Early Years Quality Manager

Description  Hybrid  with regular travel to Nursery Group Sites across the UK

Role Summary

To 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.  

Key Responsibilities    Operational Leadership
Conduct audits of teaching practices and environments, producing clear action plans to support rapid improvement.
Maintain accurate records using platforms such as  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 childrens 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…