Job Introduction
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and friendly Nursery Manager to join our strong and highly dedicated team of staff. The successful candidate will have a Level 6 (or equivalent) qualification in early years development, have extensive experience working in early years environments, and have a strong understanding of how children develop in all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Hours of Work: 33.5 hours, 39 weeks per year. 8.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday (with 1 hour allocated to a planning meeting on Thursdays up to 4.30pm)
Applicants must have a thirst for learning and be able to demonstrate high quality leadership of a learning environment that inspires all children to learn, including those most vulnerable. We expect the successful candidate to be able to lead and motivate staff, bringing them with you to realise the school’s vision for the setting. In establishing our new Nursery provision, initially for up to x21 three and four year olds, you will also work closely with the school’s Assistant Headteacher to shape and evolve a truly inspirational and irresistible curriculum for our children. We all want to be proud of the highest possible quality of education on offer for our children in our new Setting. Applicants must be excited by the opportunity to expand the provision over time, increasing the amount of children we can support and the age range of the provision to enable the Nursery to take children from two+ moving forward.
All staff at Locks Heath Infant School live and breathe our shared Learning Values, continually ‘Seeking to find out’ how to improve their own performance as well as ‘Working Together’ to support and challenge each other to improve. The post would be suitable for someone wishing to progress in their career, being driven, ‘Never Giving Up’ and being aspirational towards continually raising standards for all children. All staff at Locks Heath Infant School deeply care about the children and each other, and you will be a key member of staff expected to model these values in all you do.
You will have / be able to show:
- hold a Level 6 (or equivalent) qualification in early years development and worked in a Senior role before.
- extensive and relevant experience working in and leading early years learning environments.
- a strong understanding and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage expectations.
- the impact of your desire to seek out new learning / latest research
- evidence how your strong leadership skills have supported staff’s ongoing professional development
- how your planning has supported the development of the children, including those most vulnerable.
- excellent communication skills
- how you have used your initiative, being proactive in solving problems swiftly and in the best interests of the children within the setting.
- a track record of being truly and genuinely empathetic when working with all children and families.
- that you can be calm under pressure and model calmness to all when managing and leading in challenging circumstances.
- that you are kind and considerate when working with children, staff, families and any outside agencies.
- extensive experience working to support the most vulnerable children, including those with SEND, and those who are often dysregulated.
- experience in identifying gaps in social and emotional development of children in early years settings.
- experience and examples of where you have planned recommended or appropriate programmes of support.
- demonstrable impact of the pre-planned interventions you have used to support children closing gaps in social and emotional development.
- extensive experience in de-escalation and distraction techniques that calm children and gain trust.
- evidence that you are able to gain the confidence of children who are highly dysregulated and distressed or socially withdrawn.
- a drive to improve the life chances of our amazing children.
- good administrative skills to ensure accurate record keeping and monitoring of pupils attainment using Tapestry and CPOMS for example.
- good IT skills - be able to use emails efficiently and create resources using IT
- a strong commitment to ensure effective behaviours for learning are maintained
- a warm personality and able to stay calm under pressure
- demonstrate good interpersonal skills with children and adults
- be able to work independently and show initiative
- good time management and organisational skills
We can offer you:
• The support of a welcoming, hardworking and knowledgeable staff team
• A positive learning environment
• A commitment to continued professional development and training
• A supportive, caring school community
Application Procedure
Visits welcome to view the setting and are available by telephoning the School Office:
- Monday 24 March @ 16:30
- Tuesday 25 March @ 16:30
For more information about the role or the school, please contact the school office on 01489 584180 or email us at a.keelor@locksheath-inf.hants.sch.uk
Applicants must use the Hampshire County Council application form which can be downloaded from this website
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
