Head of Nursery

Job overview

In transformation to the early childhood services in Islington six children’s centres have been paired and are overseen by an executive head and each centre has their own Head of Nursery to support the executive head in providing vision, direction and leadership for the nursery, ensuring high quality childcare and early education that improves outcomes in line with the areas of learning and development in the EYFS and narrows the gap between those children most vulnerable to poor outcomes and the rest.

Archway Children’s Centre is situated in the Bright Start North area in  light and spacious purpose-built spaces. We have a spacious garden with mud kitchen and a calm spaces to explore natural materials.

Archway Children’s Centre achieved ‘Outstanding’ in the recent  Ofsted inspection. The effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning, assessment, personal development, behaviour, welfare and outcomes for children is all outstanding.

Archway Children’s Centre is in the register of good practice for ‘Imaginative Approaches to Exploring Media and Materials’. It also has the GOLD award for Healthy Early Years London. The nursery serves the local and wider community and is open for 49 weeks of the year, closing for two weeks over the summer.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Mita Pandya on  020 7527 4827/4831 for Archway Children’s Centre.

 Closing Date: Sunday 4th February 2023  

Main duties of the job

To support the Executive Head in providing vision, direction and leadership for the nursery, ensuring high quality childcare and early education that improves outcomes in line with the areas of learning and development in the EYFS and narrows the gap between those children most vulnerable to poor outcomes and the rest.

In the absence of the Executive Head, the Head will have full responsibility for the management of all day to day operational functions of the nursery including staffing levels, health and safety, safeguarding, finance systems and managing the intake of new cohorts of children.

To be an effective role model for staff in all aspects, including teamwork, positive relationships with children and parents, and appropriate early years teaching practice in order to improve outcomes for children.
To provide line management and appraisal to staff as appropriate supporting them to carry out their professional responsibilities and monitor the safeguarding responsibilities, performance and training of all staff.

DUTIES:
1.             Ensure the successful development and implementation of high quality, developmentally appropriate, inclusive, learning environments in the nursery which promote learning through play and offer children learning experiences that meet their diverse and additional needs.
2.             Ensure that the implementation of an effective planning, observation and assessment system allows for precise tracking of children’s progress and identification of priorities including for children most vulnerable to low outcomes including 2 yr. olds eligible for the free entitlement, EYPR children and those with SEND.
3.             Have sound knowledge and understanding of the educational, developmental, health and social needs of children under five and of the requirements and guidance relating to the EYFS statutory framework.
4.             Keep abreast of issues concerning wider legislative policy context for early education, academic literature, research and debate.
5.             Ensure that there are robust safeguarding systems in place in accordance with local and national policies including promoting a safe culture for raising concerns including whistle blowing.
6.             Lead and support staff in developing and maintaining effective systems for observation, assessment and planning which allows for precise tracking of children’s progress.
7.             Lead on developing and maintaining appropriate positive behaviour strategies for children that support their diverse needs.

8.             Lead and support staff in developing and maintaining a partnership with parents that values parents’ contributions and includes them in their child’s education. This includes ensuring there is support for the home learning environment and continuity for the child and parents at points of transition into, within and out of the setting.
9.             In partnership with the Executive Head, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the nursery’s provision for teaching and learning and implement quality improvement strategies which impact on and improve outcomes for children.
10.          With the Executive Head, develop and maintain positive working relationships with multi-agency partners and local organisations including EY settings and schools in the area to facilitate an integrated approach to services for all families and children. This includes the integrated health and education review at age 2.
11.          Lead the staff team in the use of early help frameworks and Team around the Child/ Family meetings.
12.          With the Executive Head, draw up and monitor a relevant development plan and take a lead on developing and managing specific areas for development.
13.          Where appropriate, lead in-service training and advise on individual CPD opportunities for other members of staff.
14.          Support the Executive Head in ensuring that the nursery meets the criteria for a successful OFSTED inspection.
15.          Coordinate the supervision of student placements and volunteers, ensuring they adhere to the ethos and practice of the centre in all matters.
16.          Uphold and demonstrate in practice the principles of inclusion and equal opportunities in all aspects of the role.
17.          Undertake regular Child Protection training at a level commensurate with the role.
18.          Undertake other minor and/or non-recurring duties appropriate to this post as directed by the Head of Centre.
ADDITIONAL:
The post holder is expected to:
•            To use and assist others in the use of information technology systems to carry out duties in the most efficient and effective manner.
•            To achieve agreed service outcomes and outputs, and personal appraisal targets, as agreed by the line manager.
•            To undertake training and constructively take part in meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist with the effective development of the post and post holder.
•            To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the council’s commitment to customer service excellence and ensure compliance with the customer care standards.
•            To be committed to the Council’s core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and to demonstrate this commitment in the way duties are carried out.
•            To ensure that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
•            To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Council’s Health and Safety Policy and relevant Health and Safety legislation.
•            At all times to carry out responsibilities/duties within the framework of the Council’s Dignity for all Policy. (Equal Opportunities Policy).