At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pre-school, inspiring outdoor learning and child-led education.
- Company: A respected early years provider with a focus on nature-based experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free lunch, onsite parking, and additional holiday work opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with ongoing professional development and social events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through innovative outdoor education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and leadership experience required.
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
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
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- 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.
If you are an experienced Early Years leader looking for an exciting opportunity to manage a thriving pre-school setting and play a key role in delivering outstanding outdoor learning experiences, we would love to hear from you. Please apply now or for a confidential discussion, please contact Aamir Malik.
Pre-School Manager - Billericay employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Join a supportive and well-established SEN school in Dudley, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional needs. With a focus on professional development and a collaborative work culture, this long-term supply role offers stability and competitive pay, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally. Experience the rewarding environment of a dedicated team committed to fostering growth and learning for all students.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team
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