- Manage nursery staff and workloads, ensuring efficient allocation of nursery places and maintaining high occupancy levels.
- Lead and supervise a team, ensuring a high standard of care and education for children.
- Coordinate and deliver special educational needs (SEN) support, referring children to relevant professionals and attending meetings to meet their needs.
- Maintain effective partnerships with parents and carers to ensure a positive and collaborative approach to children's development.
- Conduct staff appraisals, identify training needs, and implement relevant development opportunities.
- Work in a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary environment, collaborating with external professionals to support children’s needs.
- Ensure confidential record-keeping and adherence to safeguarding protocols.
- Relevant Level 3 or higher childcare qualification in Early Years Care and Education.
- Proven experience in nursery management, including staff supervision, managing workloads, and maintaining occupancy levels.
- Significant experience in Early Years Care and Education settings.
- Experience as a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO), with a track record of referring children to appropriate services and meeting their individual needs within the nursery.
- Experience working closely with parents/carers to support children's development.
- Previous experience in staff appraisals and identifying training needs.
- Familiarity with working in a multi-agency environment.
- Strong record-keeping skills with an understanding of confidentiality.
- Knowledge of the Every Child Matters aims and outcomes.
- In-depth knowledge of EYFS Standards, the Children Act 2004, Childcare Act 2006, and the Ofsted Inspection Framework.
- Understanding of Health and Safety legislation and practices.
- Strong knowledge of Safeguarding Children and Child Protection procedures, with experience in the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- A commitment to Equal Opportunities and Inclusion, applying these principles throughout the setting.
- Solid understanding of child development for children aged 0-5 years.
- Practical knowledge of the EYFS Curriculum and its implementation.