Playgroup Manager

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; Leicester; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 14,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Casual dress

Company events

On-site parking

Supportive working environment

Leading role

Job summary

Teaching Personnel is seeking a hands-on Part-Time, Term-Time Playgroup Manager to lead a small Early Years team in Leicester (LE3). The role is term-time only, 16–22 hours per week, with duties spanning line management, safeguarding, EYFS oversight and close collaboration with the owner to maintain high-quality care.

The ideal candidate holds Level 3 Early Years/Childcare, has SEN/SEND experience and SENCO knowledge, and 2–5 years of managerial experience within a playgroup or nursery setting.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification or above
• SEN/SEND experience and SENCO knowledge
• Minimum 2–5 years' managerial experience within a playgroup, preschool or nursery setting

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and motivate our small team of Early Years staff
• Work closely with the owner on the day-to-day management of the playgroup
• Oversee the setting in the absence of the owner
• Help ensure the effective implementation of the EYFS framework
• Manage and complete relevant EYFS documentation and paperwork
• Ensure children's records, progress and development are accurately maintained
• Support and manage children with SEND
• Take responsibility for allocated key children
• Lead and support staff with safeguarding and child protection
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded and acted upon appropriately
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene and welfare
• Provide high-quality learning opportunities through age-appropriate activities
• Build strong and positive relationships with parents and carers
• Communicate children's progress and development effectively with families
• Encourage and support parental involvement

Job description

Part-Time, Term-Time Playgroup Manager

Location: LE3

£16.00 per hour

Part Time | 16–22 hours per week

Permanent | Term Time Only

Expected Start: October/November 2026

All three of the following requirements are essential. Please do not apply unless you meet all three:

• Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification or above
• SEN/SEND experience and SENCO experience/knowledge
• Minimum 2–5 years' managerial experience within a playgroup, preschool or nursery setting

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on, experienced and enthusiastic Playgroup Manager to join and lead our small, dedicated team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years professional who enjoys being actively involved in the day-to-day running of a setting, supporting staff and creating a safe, happy and stimulating environment where children can thrive.

Working closely with the owner, you will help lead the playgroup, support staff and ensure we continue to provide high-quality care, education and learning experiences for every child.

Key Responsibilities - As Playgroup Manager, you will:

• Lead, support and motivate our small team of Early Years staff
• Work closely with the owner on the day-to-day management of the playgroup
• Oversee the setting in the absence of the owner
• Help ensure the effective implementation of the EYFS framework
• Manage and complete relevant EYFS documentation and paperwork
• Ensure children's records, progress and development are accurately maintained
• Support and manage children with SEND
• Take responsibility for allocated key children
• Lead and support staff with safeguarding and child protection
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded and acted upon appropriately
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene and welfare
• Ensure equipment and the environment remain safe and suitable for children
• Ensure records such as attendance registers, accident and incident records are completed accurately
• Provide high-quality learning opportunities through age-appropriate activities and experiences
• Build strong and positive relationships with parents and carers
• Communicate children's progress and development effectively with families
• Encourage and support parental involvement
• Lead and assist with daily set-up and pack-away
• Support the team in implementing recommendations following regulatory inspections
• Work collaboratively with the owner and staff to maintain and improve the quality of the setting

About You -We are looking for an experienced Early Years professional who is:

• Hands-on and confident in a leadership role
• Passionate about providing excellent care and education
• Experienced in managing and supporting an Early Years team
• Confident working with SEND children
• Knowledgeable about EYFS, safeguarding and child protection
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• A strong communicator who can build positive relationships with parents and staff
• Supportive, approachable and able to lead by example
• Flexible and willing to get involved in all aspects of the setting
• Comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions when required
• A genuine team player with a positive and engaging approach

Essential Experience & Qualifications - You must have:

• Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification or above
• Minimum 2 years' managerial experience within a playgroup, preschool or nursery — 3–5 years' experience is preferred
• Experience working with children with SEND
• Experience and/or formal training relating to SENCO/SEND
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS
• Experience with safeguarding and child protection
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday
• Term time only
• Start: 8:30am
• Finish: between 1:30pm and 3:00pm, depending on agreed hours
• 25 hours per week
• Exact working hours to be agreed at interview
• Flexibility is essential

Benefits

• £16.00 per hour
• Permanent, term-time position
• Casual dress
• Company events
• On-site parking
• Supportive working environment
• Opportunity to take a leading role within a friendly Early Years setting

If you are an experienced Early Years Manager, Playgroup Manager, Preschool Manager, Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager looking for a flexible, term-time leadership position, we'd love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

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