Manager

St Leonards' Pre-School; Oakley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local village pre-school is seeking an enthusiastic Manager to lead a committed staff team and provide high-quality childcare for children aged 2 to 5 years. The role requires a Level 3 minimum qualification in Early Years and leadership experience in a childcare setting. Responsibilities include guiding curriculum implementation, safeguarding, and managing financial operations. This is a non-profit organization promoting a nurturing environment aligned with a Christian ethos. Flexible working hours, with a salary of £16.20 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing or leading in an Early Years setting.
• Understanding of Ofsted requirements.
• Commitment to children’s welfare.

Responsibilities

• Manage the pre-school provision ensuring high-quality childcare.
• Implement the EYFS curriculum requirements.
• Lead and manage the staff team effectively.
• Oversee financial operations and occupancy.

Skills

Leadership experience

Knowledge of EYFS

Ability to build relationships

Nurturing environment creation

Education

Level 3 minimum qualification in Early Years

Job description

Manager Wanted

We are a friendly village pre‑school committed to offering the highest standards of care and play opportunities for children age 2 to 5 years. We are open for 8 sessions a week and have capacity for 26 children per session. Our current manager is retiring and we’re looking for an enthusiastic and caring manager to continue developing our successful pre‑school.

We are based in the historic conservation area of Oakley and provide a stimulating, well‑equipped environment, and attractive outdoor space where the children learn and flourish.

The pre‑school has an excellent reputation for providing a holistic approach where every child is valued and treated as an individual. We seek to enhance each child’s creativity, curiosity and imagination.

You would be leading a well‑qualified and committed staff team.

We work closely with parents, and are well connected with the local school and community to achieve the best outcomes for our children. The pre‑school is a popular choice in our locality and is currently oversubscribed.

Our pre‑school is a non‑profit making setting with a broad Christian ethos and strong links with the local parish church.

Hours

Flexible – we are currently operating 29.5 hours per week, term‑time only. Monday & Tuesday: 9.00‑12.00; Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9.00‑2.45.

Salary

£16.20 per hour.

Qualifications and Experience

• Level 3 Minimum qualification in Early Years; preference is given to a fully qualified teacher
• Leadership experience in an Early Years setting (e.g., Manager, Deputy Manager or Senior Leader)
• A good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted expectations
• Ability to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment in which children can develop and flourish
• Committed to building effective relationships with children and parents/carers

Key Responsibilities

• To manage the provision of the pre‑school ensuring that staff and parents work together to provide high‑quality childcare
• To ensure safeguarding is a priority and the highest standards are maintained
• To implement a broad and balanced curriculum fulfilling the requirements of the EYFS
• To monitor and assess the quality of provision ensuring that policies and procedures, best practice and standards are maintained
• To lead and manage the staff team effectively
• To oversee day‑to‑day financial operations within the pre‑school and manage the occupancy to ensure maximum capacity

NB. This is not an exhaustive list of duties and a full detailed job description and person specification will be provided to candidates on request.

Closing Date

12 February 2026

Interviews

Week commencing Monday 16 February 2026

Additional Information

Enhanced DBS check and Disclosure required.

Informal enquiries and applications to: [e-mail]

Website https: St Leonard's Pre‑School | Oakley | England