families and staff to achieve their full potential.

Purpose of the Role

The Nursery Manager will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management and day-to-day operation of Number 1 Day Care Ltd.

The post holder will also fulfil the responsibilities of the Registered Manager and Nominated Individual, ensuring that the nursery complies with all statutory, regulatory and safeguarding requirements and delivers outstanding outcomes for children.

The successful candidate will provide strong educational leadership, ensure full compliance with the EYFS Statutory Framework, promote a culture of continuous improvement and maintain effective partnerships with children, families, staff, Ofsted, the Local Authority and other professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

Provide strategic and operational leadership across the nursery.
Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing staff team.
Promote a positive, inclusive and child-centred culture.
Ensure effective deployment of staff and appropriate adult-to-child ratios.
Manage recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and performance management.
Support continuous professional development across the team.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure full compliance with the EYFS Statutory Framework and all relevant legislation.
Fulfil the responsibilities of the Registered Manager and Nominated Individual.
Act as the main point of contact with Ofsted and other regulatory bodies.
Maintain accurate statutory records, policies and procedures.
Lead preparations for Ofsted inspections and implement improvement plans where required.
Ensure all statutory notifications are submitted within required timescales.

Safeguarding

Promote an outstanding safeguarding culture throughout the nursery.
Ensure safeguarding policies are fully implemented.
Oversee safer recruitment practices.
Manage concerns, allegations and referrals appropriately.
Ensure all staff receive mandatory safeguarding training.
Maintain robust whistleblowing procedures.

Quality of Education

Ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and assessment.
Monitor children's progress and outcomes.
Support curriculum development in line with the EYFS.
Promote inclusive practice for all children.
Lead continuous quality improvement across the setting.

Health, Safety and Welfare

Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation.
Maintain effective risk assessments.
Oversee emergency procedures.
Ensure the environment remains safe, secure and suitable for children.

Partnership Working

Build positive relationships with parents and carers.
Work collaboratively with the Local Authority and external agencies.
Promote effective communication with families and professionals.

Business and Operational Management

Support occupancy growth and nursery sustainability.
Monitor staffing levels and budgets.
Ensure efficient operational management of the nursery.
Promote continuous improvement and high standards across all areas of the provision.

Essential Requirements

Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5 or above preferred).
Minimum three years' leadership experience in an Early Years setting.
Excellent knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework.
Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation.
Knowledge of safer recruitment practices.
Experience leading successful Ofsted inspections or preparing settings for inspection.
Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills.
Enhanced DBS check.
Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain.

Desirable

Experience as a Registered Manager and/or Nominated Individual.
Experience improving Ofsted outcomes.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training.
Safer Recruitment training.
SENCO qualification.
Experience in a bilingual or multicultural nursery.
Experience managing budgets, occupancy and business performance.

Personal Attributes

Inspirational and confident leader.
Highly organised and resilient.
Excellent decision-making skills.
Passionate about Early Years education.
Committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
Dedicated to achieving the highest standards of care, education and regulatory compliance.

Safeguarding Statement

Number 1 Day Care Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications, right to work checks and safer recruitment procedures.