At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a vibrant playcentre, ensuring high-quality childcare and community engagement.
- Company: Fiveways Playcentre, a cherished community charity with a beautiful environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contribution, and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to child-led learning and inclusive practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior leadership within early years settings and strong financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 42000 £ per year.
About Fiveways Playcentre
Fiveways Playcentre is a registered charity and a well‐established, community‐rooted setting providing quality childcare. We provide flexible sessions for nursery and preschool children aged 2-4, as well as breakfast/afterschool clubs for ages 5-11yrs. We are proud of our beautiful environment, which includes substantial outdoor space that forms a central part of our provision. Rated Good by Ofsted, we are committed to maintaining and building on our strong foundations as we look to the future.
Role Overview
The Playcentre Manager is the most senior role at Fiveways and carries full operational, financial, and strategic responsibility for the centre. You will lead a team of approximately 30 staff, setting the tone for a positive, inclusive, and high‐quality environment for children, families, and colleagues alike. You will be at the forefront of leading the centre as we enhance our childcare provision, building on the success of the last 30 years and ensuring its sustainability within the community for the next 30 and beyond. This is a hands‐on leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and day‐to‐day presence. You will be the face of the centre to families, partners, and funders, and the driving force behind continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and People Management
- Lead, manage, and motivate a team of approximately 30, including playworkers, early years practitioners, and support staff.
- Conduct regular supervision, appraisals, and professional development conversations.
- Manage recruitment, induction, development/training, and retention of staff.
- Foster a positive team culture rooted in respect, safeguarding, and high expectations.
- Monitor the quality of teaching and learning.
- Operational Management
- Oversee the day‐to‐day running of the centre, ensuring smooth, safe, and high‐quality operation.
- Maintain and develop the centre's outstanding physical environment, including the substantial outdoor space.
- Ensure all policies, procedures, and risk assessments are current, fit for purpose and consistently implemented.
- Hold overall responsibility for health and safety across the site.
- Safeguarding
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the centre.
- Ensure all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and that the centre operates in full compliance with statutory requirements.
- Maintain a safe environment for all children at all times.
- Financial Management
- Hold budgetary responsibility for the centre, working with the board to set and monitor the annual budget.
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, local authority contracts, and donations.
- Ensure the centre operates sustainably and that financial reporting is accurate and timely.
- Quality and Improvement
- Maintain and build on the centre's Good Ofsted rating, with ambition for continued improvement.
- Lead on self‐evaluation, identifying areas for development and implementing improvement plans.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and develop it according to need, the EYFS statutory framework, current developments in early years, play, and out‐of‐school childcare policy and practice.
- Ensure all policies, procedures and curriculum plans are in place, up to date and regularly monitored.
- Family and Community Engagement
- Build strong relationships with families, treating them as partners in their children's development and wellbeing.
- Develop partnerships with local schools, community organisations, and statutory agencies.
- Represent Fiveways in relevant forums, networks, and with external stakeholders.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in a senior leadership or management role within an early years, play, or out‐of‐school childcare setting.
- Full and relevant Level 3 qualification in childcare, early years, or playwork (or equivalent).
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification or willingness to obtain on appointment.
- Demonstrable experience managing teams of 10 or more.
- Strong financial literacy and experience managing budgets.
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence engaging families, staff, and external partners.
- Thorough knowledge of Ofsted inspection frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- A genuine commitment to play, child‐led learning, and inclusive practice.
Desirable
- Level 5 or 6 qualification in early years leadership, education, or management.
- Experience of securing external funding or grants.
- Knowledge of the Brighton and Hove childcare landscape.
- Experience working with or reporting to a board of trustees or management committee.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead a well‐loved, community centre with a strong identity and a beautiful setting.
- A salary of £37,000–£42,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
- A committed and supportive board.
- A warm, dedicated team.
- Pension contribution.
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
Playcentre Manager in Brighton employer: Fiveways Playcentre
Fiveways Playcentre is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a cherished community centre that prioritises quality childcare in a beautiful environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, a supportive team culture, and a focus on continuous improvement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of early years education while enjoying competitive salary and pension benefits. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Playcentre Manager in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Playcentre Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in community events related to childcare. This is a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for early years education. Plus, it shows that you're committed to the community, which is a big plus for places like Fiveways Playcentre.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and current early years policies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a good fit for the role but also genuinely invested in the quality of childcare.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Playcentre Manager in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in early years management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Playcentre Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and financial management abilities!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for childcare and community engagement shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely committed to child-led learning and inclusive practices, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this passion.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Fiveways Playcentre and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fiveways Playcentre
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Fiveways Playcentre’s mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their Ofsted rating and any recent developments in early years education. This shows your genuine interest and helps you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Playcentre Manager, you'll be leading a team of around 30 staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your approach to motivation, professional development, and fostering a positive culture. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since you'll hold budgetary responsibility, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, securing funding, and ensuring sustainability. You might even want to bring along some ideas for potential funding opportunities that could benefit the centre.
✨Engage with the Community
Fiveways Playcentre values strong relationships with families and local organisations. Think about how you can enhance community engagement and partnerships. Prepare to share your ideas on building these connections and how you’ve done it in previous roles.
