Preschool Manager - Job Opportunity
We are looking for a dedicated and passionate Preschool Manager to lead our Preschool team and provide inclusive play and learning opportunities for all children. The ideal candidate will play a key role in creating a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable environment for our children and staff. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual who thrives in a leadership role within early childhood education.
Position: Preschool Manager
Location: Colchester
Reports To: Manager
Responsible For: Deputy Manager and Preschool Staff
The Preschool Manager will lead the Preschool team to provide inclusive play and learning experiences for all children attending the preschool. This role involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring all staffing levels are met, and ensuring the smooth running of each session. The Preschool Manager will collaborate with the Room Leader to maintain a safe, stimulating, and engaging environment for children.
Preschool Management: Manage the preschool on a day-to-day basis, including overseeing staffing, answering phone calls, emails, and conducting tours for prospective parents.
Policy & Procedures: Implement and ensure staff follow all preschool policies and procedures.
Curriculum Planning: Oversee the planning, delivery, and monitoring of the EYFS curriculum to meet the children’s needs in collaboration with the Preschool Room Leader.
Observation & Documentation: Ensure all children have up-to-date observations on EYLOG and that all key persons are maintaining their paperwork.
Staff Supervision: Support the Room Leader in managing staff, including scheduling, covering staff absences, and ensuring appropriate staff deployment.
Supervision of Volunteers & Students: Supervise volunteers, students, and those on work placements.
Child Protection: Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, immediately sharing any child protection concerns.
Safeguarding: Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the safeguarding of all children.
Key Person Allocation & Settling-In: Ensure each child has a designated key person and support settling-in sessions for new children.
Inclusion & Special Educational Needs (SEN): Support children with special educational needs and ensure that staff provide appropriate support.
Liaison with Parents/Carers: Establish and maintain strong communication with parents/carers, arranging and attending meetings to discuss children's progress.
Team Development: Contribute to staff appraisals, termly supervisions, and regular team meetings to foster a collaborative and supportive environment.
Training & Professional Development: Attend training sessions and keep updated with current best practices in early years education.
Partnership Working: Collaborate with other agencies and professionals when needed to support the children and the preschool.
Confidentiality: Adhere to confidentiality policies and maintain a professional standard in all areas.
Level 3 early years education and childcare qualification (e.g., NVQ 3, Pre-school Learning Alliance Diploma, or equivalent).
Experience in managing or assisting in the management of a preschool or similar early years setting.
Strong understanding of child development and ability to deliver an age-appropriate curriculum.
Knowledge of child protection procedures and Safeguarding, including Prevent.
Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
Proficient in Microsoft Office and using software for reporting and correspondence.
Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks, and handle competing demands.
Leadership experience, including staff management and performance reviews.
A passion for continuous improvement and ability to inspire others to achieve high standards.
Experience in liaising with parents, carers, and other professionals.
Proactive, motivated, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
Experience working with children with special educational needs.
Experience of coordinating curriculum planning and activities in early childhood education settings.
A commitment to keeping up to date with the latest early years education trends and legislation.
Emotional resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
We are committed to providing a positive, supportive working environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of young children. You’ll be joining a dedicated team, committed to fostering a culture of learning, growth, and development for both the children and staff. If you are passionate about early childhood education and have the drive to lead a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you!
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience. We look forward to hearing from you!
