Pre-school Manager

Hartest Pre-School; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartest Pre-school in a rural setting is seeking a passionate Pre-school Manager to lead our team, support children and families, and shape the future of our setting. You will ensure high-quality early years education in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

You will motivate staff, manage day-to-day operations, and build strong relationships with parents and the local community, while safeguarding and maintaining a safe, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• A full and relevant Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above, with the qualifications and experience required to undertake a manager role as stated in the EYFS.
• At least 2 years’ experience working in early years, ideally with leadership or management of an Early Years setting.
• A strong understanding of the EYFS statutory framework, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• A clear DBS, registered on the Update Service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the Preschool and lead staff.
• Safeguarding and compliance with EYFS, Ofsted and health and safety requirements.
• Oversee curriculum planning, observations and assessments.
• Recruitment, induction, supervision and staff development with the Committee.
• Manage admissions, parent communications, resources and policies.
• Build partnerships with families, local schools and external agencies.
• Monitor budgets and sustainability with the committee.
• Drive continuous improvement and prepare for inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Management

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

DBS check

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

• Hartest Pre-school
• Address: The Row, Hartest, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 4DL
• Salary: £27,000 - £29,000 per annum.
• Hours: 40 hours per week, term time only
• Contract: Maternity cover with potential for long-term retention
• Reference: 0020

Hartest Pre-school are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic and experienced Pre-school Manager to lead our team, support our children and families, and help shape the future of our setting. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is committed to high-quality early years education, enjoys leading and supporting a team, and understands the importance of building strong relationships with children, parents, staff and our local community.

The Pre-school Manager will have overall responsibility for the effective day-to-day management of Hartest Pre-school, ensuring that the setting provides high-quality care and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding requirements and Ofsted expectations.

You will lead, motivate and support the staff team, oversee children’s learning and development, maintain a safe and inclusive environment, and ensure that the pre-school operates efficiently and sustainably. The role combines hands‑on early years practice with leadership, administration and management.

Your responsibilities

• Leadership and Management: Oversee the day to day running of the Preschool, lead and support staff, manage rotas and promote a positive team environment
• Safeguarding and Compliance: Ensure children’s safety and wellbeing, maintain safeguarding procedures and meet EYFS, Ofsted, and health and safety requirements
• Children’s learning and development: Oversee curriculum planning, observations and assessments, ensuring all children receive high-quality, inclusive care and education
• Staff Management: Lead recruitment, induction, supervisions and staff development, working alongside the Committee where appropriate
• Administration and Organisation: Maintain accurate records, manage admissions and parent communications, oversee resources and ordering, ensure setting policies and procedures are followed
• Partnership with Parents and Professionals: Build positive relationships with families, local schools and external agencies to support children’s individual needs and development
• Financial and Operational Management: Work with the committee to monitor budgets, manage resources, support occupancy and contribute to the long‑term sustainability of the Preschool
• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and monitor the quality of provision, prepare for inspections and identify opportunities to develop and improve the setting.

What you will need

• A full and relevant Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above, with the qualifications and experience required to undertake a manager role as stated in the EYFS.
• At least 2 years’ experience working in early years, ideally with experience of leadership or management of an Early Years setting.
• A strong understanding of the EYFS statutory framework, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Confidence to manage a staffing team, communicate with parents and liaise with the Committee and other professionals.
• A clear DBS, registered on the Update Service.

About us

Hartest Preschool is a friendly, small preschool located in a rural village in between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury. We are Ofsted registered to accept up to 22 children each day. We are a committee‑run setting dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where young children can learn, play and thrive. Our learning through play ethos suits our one‑room environment (with our own garden) where we accept children aged 20 months – school age. We are often praised for our welcoming atmosphere and beautiful building, making it a wonderful place to spend your days.

What we will offer you

• The opportunity to lead a friendly, community‑focussed rural pre‑school
• A supportive working relationship with a voluntary management committee
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young children’s early experiences and development
• Scope to shape and develop the setting
• A welcoming team environment where children’s needs and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.

For more information

Please read the Job Description (Word).

To find out more, please contact Yasmin by calling 01284 830860.

Closing date: 10pm, 4 December 2026.