Operational Duties – What you’ll be doing

• Providing High-Quality Care:
  Ensure all children are cared for in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that meets their physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Planning and Delivering Learning Opportunities:
  Use your knowledge of the EYFS and Development Matters (2023) to plan age-appropriate activities that support children's learning and development.
• Observations and Assessments:
  Regularly observe children, record progress, and complete summative assessments to inform planning and track development milestones.
• Promoting Positive Relationships:
  Build warm and trusting relationships with children, parents, and colleagues to create a positive and collaborative nursery environment.
• Safeguarding and Welfare:
  Follow safeguarding procedures and promote the health, safety, and well-being of all children at all times.
• Maintaining a Safe and Organised Setting:
  Ensure all areas of the nursery are clean, tidy, and well-prepared throughout the day. Assist with setting up and clearing away activities and resources.
• Team Collaboration:
  Work effectively as part of a team, contribute to meetings, and support colleagues across different age groups when needed.
• Key Person Role:
  Take on responsibility for a small group of children, developing individual care and learning plans and maintaining accurate records.
• Continuous Professional Development:
  Actively engage in ongoing training and professional development to enhance your skills and stay up to date with best practices.

People Responsibilities

• Supporting Children’s Wellbeing and Development:
  Act as a consistent and caring adult in children’s lives, responding sensitively to their individual needs and promoting their confidence, independence, and emotional security.
• Key Person Responsibilities:
  Take on a key person role for a group of children, fostering close bonds with them and their families, and being the main point of contact for their care, development, and progress.
• Partnership with Parents and Carers:
  Communicate regularly with parents and carers, sharing updates on children’s development, responding to concerns, and working together to support learning at home and in the setting.
• Collaborating with Colleagues:
  Work as part of a team of practitioners, contributing ideas, sharing best practices, and supporting one another to deliver high-quality care and education.
• Mentoring and Supporting Others (if applicable):
  As an experienced practitioner, provide guidance and support to less experienced staff, students, or apprentices as needed, helping to build a strong, knowledgeable team.
• Promoting a Positive Team Culture:
  Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful working environment where all staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to deliver their best.

Financial Responsibilities

• Use Nursery Resources Responsibly:
  Ensure that all equipment, toys, and materials are used appropriately, maintained in good condition, and stored safely to avoid unnecessary replacement or waste.
• Contribute to Cost-Effective Practices:
  Support the efficient running of the nursery by using resources mindfully, helping to reduce waste, and contributing to a culture of sustainability and value for money.
• Awareness of Nursery Funding and Ratios:
  Have a basic understanding of how funding (e.g., government-funded hours) and staff-to-child ratios impact the daily operation and staffing of the nursery.
• Report Resource Needs or Issues:
  Communicate promptly with supervisors or management when resources are low, damaged, or need replacing, helping to ensure spending is necessary and well-justified.
• Support Fundraising or Events (if applicable):
  Participate in or help organise occasional fundraising or parent engagement events that may contribute to nursery funds or resources.

Expected Behaviours - As an Early Years Practitioner of Oaks Nursery, you are expected to model the values and behaviours that support a high-quality, inclusive, and professional early years setting. These include:

• Child-Centred Approach:
  Always put the needs, safety, and wellbeing of children first. Be responsive, caring, and respectful in your interactions with every child.
• Professional Conduct:
  Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and professionalism in all aspects of your work. Follow nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding and confidentiality protocols.
• Positive Communication:
  Communicate openly and respectfully with children, families, and colleagues. Use clear, supportive language and actively listen to others.
• Teamwork and Collaboration:
  Work cooperatively with colleagues, supporting a culture of mutual respect, trust, and shared responsibility for the nursery environment.
• Initiative and Accountability:
  Take responsibility for your role, show initiative in your day-to-day duties, and seek guidance or support when needed.
• Commitment to Development:
  Embrace ongoing learning and reflection. Actively participate in training and show a willingness to adapt and improve your practice.
• Inclusive Practice:
  Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion by valuing and respecting the background, culture, and needs of all children and families.
• Positive Role Modelling:
  Set a good example for children through your actions, language, and attitude – fostering kindness, patience, cooperation, and respect.

Person Specification

Essential requirements should be demonstrated before appointment and maintained in post. Desirable elements should be developed and maintained once in post as needed.

Qualifications

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Level 2 or higher (equivalent) in Early Years Childcare and Education

X

X

X

Food Safety Certificate Level 2 or above.

X

X

X

Paediatric First Aid qualification

X

X

X

Health and Safety qualification

X

X

X

Safeguarding Training

X

X

X

Experience

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Experience of working in a busy nursery or Early Years environment with children aged 0 - 5

X

X

X

Experience of acting as a key person, including building strong relationships with children and parents and maintaining individual learning records.

X

X

X

Experience in supporting children’s personal care, routines, and wellbeing in a professional setting.

X

X

X

Experience supporting children with SEND or EAL

X

X

X

Familiarity with digital tools or systems used for recording observations and assessments (e.g., Tapestry, Famly, or similar).

X

X

X

Knowledge

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

A good understanding of Development Matters and how this is interpreted in best practice

X

X

X

An understanding of child protection and safeguarding in Early Years

X

X

X

An understanding of health and safety/food safety requirements

X

X

X

An understanding of inclusive practice, equality and diversity in early years education

X

X

X

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Sound judgement and ability to handle competing priorities

X

X

An ability to balance the needs of the role with the operational requirements of the Nursery

X

X

X

Good communication skills, with the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with people at all levels

X

X

X

Values & Behaviours

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Evidence of a personal commitment to continuing professional development

X

X

A commitment to equality of opportunity; someone who builds a culture of inclusivity and removes barriers to diversity

X

X

A team player, who helps others build a successful team, celebrates others’ success, and supports others to achieve individual and team goals

X

X

Position advertised

25/07/2025

Applications close

On going

Shortlisting

Interviews

TBC

Name

Heidi Firth

Job title

Nursery Manager

Contact number

01227 827676

Email address

oaksnursery@kent.ac.uk