Pre-School Manager – Billericay

About Early Years Ltd.; Billericay; On-site; GBP 22,041 - 23,419; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free daily lunch

Free onsite parking

Birthday leave

Pension scheme

Wellbeing package

Sick pay

Staff social events

Ongoing professional development

Opportunity to lead an established pre

Job summary

Hays Education is recruiting a Pre-School Manager in Billericay, Essex. The role leads a forest school–driven setting, delivering outdoor, child-led learning with EYFS-aligned activities.

The role is permanent, full-time, term-time only, with hours 8:00am/8:30am–4:00pm/4:30pm, Monday to Friday, and options for holiday-time additional hours.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification and senior leadership experience in a nursery or pre-school.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge and commitment to child welfare.
• Proven leadership and people-management abilities.
• Experience growing high-performing teams and good communication skills.
• Passion for outdoor learning and enriching educational experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the pre-school and ensure high standards.
• Motivate and develop a team of Early Years practitioners.
• Safeguard, oversee Ofsted compliance, and health and safety.
• Plan and deliver EYFS-aligned learning experiences.
• Monitor progress and maintain appropriate records for each child.
• Oversee budgeting, administration and reporting requirements.
• Build relationships with parents, carers and external agencies.
• Champion the setting’s outdoor learning and forest school ethos.
• Lead recruitment, rotas, training and professional development.
• Support growth and development of the setting.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Outdoor learning

Education

Level 3 EY qualification

Job description

Pre‑School Manager

Location: Billericay, Essex

Permanent | Full‑Time | Term‑Time Only

Salary: £16.20 per hour

Working Hours: 8:00am/8:30am – 4:00pm/4:30pm, Monday to Friday

Pre‑School Manager Opportunity | Outdoor Learning & Forest School Setting

Hays Education is delighted to be supporting a highly regarded and growing early years provider with the recruitment of a Pre‑School Manager for one of its established settings in Billericay.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Early Years leader who is passionate about outdoor education, child‑led learning and creating inspiring environments where children can thrive. The successful candidate will lead a well‑established pre‑school setting built around a strong forest school ethos, offering children unique opportunities to learn through exploration, discovery and nature‑based experiences.

The organisation has developed an outstanding reputation for combining high‑quality early years education with an enriching curriculum that extends beyond the traditional EYFS framework. Children benefit from a carefully designed programme that incorporates:

• Forest school and outdoor learning experiences
• Nature‑based exploration and environmental education
• Montessori teaching principles
• Music and creative arts activities
• Educational visits and enrichment opportunities
• Children’s wellbeing and mindfulness sessions
• Practical, hands‑on learning experiences
• A strong focus on confidence‑building, independence and resilience

This role is ideal for an ambitious and enthusiastic Early Years professional seeking a leadership position within a progressive and child‑centred setting.

The Role

As Pre‑School Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day‑to‑day leadership, organisation and development of the pre‑school. You will lead a team of practitioners to deliver outstanding care and education, ensure compliance with all statutory requirements and maintain a welcoming environment for children and families.

This is a full‑time, permanent, term‑time‑only position, offering an excellent work‑life balance with working hours of 8:00am/8:30am to 4:00pm/4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

For those looking to supplement their income, there is also the opportunity to work additional hours during school holidays, including half‑term breaks and summer holiday programmes, should you wish to do so.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of the pre‑school, ensuring high standards of care and education.
• Manage, motivate and develop a team of Early Years practitioners.
• Promote a culture of excellence, safeguarding and continuous improvement.
• Oversee planning and delivery of engaging learning experiences in line with the EYFS framework.
• Maintain compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, health and safety and early years regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, carers and external agencies.
• Monitor children’s progress and development, ensuring appropriate records are maintained.
• Manage staffing, rotas, training and professional development.
• Support the continued growth and development of the setting.
• Oversee budgeting, administration and reporting requirements.
• Champion the setting’s outdoor learning and forest school ethos.

About You

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Previous experience in a senior leadership position within a nursery, pre‑school or early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS Framework and child development.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge and commitment to child welfare.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience developing and supporting high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A passion for outdoor learning and enriching educational experiences.
• The ability to build strong relationships with children, families and colleagues.

What’s on Offer

• £16.20 per hour
• Permanent, full‑time contract
• Term‑time‑only working
• Working hours of 8:00am/8:30am to 4:00pm/4:30pm
• Opportunity for additional paid work during half‑terms and summer holidays
• Free daily lunch
• Free onsite parking
• Additional birthday leave
• Pension scheme
• Wellbeing package
• Sick pay
• Staff social events
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to lead an established and successful pre‑school setting

Safeguarding

Hays Education and our client are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All appointments will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and robust safer recruitment checks.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.