Early Years Manager

Odin Recruitment Group; Wigston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare recruitment agency seeks a Childcare Lead in Wigston to be responsible for quality teaching and learning across the EYFS. You will lead a team, ensuring outstanding practice while maintaining compliance with Ofsted and safeguarding regulations. Strong leadership experience and a Level 3 Childcare qualification are essential. The role emphasizes teamwork and continuous development, ideal for a proactive early years professional who inspires and nurtures growth in children and staff.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and people-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop the EYFS team to deliver outstanding practice.
• Oversee curriculum planning and implementation.
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, and health & safety requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

People management

Education

Level 3 Childcare qualification

Higher qualifications desirable

Job description

Role Summary

As Childcare Lead, you will have overall responsibility for the quality of teaching, learning, and care across the EYFS. You’ll ensure the curriculum is delivered consistently to a high standard, lead and develop the team, and maintain full compliance with all regulatory requirements. This is a senior leadership role suited to a confident, forward‑thinking early years professional.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Quality

• Lead, inspire, and develop the EYFS team to deliver outstanding practice
• Embed a culture of teamwork, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Drive consistent, high‑quality EYFS delivery across all rooms

Curriculum & Standards

• Oversee curriculum planning and implementation
• Monitor teaching quality and provide coaching and feedback
• Report on quality and standards to senior stakeholders as required

Compliance & Safeguarding

• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, and health & safety requirements
• Maintain policies, procedures, and strong external relationships

Staff Development

• Identify training needs and support ongoing professional development
• Mentor staff and encourage the sharing of best practice

Operational Support

• Support day‑to‑day nursery operations, stepping into operational or admin duties when required

Parents & Community

• Build strong relationships with parents and promote an inclusive, welcoming environment

Requirements

• Level 3 Childcare qualification (or equivalent); higher qualifications desirable
• Proven leadership experience within an early years setting
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements
• Excellent communication, organisation, and people‑management skills

Values

• Teamwork – working together to achieve the best outcomes
• Ownership – taking responsibility and pride in our work
• Inspire & Nurture – supporting children and colleagues to thrive
• Grow – commitment to continuous development