Pre-school Manager

Are you ready to take your next adventure in helping children to shine?

Preschool Manager

Hours: 33 - 38 hours per week, worked over four days.

Working Pattern: Term-time working, with the possibility of additional working weeks during school holidays.

Salary: £25000-£28000 per annum term-time only, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Start date: December 2026

Help children reach for the stars

Kea Preschool is a rural preschool with a very special heart. We are proud to provide a welcoming, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to explore, learn and grow.

Our vision is “Right to Shine”: we believe every child has the right to reach their full potential and to “reach for the stars”. We want every child to feel that they belong, that their voice matters and that they can achieve great things in their own way.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and caring Preschool Manager to lead our team, champion high-quality early years education and help shape the next chapter of Kea Preschool.

Why join Kea Preschool?

· A close-knit, caring team — Work alongside an experienced staff team who are committed to children’s wellbeing, development and happiness.

· A special rural setting — Be part of a preschool with strong community connections and a warm, welcoming ethos.

· Make a real difference — Help children build confidence, develop independence and enjoy positive early learning experiences.

· Lead and develop — Support staff to grow in confidence and practice, while continuing to develop your own leadership skills.

About the role

As Preschool Manager, you will lead the day-to-day running of the setting and help ensure that children receive safe, inclusive and high-quality care and education. Responsibilities will include:

· Leading, supporting and developing the staff team, promoting a positive and reflective culture.

· Overseeing the planning and delivery of an engaging curriculum in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

· Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and ensuring safeguarding and child protection procedures are followed.

· Taking responsibility for health and safety, risk assessments and maintaining a safe environment.

· Building positive, respectful relationships with parents and carers, the school and other professionals.

· Promoting inclusive practice and ensuring children with additional needs receive appropriate support.

· Monitoring children’s progress and supporting effective transitions into school.

· Maintaining accurate records, policies and procedures, and ensuring the setting is prepared for Ofsted inspections as well as other inspections that occur.

· Managing the operational requirements of the preschool, including staffing, resources and day-to-day organisation.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

· Has at least 2 years’ experience working within an early year’s setting.

· Holds an appropriate, recognised Level 3 or above early years qualification and meets the relevant EYFS requirements for the role.

· Holds a suitable Level 2 Math qualification or is willing to achieve one within two years of starting the role.

· Has a strong, up-to-date understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding, child protection and welfare requirements.

· Communicates confidently and sensitively with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.

· Is organised, proactive and able to balance children’s needs with the practical responsibilities of managing a setting.

· The ability to lead, motivate and support a team.

· Is passionate about inclusion and believes every child deserves the opportunity to shine.

Safeguarding and safer recruitment

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and applicants to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, verification of identity and qualifications, satisfactory references, and checks into employment history and any gaps. Online searches may be carried out for shortlisted candidates as part of our safeguarding due diligence.

Interested in joining us?

If you are someone who shares our belief that every child has the right to shine, we would love to hear from you.

To request further information or an application pack, please contact:

Jo Polkinghorne (Office Manager)

[email protected]

01872 260299

Deadline: Wednesday 28th October 9.00am

Pay: £25,000.00-£28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person