PRE-SCHOOL MANAGER

NEW VINE LIMITED; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time working

Church-based environment

Salary £24k‑£26k

Job summary

Steps Pre‑School, based at St Stephen’s Church in Tonbridge, is seeking an experienced Pre‑School Manager to lead our faith‑centred setting and ensure high‑quality education in line with the EYFS.

You will safeguard, lead staff, deliver an inclusive EYFS curriculum, and nurture strong relationships with families and the church community. A Level 3 EYFS qualification and leadership experience are required, with term‑time working and a salary of £24,000–£26,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in early years settings.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and child development.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Warm, values-led leadership style.

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

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

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.