Childcare Manager

Another Place; England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A Lake District hotel is seeking a Childcare Manager for their Kids Zone. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in childcare and proven management experience in an Early Years setting. Responsibilities include overseeing the team, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children aged 6 months to 12 years, and managing budgets. This full-time role offers opportunities for personal and professional growth in a beautiful location.

Benefits

Career prospects

Team discounts

Team social events

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced manager in an Early Years setting.
• Excellent budgeting knowledge.
• Proven knowledge of EYFS and Statutory Framework.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations.
• Energetic and positive team player.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Kids Zone team and ensure effective childcare.
• Maintain a safe environment as per guidelines.
• Support and motivate the team daily.
• Ensure high-quality play sessions for children.
• Lead the team through Ofsted inspections.
• Recruit and train team members.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Budget Management

Safeguarding

Knowledge of SEND

Positive Attitude

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent

Job description

Childcare Manager / Early Years Manager– Another Place, The Lake | Kids Zone Manager

Warm hospitality and contemporary comfort combine with views over Ullswater and the fells. Another Place, The Lake offers a relaxed setting for guests, exploring the wilderness, swimming beneath a full moon, paddleboarding across the lake, eating and drinking well, letting go and having a good time.

Another Place Hotels – a place to take your hospitality career to new heights. With a team that values connection, flexibility, variety, and challenge, we’re all about making a meaningful impact on our guests’ holiday. Our three core values – We Care, We Notice, We Change – show what it means to work for a hotel that goes above and beyond for our team and guests. At Another Place, we don’t just provide a place for our guests to rest their heads – we create memorable experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime.

An unforgettable holiday experience amidst 18 acres of Lake District National Park, Another Place offers private lakeshore and views over Ullswater and the fells. For our guests, how their stay makes them feel is crucial; cared about, looked after, welcome. It’s the heart and soul of our active relaxation concept, made possible by the people on our team.

Our Childcare Manager role

We’re looking for an energetic, positive Childcare Manager (or Early Years Manager) to lead our Kids’ Zone family. We are an Ofsted registered setting, within the hotel, offering supervised sessions to guests’ children as well as non-residents.

We know the true power of play, indoors and out and would rather spend our time providing quality play sessions than completing paperwork-based assessments. The outdoors is our playground, and we know how to make the most of it, whatever the weather. We care for children aged 6 months to 12 years old and provide a babysitting service for children.

We seek an experienced leader, with the relevant NVQ level 3 childcare qualification or equivalent, and proven management experience in an Early Years setting.

You’ll be a true team player with a love for the outdoors, able to spot the little things that make a difference and see where others need help and advice. You’ll be full of fresh ideas to make each Kids’ Zone session shine, from supporting team development to pre‑planning outdoor sessions, as well as role‑modeling ‘in‑the‑moment planning’.

This is a full‑time role working 40 hours over 5 days.

As our Childcare Manager you’ll be

• Managing the setting and team for effective childcare, adhering to the Statutory Framework and company policies.
• Maintaining a safe and stimulating environment reflecting both our B‑Corp and core values.
• Motivating and supporting team on a daily basis.
• Ensuring every child receives a high‑quality play session, where they can make new friendships and learn new skills.
• Being a positive role model through delivering hands‑on sessions, assessing individual needs, facilitating smooth transitions with parents.
• Ensuring the setting and team are always Ofsted ready.
• Leading the team through subsequent Ofsted inspections.
• Collaborating with team in developing and implementing policies, and ensuring inclusivity.
• Recruiting and inducting team, undertaking and delivering relevant training, leading regular team training sessions and evaluating practices.
• Ensuring personal development with up‑to‑date knowledge and skills.
• Enforcing health & safety and food safety requirements.
• Managing multiple budgets, including payroll.
• Ensuring resources reflect our unique brand and the setting is always at its best.
• Taking on a mixture of day and evening shifts throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays.

The skills you’ll be sharing with us

• A recognised and relevant level 3 qualification or equivalent in Early Years.
• Proven experience of working in a management position within an Early Years childcare setting.
• Excellent knowledge of budgeting processes.
• Proven experience of Safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the EYFS and Statutory Framework.
• Proven experience of understanding the importance of confidentiality and the ability to manage challenging situations sensitively.
• Ability to manage inclusive practice with a knowledge of SEND.
• Energetic team player with a positive attitude and outlook.
• Excellent communicator who remains calm under pressure.

Please note an enhanced DBS will be obtained upon employment.

In return for your energy and commitment, you’ll find yourself in a team with a shared outlook on life where friendship, connection, flexibility, variety and challenge make every working day worthwhile.

What we’ll offer you

• A relaxed, professional place to work in a beautiful location – right on the shores of Ullswater.
• Excellent career prospects in an ever‑expanding organisation.
• Special rates for you and your friends & family to stay at Another Place and Watergate Bay Hotel.
• Team discounts on treatments in Swim Club.
• Discounts for you and your friends & family to eat at our restaurants: at Rampsbeck, Living Space and Glasshouse and The Brackenrigg.
• Team social events throughout the year.
• Team assistance scheme – a dedicated helpline for support & advice on topics from mental health through to managing your finances.

From discounted stays to training and development opportunities, we’re all about helping our team achieve their personal and professional goals. Located in 18 acres of Lake District National Park, you’ll never be short on inspiration.

Application invitation

If you would love to join us as our Childcare Manager in our Kids Zone, apply now and be part of our journey at The Lake, a wonderful place to work.