Should nursery managers be in ratio or supernumerary?

 

Nursery settings often have a nursery manager to oversee the general running of the nursery and will usually be the nominated person for Ofsted registration. The role of the manager varies from setting to setting; with some managers supernumerary and others counted in ratios and responsible for a key group. It usually depends on the size of the nursery and the staff team to determine a manager’s role; however, which role is best for the setting?

Managers are responsible for a great deal in their job role, yet not every nursery manager is expected to do the same. Some managers have to do admin jobs such as wages, fee chasing or rotas; yet some settings employ an admin person to oversee these tasks. Also some nursery managers are expected to dress in a suit and be front of house, greeting parents and being available; whilst others wear the same uniform as the staff and work in the room. This stark contrast in job roles offers positives and negatives on both sides.

Most large nursery settings are able to keep their manager out of ratio and in an office. This enables the manager to be available to parents and practitioners, dealing with complaints or queries as soon as they arise. This has a positive impact on the morale of staff and parents, as they feel they can deal with issues immediately. However this may also prove difficult for staff in communicating with the manager. Many staff feel that managers are unable to appreciate the stress and difficulty that occurs in a room at times, as they do not witness it when in the office each day. This can cause conflict between staff and management, creating a gap in communication and team morale.

Smaller settings often have a manager that works in the room and has a key group. This can have a positive impact on teamwork, ensuring everyone pulls their weight and is treated the same. However being in ratio can leave a manager with very little time to complete managerial tasks such as carrying out appraisals or interviews. It may also have a negative impact on the staff team around the manager, limiting the opportunity for progression in the company through roles such as room leaders. This can leave staff feeling unmotivated and unable to use their initiative.

Having a nursery manager out of ratio can cost the company a great deal of money. With the National Living Wage introduced on the 1st of April, and the funding for all 3 and 4 year olds due to increase to 30 hours as of next year; many settings will struggle financially. This could lead to more managers being used in ratio’s to save staffing costs. Many settings use cover staff to cover breaks and staff sickness, yet with the increase of costs hitting the early year sector, using a manager to cover will help cut costs.

Managers that are in the room can also take advantage of observation opportunities. This time can be used to observe staff and practice in the room, whilst offering alternative ideas and suggestions. Most managers are highly qualified and experienced which can positively impact on practice. Having quality leadership offers great mentoring opportunities and supports the workforce to provide a high standard of learning. However nursery managers that are in ratio may be unable to find adequate time out of the room to expand on ideas for practice. They may also find it difficult to offer specific one to one training or mentoring to a staff member.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to having a manager in ratio or supernumerary in the setting. Which role do you think is most beneficial to the setting?