Early Years Quality Manager

Monkey Puzzle Nursery Group · Berkhamsted, England, United Kingdom

Purpose & Objectives of the jobTo support and monitor compliance, quality, and standards across Monkey Puzzle Nursery Group. The role is responsible for advising and supporting nursery management teams, and practitioners to deliver high-quality care and education. This role contributes to the continuous improvement and excellence of all Monkey Puzzle Nursery Group sites. Operational Leadership

Conduct audits of teaching practices and environments, producing clear action plans to support rapid improvement.
Maintain accurate records using platforms such as Monday.com and SharePoint.
Attend relevant industry events and networks.
Manage a schedule of nursery visits, ensuring consistent quality monitoring across the network.
Use audit trend data to create and implement focus plans with the team.
Alongside the Operations Manager, coach and support Nursery Managers to deliver operational excellence and achieve organisational objectives
Work collaboratively with the Operations Manager to monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs), including occupancy, staffing, financial performance, compliance and customer satisfaction, implementing improvement plans where required alongside Nursery Growth Plans
Support Nursery managers in overseeing operational budgets while maintaining high – quality provision
Work collaboratively with Head Office support functions, including HR, Finance and Marketing, to achieve company goals
Ensure policies, procedures and operational standards are implemented consistently across all Nursery Group Sites Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Deliver high-quality advice, training, and support to nurseries, tailored to their individual needs.
Develop and implement Quality Support Plans where operational weaknesses are identified.
Write high-standard visit reports, with constructive and clear feedback.
Provide guidance on equalities legislation and ensure inclusive practice is embedded.
Ensure all settings comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), statutory compliance in safeguarding and health & safety, including Ofsted and HSE requirements.
Stay informed of sector developments and apply relevant research to improve practice.
Contribute to policy, system, and training development.
Monitor safer recruitment and appropriate staff deployment in line with legal requirements.
Support settings through inspections, ensuring teams are well prepared and confident in demonstrating ‘Strong Standard’ practice Curriculum and Pedagogical Oversight
Support Nursery Managers and leadership teams to develop inspiring learning environments that promote children's learning, development and wellbeing
Champion the delivery of a high-quality, child-centred curriculum that reflects the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage
Monitor curriculum implementation through regular quality visits, observations and professional dialogue
Drive improvements in teaching, learning and assessment through coaching, mentoring and quality improvement approaches
Encourage innovation and the sharing of best practice across all settings to enhance children's outcomes Support & Engagement
Build strong relationships with Nursery Managers to ensure consistent brand standards and shared goals.
Support new openings through Ofsted registration and setting setup.
Work collaboratively with the Operations Manager in supporting recruitment, retention, succession planning and workforce stability across the Nursery sites
Foster an inclusive, positive and high-performing culture aligned with organisational values
Facilitate collaboration between settings to share expertise, celebrate success and drive continuous improvement Early Years Training & Development
Collaborate with the training department to deliver a robust CPD programme and evaluate its impact on children’s outcomes.
Support settings with SEND strategies and inclusive practice.
Monitor and support safeguarding practices, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements.
Promote a culture of continuous professional development for all colleagues across the region
Collaboratively work with the Operations Manager in coaching, mentor and develop Nursery Managers and leadership teams to strengthen leadership capability and improve outcomes
Deliver and facilitate training, workshops and professional learning opportunities in early years practice, safeguarding, leadership and operational excellence
Ensure all mandatory training is completed and that colleagues remain up to date with legislative and best practice developments
Encourage reflective practice and continuous learning to drive improvements in quality, teaching and leadership across all settings Key Skills:
Passionate about early years education
Experienced in leading nurseries with a track record of ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted outcomes
Reflective and analytical, open to challenging your own assumptions
An excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing
A team player who shares knowledge and promotes best practice
Organised and skilled in managing priorities
Committed to ongoing professional development
Calm under pressure and solution-oriented
Personable, adaptable, and able to inspire others Essential:
Level 3 Early Years Qualification (Full and Relevant)
Strong knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework
Experience working within early years settings
Knowledge of Health & Safety standards in early years
Ability to create and implement action plans
Experience supporting settings through rapid improvement
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Desirable:
Experience managing or overseeing multiple early years settings
Experience supporting new settings through Ofsted registration
Familiarity with Microsoft Office365 tools (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be thoroughly background checked, this check will include a DBS check.