At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to provide high-quality childcare and nurture children's development.
- Company: Friendly village pre-school with a strong community focus and excellent reputation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference in children's lives.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
- Why this job: Join a beloved pre-school and help shape young minds in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and leadership experience in an Early Years setting.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
We are a friendly village pre‑school committed to offering the highest standards of care and play opportunities for children age 2 to 5 years. We are open for 8 sessions a week and have capacity for 26 children per session. Our current manager is retiring and we’re looking for an enthusiastic and caring manager to continue developing our successful pre‑school. We are based in the historic conservation area of Oakley and provide a stimulating, well‑equipped environment, and attractive outdoor space where the children learn and flourish. The pre‑school has an excellent reputation for providing a holistic approach where every child is valued and treated as an individual. We seek to enhance each child’s creativity, curiosity and imagination. You would be leading a well‑qualified and committed staff team. We work closely with parents, and are well connected with the local school and community to achieve the best outcomes for our children. The pre‑school is a popular choice in our locality and is currently oversubscribed. Our pre‑school is a non‑profit making setting with a broad Christian ethos and strong links with the local parish church.
Hours: Flexible – we are currently operating 29.5 hours per week, term‑time only. Monday & Tuesday: 9.00‑12.00; Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9.00‑2.45.
Salary: £16.20 per hour.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Level 3 Minimum qualification in Early Years; preference is given to a fully qualified teacher
- Leadership experience in an Early Years setting (e.g., Manager, Deputy Manager or Senior Leader)
- A good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted expectations
- Ability to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment in which children can develop and flourish
- Committed to building effective relationships with children and parents/carers
Key Responsibilities:
- To manage the provision of the pre‑school ensuring that staff and parents work together to provide high‑quality childcare
- To ensure safeguarding is a priority and the highest standards are maintained
- To implement a broad and balanced curriculum fulfilling the requirements of the EYFS
- To monitor and assess the quality of provision ensuring that policies and procedures, best practice and standards are maintained
- To lead and manage the staff team effectively
- To oversee day‑to‑day financial operations within the pre‑school and manage the occupancy to ensure maximum capacity
NB. This is not an exhaustive list of duties and a full detailed job description and person specification will be provided to candidates on request.
Closing Date: 12 February 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 16 February 2026
Additional Information: Enhanced DBS check and Disclosure required.
Informal enquiries and applications to: cathyclewer@gmail.com
Manager - St Leonards\' Pre-school in Oakley employer: St Leonards' Pre-School
St Leonards' Pre-school is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for both staff and children. With a strong commitment to high-quality childcare and a holistic approach to early years education, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth within a well-equipped setting in the picturesque conservation area of Oakley. Our collaborative work culture, strong community ties, and focus on individualised care make us a rewarding place to develop your career while making a meaningful impact on young lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager - St Leonards\' Pre-school in Oakley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pre-school's ethos and values before your interview. We want to see that you genuinely care about providing a nurturing environment for the kids. Research their approach to early years education and think about how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! We’re looking for someone who can lead a committed staff team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in early years settings. This will help us see you in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions for your interview. This shows us that you’re engaged and serious about the role. Ask about the current challenges the pre-school faces or how they involve parents in the learning process. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our friendly village pre-school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager - St Leonards\' Pre-school in Oakley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about nurturing children's development and creating a stimulating environment for them.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. Mention specific examples from your past roles that align with our values and the responsibilities of the Manager position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for our pre-school.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Leonards' Pre-School
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you would implement it in your pre-school, as well as how you can ensure that every child is valued and treated as an individual.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your leadership experience in early years settings. Think about how you've successfully managed a team, supported staff development, and created a nurturing environment for children. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the committed staff team at the pre-school.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the pre-school has strong links with the local community, be ready to discuss how you would build relationships with parents and local schools. Share any past experiences where you’ve successfully engaged with families or community partners to enhance children's learning.
✨Prioritise Safeguarding
Safeguarding is crucial in any childcare setting. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of safeguarding policies and how you would ensure the highest standards are maintained. This shows your commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for the children.
