Flying Start Manager - Term Time Contract

Blue Door; Cardiff; On-site; Confidential; Part time

Job summary

A childcare provider in Cardiff seeks a dedicated Flying Start Manager for a Term Time Contract. This role requires managing the Flying Start provision, overseeing practitioners, and ensuring compliance with standards. Candidates must have CCLD Level 4 in Childcare Learning and Development and experience in an early years setting. The position offers competitive pay and various employee benefits including a childcare discount and training opportunities.

Benefits

Childcare discount

Cycle to work scheme

Free/discounted meals

Private medical and dental insurance

Employee wellbeing support

Referral bonuses

Qualifications

• Experience supervising or managing staff within an early years or childcare setting.
• Good understanding of Flying Start and equivalent early years frameworks.
• Commitment to safeguarding and professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Flying Start provision on a daily basis.
• Support and mentor Flying Start practitioners.
• Ensure compliance with Flying Start standards and regulations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

CCLD Level 4 in Childcare Learning and Development

Level 5 qualification (desirable)

Job description

Due to the expansion of our Flying Start provision, Blue Door is looking to recruit a passionate and qualified Flying Start Manager to join our dedicated and growing team, on a Term Time Contract. This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine difference in children’s lives, working in a nurturing and supportive environment.

About the Role

As Flying Start Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day management and delivery of Flying Start within the setting. This includes leading and supporting practitioners, ensuring compliance with Flying Start standards, and working in close partnership with multi-agency professionals.

The role is primarily focused on our 2-year-old provision, but you may also assist with school transfers for children aged 3–11 — either by supporting transfers in person or liaising with the team to ensure appropriate cover is in place. During school holidays, there may also be opportunities to pick up additional hours within our Holiday Club provision.

You’ll work closely with the wider team of professionals — including Health Visitors, Speech & Language Therapists, Advisory Teachers, Dietitians, Educational Psychologists, and the Parenting & Inclusion Teams — to deliver the very best outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Flying Start provision on a daily basis.
• Line-manage, support, and mentor Flying Start practitioners.
• Ensure compliance with Flying Start standards, CIW regulations, and audit requirements.
• Oversee planning, observations, and tailored learning for individual children.
• Liaise effectively with multi-agency partners to support holistic child development.
• Assist with school transfers for children aged 3–11, either personally or by liaising with team members to arrange cover.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment.
• Drive continuous improvement in practice and provision.

Requirements

Essential Requirements

• Minimum: CCLD Level 4 in Childcare Learning and Development (applications without this will not be considered)
• Desirable: Level 5 qualification or willingness to work towards it
• Proven experience supervising or managing staff within an early years or childcare setting
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
• Good understanding of Flying Start, Foundation Phase, or equivalent early years frameworks
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and professional standards

Benefits

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate: £13.70 per hour
• 30–35 hours per week (to be confirmed)
• Term Time Only, plus optional paid holiday club hours
• Fully funded training and CPD opportunities
• Paid training in core areas (First Aid, Safeguarding, Behaviour Management, etc.)
• Supportive, flexible working environment
• Excellent staff perks and wellbeing programme, including:
• Childcare discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free/discounted meals
• Private medical and dental insurance
• Employee wellbeing support
• Referral bonuses

If this sounds like the perfect next step for you, we’d love to hear from you! You can find our advert on Indeed later today and apply there.