Pre-School Manager

One Stop Centre for Advice and Resources; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time working

Supportive church-based environment

Role with meaningful impact

Job summary

Steps Pre-School, based at St Stephen's Church, Tonbridge, is seeking an experienced and passionate Pre-School Manager to lead our warm, nurturing, and faith-centred setting. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed early years professional to provide outstanding leadership, ensuring high-quality education and care in line with the EYFS, while promoting our Christian ethos.

The role includes leading the preschool, acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, developing an inclusive EYFS

Qualifications

• Requires Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher.
• Experience in a leadership/managerial role within early years.
• Strong EYFS knowledge and child development understanding.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Warm, values-led leadership style.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operation of the pre-school.
• Ensure alignment with the vision and ministry of the church.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Inspire and manage a dedicated staff team.
• Develop and deliver a creative, inclusive EYFS curriculum.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the church community.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, and statutory requirements.
• Support the long-term growth and sustainability of Steps Pre-School.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Leadership

Professional development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Steps Pre-School, based at St Stephen's Church, Tonbridge, is seeking an experienced and passionate Pre-School Manager to lead our warm, nurturing, and faith-centred setting. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed early years professional to provide outstanding leadership, ensuring high-quality education and care in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), while actively promoting our strong Christian ethos.

As Pre-School Manager, you will:

• Lead and manage the daily operation of the pre-school
• Ensure alignment with the vision and ministry of the church
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Inspire and manage a dedicated staff team
• Develop and deliver a creative, inclusive EYFS curriculum
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the church community
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, and statutory requirements
• Support the long-term growth and sustainability of Steps Pre-School

We are looking for someone with:

• A Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
• Proven experience in a leadership or management role within early years
• A strong understanding of EYFS and child development
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• A warm, values-led leadership style
• A commitment to ongoing professional development

This role is subject to a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the successful candidate is a practising Christian, whose life and work reflect the values of the Christian faith.

An Enhanced DBS check (including barred list) is required.

We are offering:

• A supportive church-based environment
• Term-time working
• Opportunity to lead and develop a well-established setting
• A role that makes a meaningful difference to children and families
• A salary of £24,000 - £26,000 per annum depending on experience (FTE £33,500 - £36,350)

Closing date for applications: 9am on 21st September 2026

Interviews: Late September / Early October 2026

St Stephen's Church is committed to safeguarding and prioritising the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.