Pre-School Manager (110BC) in Melton Mowbray

Salary: Grade 8 Pay Point 15-18 (Approximate starting salary of £24,473) *Pending Support Staff Pay Uplift*

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (38 weeks plus one week)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: 5 Days per week Monday to Friday 08:00 -16:00

About the Role

Join our dedicated early years team as a Pre-School Manager, where you’ll play a vital leadership role in delivering high-quality care, inspiring learning, and ensuring every child thrives in a safe, nurturing and engaging environment.

Why Choose Captains Close Primary School?

Captains Close is a vibrant school where children are enthusiastic and motivated to achieve endless possibilities. The children are at the heart of every decision we make to ensure that they are happy, confident and the opportunities that are provided for them are relevant to their needs both now and in the future.

Our Achievements to date:

• Good Ofsted results in October 2024
• 360 Online Safety Award
• Healthy Schools Award
• Route to Resilience Schools Games Gold Award 2022-2023

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the School and Central EYFS Leads in the day-to-day running of the preschool, ensuring high-quality care, education and compliance with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Organise the weekly 'Community Stay and Play' sessions.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare, safety and wellbeing of all children.
• Lead and support children's learning and development through curriculum planning, assessment, observation and inclusive practice, including support for SEND pupils.
• Support the supervision, deployment and development of staff to ensure high standards of practice across the provision.
• Assist with operational management, record keeping, health and safety, statutory compliance, liaison with parents, colleagues and external agencies and promotion of the Pre-School provision to the wider community.

What We’re Looking For:

Qualifications:

• Minimum NVQ level 3, or relevant degree.
• Level 2 qualifications in maths/numeracy and English/literacy.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years experience of working with under fives in a formal setting, working within the Nursery Education and meeting the requirements relating to Ofsted.
• Experience of leading activities with individuals, groups and whole classes to support children’s development.
• Ability to write reports.
• Ability to lead a team of adults.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and the ability to apply child protection and health and safety procedure.
• Knowledge of current legislation affecting care and education of under fives.
• Knowledge of planning an appropriate curriculum to promote the desirable outcomes/ Early Learning Goals.
• Knowledge and understanding of children’s development 0-5 years.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support:

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
• An established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits:

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.

Additional Perks:

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility:

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents.

More about Discovery Schools Trust:

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement:

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI:

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.