Nursery - Early Years

Job Description

For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.

Job Title: Nominated Individual (Early Years Setting)

Location: Shrewsbury (regular on-site presence required)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Nominated Individual to provide governance and oversight for our early years setting.

This role is not responsible for the day-to-day running of the nursery. Instead, the Nominated Individual ensures that effective leadership, safeguarding, and compliance systems are in place and operating as required.

The Nominated Individual acts as the key point of contact with Ofsted and is responsible for ensuring the setting meets all statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Nominated Individual for Ofsted, representing the registered provider
• Ensure the setting operates in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements
• Provide regular oversight of leadership and management, ensuring appropriate systems and practices are in place and able to relay progress in a action report to the Director.
• Hold the Nursery Manager accountable for:
  • Safeguarding practice
  • Staff supervision and deployment
  • Compliance with policies and procedures
• Ensure robust safeguarding systems and culture are established and maintained
• Oversee safer recruitment processes, including checks on staff suitability for new hires going forward.
• Ensure staff training, qualifications, and compliance records are accurate and up to date.
• Review any changes and monitor if they require risk assessments and health & safety practices
• Ensure appropriate supervision of children and adherence to staffing ratios
• Ensure staff don't need to trigger the whistleblowing procedure and that its understood by staff
• Conduct regular compliance reviews/audits (e.g. weekly in the first quarter progressing to fortnightly in the second quarter of employment)
• Provide structured updates to the Director on:
  • Compliance
  • Risks
  • Areas for improvement
• Liaise with Ofsted and external agencies where required.

Essential Requirements

• Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Experience in early years leadership, safeguarding, or regulatory compliance
• Clear understanding of safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures
• Experience working with Ofsted standards and inspections
• Ability to provide oversight and challenge where necessary

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Nominated Individual OR senior leader
• Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training
• Experience supporting improvement or compliance in early years settings

Key Attributes

• Strong professional judgement
• High level of accountability
• Ability to provide both support and challenge
• Clear and confident communicator
• Strong safeguarding ethos

Additional Information

This is a governance and oversight role, requiring regular engagement with the setting to ensure that systems are effective and consistently applied in practice. xwzovoh

The Nominated Individual works alongside the Nursery Manager and Director to ensure the setting is safe, compliant, and operating to a high progressional standard.