Early Years Funding Manager - Kids Planet Central Support

Kids Planet Day Nurseries Ltd.; Broomedge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run nursery group in the UK is seeking an Early Years Funding Manager to oversee and coordinate early years funding. This senior role is responsible for ensuring accuracy in funding claims, managing relationships with Local Authorities, and providing training on funding processes. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of funding frameworks, excellent attention to detail, and experience in financial forecasting. The position promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for all applicants.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of early years funding frameworks.
• Excellent attention to detail and financial accuracy.
• Ability to lead audits and ensure compliance under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate early years funding across the group.
• Ensure accuracy in funding claims submissions and reconciliations.
• Maintain relationships with Local Authorities regarding funding matters.

Skills

Understanding of early years funding frameworks and LA processes

Attention to detail in financial data management

Communication and relationship management skills

Proficiency in systems such as Famly and Funding Loop

Problem-solving skills

Experience with reconciliations and forecasting

Tools

Famly

Funding Loop

Job description

Early Years Funding Manager - Kids Planet Central Support

231 Higher Ln., Lymm WA13 0RN, UK

Job Description

Posted Thursday 11 December 2025 at 01:00

Kids Planet is an independent, family run group of nurseries providing the highest standard of nursery care across the UK.

Kids Planet Day Nurseries is dedicated to providing exceptional nursery care and education in a unique environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and socialize. With over 200 nurseries and growing, we are a rapidly expanding company committed to excellence in early childhood education.

As part of our continued growth, we are excited to introduce a new senior position within our Billing & Collections department. We are currently seeking an Early Years Funding Manager to join our team. This role will report directly to the Head of Billing & Collections and will play a key part in overseeing and coordinating all aspects of early years funding across the group.

The Early Years Funding Manager will be responsible for ensuring funding claims are submitted accurately and on time, reconciling data between internal systems, managing relationships with Local Authorities, supporting audits, and forecasting future claims. This role will also support internal teams with funding-related training and guidance, and act as the main point of contact for all Local Authority funding matters. While this is a senior role, it does not involve direct line management, but will require strong collaboration, communication, and leadership across departments.

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

• Act as the organisation’s lead for early years funding legislation and statutory guidance, proactively monitoring changes and ensuring senior leadership and relevant teams are informed and aligned with any updates.
• Ensure all Local Authority (LA) deadlines for early years funding claims are met and that submissions are accurate and timely.
• Manage reconciliations between the Funding Loop system and Famly, identifying and resolving any discrepancies promptly.
• Monitor cash flow to confirm that payments received align with claims submitted, and escalate any variances.
• Forecast future funding claims to support financial planning and provide insights to senior leadership.
• Review and manage LA early years funding contracts, ensuring compliance and communicating key requirements internally.
• Act as the main point of contact for all LAs, maintaining strong relationships and handling all funding-related queries.
• Coordinate and lead audits with LAs, both virtually and in person, ensuring full compliance and accurate documentation.
• Support the SEND team with Disability Access Fund (DAF) and SEND funding applications and reconciliations when required.
• Create and confirm term dates for all nurseries in line with LA requirements and communicate these internally.
• Update internal funding information and ensure all relevant training materials reflect the latest changes.
• Deliver training sessions to the Billing & Collections team and other stakeholders on funding processes and updates.
• Identify opportunities to streamline funding processes and improve efficiency across systems and workflows.
• Support the Head of Billing & Collections with any additional tasks or projects related to funding and financial compliance.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Strong understanding of early years funding frameworks and LA processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
  Advanced skills in financial forecasting and cash flow analysis.
  Strong communication and relationship management skills, particularly with external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead audits and ensure compliance under pressure.
  Proficiency in systems such as Famly and Funding Loop (or similar platforms).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
  Proven experience in early years funding, finance, or a similar role within the childcare or education sector.
• Experience managing LA relationships and funding audits.
  Strong financial acumen and experience with reconciliations and forecasting.
• Leadership experience or ability to influence and train others.

Kids Planet is committed to equal opportunities for all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our staff and children. Applications are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.