Early Years Practice Manager

Department

Set in the peaceful surroundings of Wivenhoe Park on our Colchester Campus, our large Day Nursery offers high quality day care to children from 3 months to 5 years. We serve the local community, University staff and students.

We are currently looking to recruit an Early Years Practice Manager to complement our existing Management structure. You will be joining our friendly and diverse senior team at the Day Nursery.

This is a fixed term position working 28.5 hours per week. This appointment is for a fixed-term period for 05 October 2026 to 29 October 2027 in order to provide cover for a permanent member of staff who is absent from work on maternity leave. You should note that should the permanent member of staff choose to return to her post earlier than the end date of this contract then a notice period of 1 month, instead of 3 months, shall apply to the ending of this appointment.

These hours can be worked flexibly in line with the needs of the service and to provide a good work/home life balance.

We are looking for candidates that have previous Leadership and Management experience in strengthening a nursery environment and managing a team of two Nursery Deputies and their Senior Early Years Educators. You will be supported by the Nursery Senior Operations Manager.

Candidates should be passionate about the early years that value children as independent and unique learners. Who enjoy supporting children to learn and develop through a child led approach into confident individuals that are eventually ready to start school. We are looking for potentials that have the skill, knowledge and experience to inspire, lead and motivate their early years team.

Benefits to working at Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery:

• Being part of a large senior team
• Our managers have the flexibility to use their own ideas and initiatives to lead an outstanding environment for 0-5year olds with the support from the Management team and wider University Directors.
• Beautiful outdoor space with sensory nature gardens and University grounds.
• The use of online journals
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Sick pay
• Regular free training and professional development days
• Opportunities to progress professionally
• Team building events and celebrations

Skills and qualifications required

• You should have an NVQ level 3 in childcare or equivalent and have previous experience of leading and managing a team within a childcare setting. An NPQ/EYT or an Early Years Childhood Degree would be desirable.
• Sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the importance of strong parent partnerships. 
• Excellent communication skills and able to work effectively in a team in motivating and inspiring others.
• Have excellent decision-making skills and judgement.

Due to the nature of this role the successful person would need to fulfil the requirements of a DBS check.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

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