At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pre-school, inspire a team, and create engaging outdoor learning experiences.
- Company: Well-established Early Years provider with a focus on innovative education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free lunch, birthday off, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive leadership and excellent work-life balance in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives through outdoor and child-led learning.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and leadership experience in a nursery setting.
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Salary: £17.00 - £18.00 per hour
Permanent | Full-Time | Term-Time Only - Monday to Friday | 8:00am - 4:00pm
Start date: ASAP
Lead a Pre-School Where Learning Has No Walls
Are you an experienced Early Years leader looking for a setting that's a little different? Do you believe the best learning happens through exploration, creativity and real-world experiences rather than being confined to four walls? Hays Education is proud to be partnering with a well-established and growing Early Years provider to recruit a Pre-School Manager for its Brentwood setting. This is a unique opportunity to join a setting where outdoor learning isn't an occasional activity, it's part of everyday life. From forest school experiences and nature-based learning to music, mindfulness and Montessori-inspired practice, children are encouraged to discover the world around them through curiosity and adventure.
Why This Setting Stands Out
This successful Early Years provision has built an outstanding reputation by creating engaging environments where children are encouraged to become confident, resilient and independent learners. The setting combines the EYFS curriculum with a rich programme of enrichment activities designed to support children's emotional, social and educational development.
Children benefit from:
- Outdoor and forest school learning opportunities
- Nature-based exploration and environmental awareness
- Montessori-inspired teaching practices
- Music, movement and creative arts sessions
- Yoga, mindfulness and wellbeing activities
- Educational visits and community projects
- Hands-on learning experiences
- A strong focus on confidence, independence and school readiness
The Role
As Pre-School Manager, you'll be at the heart of the setting's success. You'll lead a dedicated team, inspire high-quality practice and create an environment where both children and staff can thrive. You'll have the autonomy to influence the direction of the setting while receiving support from an experienced and collaborative leadership team. This role offers the rare combination of a leadership position, excellent work-life balance and the opportunity to make a genuine impact on children's lives.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the pre-school.
- Inspire and develop a high-performing team of Early Years professionals.
- Deliver exceptional standards of childcare, learning and safeguarding.
- Support practitioners in providing engaging, child-centred experiences.
- Build strong relationships with families and the wider community.
- Drive continuous improvement and maintain high-quality outcomes.
- Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
- Promote the setting's outdoor learning and forest school philosophy.
- Monitor children's progress and support positive outcomes for every child.
- Create a positive, inclusive and supportive culture across the setting.
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with candidates who have:
- A Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
- Experience in a leadership role within a nursery or pre-school setting.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS Framework.
- Excellent safeguarding and child protection awareness.
- Proven experience leading and motivating teams.
- A passion for delivering outstanding Early Years education.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor learning and child-led development.
What's in It for You?
- £17.00 - £18.00 per hour
- Permanent, full-time position
- Term-time only
- Excellent working hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm
- Opportunity to earn additional income through holiday club programmes
- Free daily lunch
- Free onsite parking
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Company pension scheme
- Wellbeing support package
- Sick pay
- Team celebrations and staff events
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Supportive leadership and genuine progression prospects
Apply Today
If you're ready to lead a pre-school that truly embraces outdoor learning, child-led discovery and innovative Early Years practice, we'd love to hear from you.
Pre-School Manager - Brentwood 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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We think this is how you could land Pre-School Manager - Brentwood
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We think you need these skills to ace Pre-School Manager - Brentwood
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