Location
Chigwell with flexible, hybrid working including home-based work and occasional visits to the Warwick-based Franchise Support Office. Regular travel to franchise nurseries across the UK is required, including occasional overnight stays.

Hours
Full time, field-based role with flexible working arrangements.

Salary
Competitive salary offered (details to be confirmed during the recruitment process).

About the Role
The Early Years Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring all Banana Moon franchise nurseries within their designated region meet applicable regulatory standards, safeguarding requirements, and internal quality benchmarks. This includes managing the quarterly self-audit process, conducting compliance and safeguarding audits, and supporting nurseries to maintain inspection readiness. The role involves regular visits to nurseries to verify compliance, provide guidance on improvements, and escalate significant concerns to the Head of Compliance. You will serve as the key compliance contact for nurseries in your region, building strong relationships with franchisees and nursery managers to support continuous improvement. Additionally, you will identify and report compliance trends to inform network-wide training priorities and contribute to quality improvement initiatives. This role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supporting nurseries in meeting and exceeding regulatory expectations.

Experience
- Managing compliance and audit processes within early years or similar regulated settings.
- Conducting safeguarding, learning and development, and facilities audits.
- Supporting organisations in preparing for regulatory inspections.
- Providing clear, constructive feedback and written reports.
- Building professional relationships with multiple stakeholders.
- Working independently in a field-based role with regular travel.

About you
- Strong knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks including EYFS/Ofsted (England), National Standards/Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland (Scotland), and Minimum Standards/CIW and Estyn (Wales).
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to analyse compliance trends and contribute to quality improvement.
- Proactive, professional, and supportive approach to working with franchise nurseries.
- Willingness to travel regularly and occasionally stay overnight.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.

Qualifications
- Relevant qualifications in early years, compliance, or a related field are desirable but not explicitly stated.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and regulatory compliance requirements is essential.