Tanya Prentice

Experienced and highly organised Business & Finance Manager with over 15 years’ experience within the early years sector, progressing from Room Manager and Deputy Manager to a senior business and finance position. Experienced in financial administration, invoicing, debt management, payroll, government funding, staff coordination, compliance and the day-to-day operation of a busy nursery setting. A reliable and approachable professional with strong communication and organisational skills, a practical approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards.

Business & Finance Manager at LITTLE TIGERS DAY NURSERY (2019-08 – Present)

• Manage the day-to-day finance function, including monthly invoicing, income management and debt collection.
• Oversee government-funded places and funding agreements, ensuring documentation and supporting evidence are accurate and up to date.
• Complete monthly payroll administration, including overtime, sickness, unpaid leave, bonuses and contractual changes.
• Coordinate staff deployment for a current team of 26, managing absences and daily rotas while ensuring required staffing ratios are maintained.
• Support the daily running of the nursery and set up in the absence of the Nursery Manager, ensuring Ofsted requirements are maintained.
• Support families with financial matters, safeguarding and child development, and maintain clear communication with parents.
• Liaise with local government, schools, adult education providers and other external agencies.
• Manage new enquiries, allocate child spaces and maintain customer information across communication and invoicing systems.
• Organise employee appraisals and draw on previous Assistant Manager experience in staff support and development.
• Manage out-of-school club bookings and previously ran the breakfast club for Ravensthorpe Primary School.
• Manage children's room transitions, communicating with parents and ensuring visits and transition reports are completed.
• Roll out funding processes to parents, inputting information and coordinating communication with parents and the local council.
• Maintain accurate records and supporting evidence for nursery funding entitlements and carry out checks on new funding applications.
• Manage booking administration for the out-of-school club and contribute to the smooth running of nursery services.
• Support colleagues and families with day-to-day queries, using initiative to resolve issues and keep operations running effectively.

Assistant Manager at LITTLE TIGERS DAY NURSERY (2010 – 2019)

Room Manager & Deputy Manager at LITTLE TIGERS DAY NURSERY (2007-09 – 2010)

LITTLE ACORNS DAY NURSERY (2006-07 – 2007-09)

Earlier early-years experience prior to joining Little Tigers Day Nursery.

NEXT (2004 – 2006)

Part-time employment while studying at college.

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children and Young People’s Workforce in Early Years Management – City & Guilds (2016)

CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Childcare and Education (2006)

11 GCSEs – Stanground College (1999 – 2004)