Pre-School Manager (Pashley Down Infant School)

EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in East Sussex is seeking an experienced Pre-School Manager to oversee a new pre-school at Pashley Down Infant School. This full-time role requires leadership of early years education, managing day-to-day operations, and acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. The successful candidate will need strong experience with children aged 2-4 and a passion for creating an inclusive environment. The position offers a salary between £24,000-£29,000, working 37 hours per week during term time.

Benefits

Prospective employment for staff

Opportunity for progression

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Experienced in early years education with strong leadership skills.
• Confident in managing a nurturing and inclusive environment.
• Knowledge of EYFS curriculum and funding processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the pre-school.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Ensure compliance and curriculum delivery.

Skills

Leadership in Early Years

Experience with 2-4 year olds

Safeguarding knowledge

Curriculum delivery experience

Positive relationship building

Education

Relevant early years qualification

Job description

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Job Description

Hours of work: 37 hours per week
Working pattern: Full-time, Term-time only (working for 37 weeks per year plus 15 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)
(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Closing date: 20 January 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Pashley Down Infant School (Beechy Ave, Eastbourne BN20 8NX)
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Website: https://www.pashley.e-sussex.sch.uk/apply

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Pre‑School Manager – Pashley Down Infant School

• Salary: Single Status Grade 7-8 (dependent on experience and qualifications).
• Actual salary approx. £24,000-£29,000 (FTE £27,334-£32,000).
• Hours: 37 hours per week. Term-time attendance, with salary paid over 12 months. The role includes onsite leadership presence across the full operational day (8am-5pm).
• Contract type: Full time / Permanent
• Reporting to: EYFS Leader, with oversight from the Deputy Headteacher

Pashley Down Infant School is a wonderfully unique three-form entry infant school situated at the foot of the South Downs in Old Town, Eastbourne. Our school benefits from exceptional outdoor grounds including a mini-farm, woodlands and allotments. Our happy, confident children enjoy rich learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, supported by a forward-thinking staff team, engaged parents and committed governors.

We are delighted to be opening our brand-new Pashley Pre‑School and are looking for an exceptional Pre‑School Manager to lead this exciting new provision. This is a rare opportunity to shape, develop and lead a high-quality early years environment for children aged 2, 3 and 4, firmly rooted in Pashley's vision: "Learning at Pashley is an Amazing Adventure!"

The successful candidate will be an experienced, organised and confident early years professional with a passion for creating a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive environment. You will lead the day-to-day running of the pre‑school, act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and take accountability for curriculum delivery, inclusion and compliance, working closely with the EYFS Leader to ensure that every child thrives. You will have experience of early years funding processes and be able to build strong partnerships with families and external agencies.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an inspiring, inclusive and confident leader of Early Years practice
• Has strong experience working with 2-, 3- and 4‑year‑olds
• Can act as the Safeguarding Lead for the pre‑school (we can provide training)
• Has experience leading or supervising staff in an Early Years setting
• Has knowledge and experience of EYFS curriculum delivery and evaluation
• Understands early years funding, including 2-year funding and 15/30-hour entitlements
• Builds positive relationships with children, families and staff
• Models Pashley's values of Kindness, Positivity, Honesty, Resilience, Respect and Independence

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant difference to children at the very start of their educational journey and to be part of something genuinely special. You will be working with the school to design our completely new pre‑school and interview and employ the staff you will be leading.

You really do need to visit Pashley to understand what a unique place it is to work. We warmly invite potential applicants to visit our school and pre‑school before applying.

Full application details, including the Application Form, Job Description and Person Specification, are available on our website: https://www.pashley.e-sussex.sch.uk/apply

Visits to the school are encouraged - please call 01323 730719 or email [e-mail] to book an appointment.

For an informal discussion, contact Emma Lewis: [e-mail]

Interview date: January 28th 2026

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self‑declaration form as part of the pre‑employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

About Us

Additional Information

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.