Head of Nursery (Term Time Only)

Holmewood House is a prestigious independent Prep School of 440+ pupils aged 3-13 years, set amidst 30 acres of the most beautiful Kent countryside, just outside Tunbridge Wells. The School is a happy and supportive working environment, where we pride ourselves on the exceptional provision for our pupils and staff in all areas.

Holmewood House provides a broad, well-balanced curriculum with outstanding teachers in what is very much a family school where the positive relationships between the teachers and children allows staff to get to know and understand the individual needs of each and every child. They foster their talents and nurture their growth through a challenging and exciting curriculum.

The school wholeheartedly believes that emotional and social well-being, self-esteem, happiness and confidence are of prime importance and are in themselves inextricably linked to academic progress. Staff are excited by the curiosity and thirst for learning that each child, regardless of their ability, naturally displays. They work hard to allow each child to ask why, to query and to have the time to develop their thoughts into fresh discoveries and innovations and, in doing so, overcome the challenges faced. The end result is the celebration of learning – a reward in its own right!

This position offers the opportunity to lead and develop our strong and successful Pre-Prep Nursery, leading and supporting a team of enthusiastic and dedicated colleagues. You will be passionate about the provision for the youngest children in our school and will champion their development and successes. You will take pride in embodying our school values; Aspiration, Kindness and Self-Belief and consider outdoor education of equal relevance and value to that taking place indoors. You will understand the importance of building lasting relationships with the children and their families as they begin a long and happy journey through Holmewood House.

Key responsibilities and duties:

• Overall management and leadership of the Nursery.
• To lead in the educational and social development of pupils under the direction of the  Head of EYFS, Head of Pre-Prep, Head of Learning Strategies and the Head Teacher of Holmewood House.
• The Manager must provide effective day to day leadership of the Nursery and Pre-Nursery. Proven experience of leading a team of Nursery practitioners is critical to this role.
• The Manager must plan an exciting and dynamic curriculum that reflects any recent changes to the EYFS framework.
• The Nursery Manager must have a proven record of using technology to support the learning of the children and ensure this is used with staff to maximise efficiency and operational effectiveness in the Nursery.
• To ensure at all times the Nursery's interior and exterior supports a safe, secure, stimulating and welcoming environment.
• To endeavour to give every child the opportunity to reach their potential and meet high expectations.
• To share the responsibility for pastoral care of the children.
• To attend relevant staff meetings and participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as identified in appraisal and annual reviews.
• To cover for absent colleagues as directed by the Head of Pre-Prep and Head of EYFS.
• To promote professional relationships with staff and parents.
• To establish and maintain a positive regard towards pupils.
• To keep abreast of current issues and attend training as necessary.
• To ensure the Nursery is inspection ready at all times. Ensure your working practices are appropriate to meet ISI standards and EYFS regulations.
• To represent the Nursery department as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager.

Qualifications and Skills

• Level 3 early years education and childcare qualification or above.
• Previous experience of working within a Nursery, strong managerial and leadership experience is a requirement for this role.
• Sound knowledge of child development for children from birth to five years.
• Willingness to learn and have the energy and passion about the quality of children's care and education.
• Good communication skills.
• Knowledge of child protection procedures.
• Commitment to working effectively with young children and families and other professionals.

Person specification

• Strong people management skills are required, the successful candidate must be able to lead a team to deliver the best outcomes for the children.
• Ability to think commercially about the nursery operations and be open to changing the way we do things in the best interests of the children.
• Be innovative, try new things and challenge norms within the Nursery environment to ensure the best possible learning environment for the children.
• To work effectively as part of a team and be able to reflect on advice and suggestions made by colleagues and ensure sharing and effective usage of resources to the benefit of the school, department and pupils.
• To work under the direction of colleagues, as required across the school.
• Be pro-active and use own initiative where required.
• To display positive and professional communication skills with both staff and pupils.
• To be a positive role model towards the Holmewood House community.
• To support the aims, ethos and values of Holmewood House.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and support pupils and colleagues.
• To keep up to date with all Holmewood House policies and the Holmewood House Handbook.
• To set a good example in terms of punctuality and attendance.
• To be flexible in approach and support colleagues as required.
• Be able to exercise discretion and confidentiality at all times.
• Build positive rapport with pupils and personal warmth to gain the confidence of pupils staff and parents.
• To respect confidentiality within the Pre-Prep and the Holmewood House community.