Nursery Manager

Location: Al Karama Dubai

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Reports To : Principal

Supervises/ Interacts with : Teaching staff, admin, support staff, and nurse and parents

Job Purpose

The Nursery Manager is responsible for overseeing the effective daily running of the nursery, ensuring it provides a safe, nurturing, and enriching learning environment for young children. This role requires a strong leader who can manage curriculum planning, staff development, parent communication, budgeting, and regulatory compliance, all while maintaining high standards of care and education.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Operations

• Oversee daily nursery operations ensuring smooth functioning, child safety, and compliance.
• Lead staff meetings, training, and ongoing development initiatives.
• Maintain inspection readiness and ensure all policies meet KHDA and RTA requirements.
• Monitor hygiene, safety, and resource availability across the facility.

2. Curriculum & Learning

• Implement and monitor the EYFS curriculum in collaboration with classroom teachers.
• Provide training and support to staff to deliver effective learning experiences.
• Ensure inclusion, diversity, and individual development needs are integrated into planning.
• Coordinate learning environments both indoors and outdoors for hands-on experiences.

3. Child Wellbeing & Support

• Oversee safeguarding measures and child wellbeing across all classrooms.
• Manage Special Educational Needs (SEN) cases and liaise with professionals and therapists.
• Plan developmental assessments and review child progress reports regularly.

4. Parent & Community Engagement

• Serve as the first point of contact for parent communication and relationship building.
• Conduct regular PTMs, host awareness sessions, and facilitate open days.
• Manage parent communication apps and social media stories for updates and engagement.
• Lead parent onboarding, admission tours, and follow-ups.

5. Team Management

• Supervise and support staff, manage rosters, leave planning, and performance reviews.
• Handle staff hiring, training, warnings, and terminations in coordination with the owner.
• Maintain a positive, professional team culture and handle conflict resolution.

6. Financial & Strategic Oversight

• Work with the admin team to oversee monthly budgets, petty cash, and fee collections.
• Contribute to strategic planning, promotions, and pricing of services.
• Track occupancy and drive enrollment targets to ensure financial sustainability.

7. Marketing & Partnerships

• Support social media and marketing efforts with timely content and insights.
• Build community partnerships with schools, institutions, and event organizers.
• Organize field trips, parent-child events, and community workshops.

Job Specification

Minimum Qualifications

• Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in Early Years Education.
• Pediatric First Aid Certification.
• Safeguarding Certification.
• Minimum 2–3 years of nursery/early years leadership experience.
• Knowledge of EYFS framework and UAE education compliance (KHDA experience preferred).

Key Skills

Technical Skills

• Early years curriculum planning and delivery.
• Budgeting and financial planning.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, and nursery management tools (e.g., Illumine).
• Understanding of compliance, inspection, and regulatory frameworks (KHDA, RTA).

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership with emotional intelligence and professionalism.
• High adaptability and time management.
• Effective conflict resolution and team motivation abilities.