About Us
St Mary's Under 5s Preschool is a deeply cherished, parent-committee run charity (Reg. No: 1028924) that has proudly served local families for over 40 years. Nestled within the beautiful, open space of the Stone Recreation Ground, our preschool enjoys an incredible park-side environment that fosters rich outdoor learning. We are uniquely supported by a passionate parent committee and a long-serving, highly experienced staff team of 6 dedicated staff members who provide a warm, stable, family-like environment.
The Role
We are seeking an inspiring, community-minded Nursery Manager to lead our established and valued setting. Working collaboratively with the parent committee, you will oversee daily operations, guide the staff to deliver outstanding care and education to the children in the setting, and nurture strong parental partnerships. You will also feature in the staff ratios for childcare for part of the day.
This role is ideal for an experienced leader looking for a wonderful community spirit and a great work-life balance, featuring a 3:00pm finish every day. This is a great opportunity for someone confident and passionate about early year education and wants to make a real difference in the setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and lead an established, highly capable team of long-serving early years professionals.
- Maintain high educational quality that meet OFSTED and EYFS standards, and strict compliance with health, safety, and safeguarding regulations.
- Serve as SENDCO for the setting, complete risk assessments, plan and deliver activities using EYFS.
- Partner closely with our charity parent-committee to manage the preschool’s operational success.
- Act as the welcoming, core point of contact for our close-knit community of parents and carers.
- Maximise our exceptional location on the Stone Recreation Ground to inspire enriching, nature-focused outdoor play.
Requirements
- Minimum full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
- Proven leadership track record as a Nursery Manager, Preschool Manager, or an experienced Deputy Manager ready to step up.
- (Nice to have) Experience of participating with a regulatory inspection leading to a “Good” or higher outcome.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of EYFS, safeguarding, Health and safety and wider legislative requirements for working with children.
- Ability to prioritize effectively your work and manage your time to meet targets and deadlines.
- Ability to ensure that all policies and procedures are implemented to the best standards.
- (Nice to have) Working knowledge of the Famly App which we have recently started using at the setting.
Personal Qualities
- Excellent communication skills with children, parents and colleagues.
- Confident, enthusiastic, committed and approachable
- Punctuality
- Time management skills
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Good leadership skills
- Flexibility
- Team-player
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- Weekly payment
- Exceptional work-life balance with standard weekday shifts.
- A stable, fully trained staff team that requires guidance
- Supportive and friendly work environment
- Picturesque work environment set within local park grounds.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your leadership approach and suitability for a committee-run setting to: [email protected]
Alternatively, you can contact the preschool directly on 01322275442 for an informal discussion.
We look forward to your application. We also reserve the right to close this vacancy once the position is filled. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, as applications are received.
Safer recruitment
St Mary’s U5s Preschool is strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect staff and volunteers to share this unwavering commitment.
Please note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The successful candidate will be subject to robust safer recruitment checks before starting, including:
- An Enhanced DBS check (with a possible Children barred list check).
- Verification of identity, professional qualifications and the Right to work in the UK.
- Professional references (2), including one from your previous employer.
Pay: £22,000.00-£24,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
