Nursery Manager
Job Description:Nursery managers run early years childcare centres, providing day care for babies and young children from birth to 5 years.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day tasks you could:
- create a safe and stimulating environment to promote learning
- update parents and carers on children’s progress
- work with colleagues to meet children’s needs
- check equipment is in good condition
You’ll also have business responsibilities. You could:
- recruit staff and develop the nursery team
- manage a budget
- arrange marketing materials
- keep records and create management reports
- work within environmental, health and safety and fire regulations
- keep up to date with developments in early years care
- build relationships with parents, carers, schools and childcare professionals
- make sure the nursery meets early years foundation stage standards
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- customer service skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- leadership skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work on your own (drive)
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a foundation degree or degree in child development or a related subject, for example:
- early years education
- psychology
- childhood studies
Some nurseries may prefer you to have early years teacher status (EYTS).
College
You could start by doing a Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.
You can also do other childcare qualifications but they must be of a higher standard if you want to become a manager.
Apprenticeship
You could complete an advanced early years practitioner apprenticeship or an early years lead practitioner higher apprenticeship.
Once you have experience as a nursery worker you could apply for a job as a deputy manager or manager.
Work
Many people start as a nursery worker. With experience and further training, you can apply for supervisor jobs then move into nursery management. You’ll usually need at least 2 years’ work experience with children in a nursery to apply to become a manager.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 35-40 hours of work. You could be required to work early mornings on a rota
You could work in a nursery. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become an area manager and look after the work of a number of nurseries. You might also think about setting up your own private nursery.
You could become a trainer or training assessor for people studying for childcare qualifications. You could also move into nursery inspection.
Taking a higher education qualification in early years or child development could help you move into teaching, children’s nursing or social work.