Nursery Manager

Blue Whales Nursery is looking for a  Nursery Manager. Could this be you?

Blue Whales Nursery is part of Dartford Primary Academy and is the first, essential step in our pupils’ educational careers. Our nursery provision, which caters for pupils in their pre-school year, is integral to our school community and works on implementing the EYFS Framework through the strategies of International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. We aspire to build an intrigue to learn more through our inquiry-based approach. We help our pupils to develop as successful, global citizens whilst exploring their interests and curiosities.

We are looking for someone with:

• A minimum of NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, EYPS, EYTS or QTS.
• Previous, recent experience managing a similar setting.
• Excellent communicator at all levels.
• Ability to organise own work and that of others, identify priorities and meet outcomes.
• Lead by example, demonstrating high levels of drive, enthusiasm and passion with proven ability to motivate others.
• Excellent written communication with ability to produce and evaluate reports.
• Up to date knowledge of EYFS framework and other relevant regulations.
• Knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Proven success in managing provision and innovative teaching across the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Our successful candidates will receive:

• The opportunity to help shape our future by joining a LAT academy
• A school community committed to raising achievement and attainment
• A strong commitment to support professional development opportunities
• A supportive Governing Body and Leadership Team​​​​​​​

This is a fixed term opportunity until July 2024 and offers an actual salary £22,127 - £23,871 per annum (£25,082 - £27,060 full time equivalent), commensurate with experience, based on 37 hours per week, Term Time + 2 weeks inset.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Working with us at Dartford Primary Academy: Dartford Primary Academy is a highly successful three form entry primary school in Dartford, catering for children between the ages of three and eleven. We provide children with meaningful opportunities and experiences to become global citizens who have a desire to learn. "We are working towards becoming an accredited IB school and are currently implementing the PYP (Primary Years programme of the International Baccalaureate). Learning is built upon experiences that are real and relevant. Whilst we follow the National Curriculum we also respond to the interests and needs of the children to ensure that each term the activities excite and engage everyone." Our purpose is to equip our children to be internationally-minded and to possess the essential skills they need to be successful and engaged in all their learning throughout their educational careers and within their future vocations. Our aim is to send all our pupils onwards so they become lifelong learners, who are successful, confident and responsible citizens with a desire to improve the world in which they live. Click here to view our school website.  

At Dartford Primary Academy, we pride ourselves on nurturing our children to become determined, persistent achievers who will change the world. As a member of our team, you will be well-supported and provided with opportunities to develop yourself as a teacher and professional. Our pupils have said that they would like kind, happy and enthusiastic teachers who make learning fun, but also help them to achieve their very best!

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2022, our Trust comprises 30 geographically organised academies (14 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating 20,000 students, and employing 3,000 talented staff. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Our future plans are found in our Vision 2030 document available on our website.​​​​​​​

As part of Leigh Academies Trust, you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the benefits available to all LAT employees from day one. 

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

​​​​​​​Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.​​​​​​​