At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant daycare, ensuring exceptional care and development for children.
- Company: Highfield Children’s Centre, a not-for-profit with a warm, inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CPD opportunities, and a chance to influence early years education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working with passionate educators.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and 2 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth and collaboration opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Overview
Highfield Children’s Centre is looking for a Daycare Manager to lead and manage a vibrant, successful daycare setting. Location: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 6DW. Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 per annum, depending on experience. Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year. Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible. Reference: 0393.
Responsibilities
- Deliver and ensure an exceptional standard of learning, development and care.
- Manage day to day running of the setting.
- Ensure that children and staff are always safeguarded.
- Collaborate with parents and carers as partners in the children’s learning journeys.
Qualifications
- A minimum full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
- Grade C/4+ Mathematics at GCSE level.
- A minimum of 2 years recent experience working in an early years setting, ideally already in a senior practitioner, room leader or deputy role. You may also be a manager looking for a new challenge.
- Excellent working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, local safeguarding procedures and current Ofsted statutory guidance.
- A passion for ensuring that all children are nurtured with consistent, innovative care that allows them to flourish and become lifelong lovers of learning.
About Us
Early Years at Highfield is a 24-place setting offering all year round, full daycare for children aged 2 – 4 years in Northwest Ipswich. The setting was established in January 2007 and has had consistently outstanding Ofsted inspections since that date. The last inspection was carried out in February 2020. It is a place that has a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. The setting benefits from close working relationships with, and the support of, the on-site maintained nursery school and children’s centre. Early Years at Highfield, together with a sister setting located in the Whitehouse area of Ipswich, is part of Highfield Children’s Centre company, a not-for-profit company. The managers of both settings work closely together and report to a small team of directors. The maintained nursery is the lead in the East of England Stronger Practice Hub and there are regular opportunities for the manager to work alongside the hub.
We can offer you
- An ideal opportunity to work with like-minded individuals who are passionate about early years education.
- A wide range of CPD opportunities available to all staff through the Stronger Practice Hub.
- Working for a small organisation where you can have a positive influence on practice and outcomes.
How to apply
Please read the Job Description (pdf) and Application Guidance (pdf). To find out more, or to arrange a visit, contact Ruth Coleman by calling 01473 742534.
Please submit your completed Application Form (Word) to Karen Pringle, Business Manager by email at karen.pringle@highfieldchildrenscentre.org.
Closing date: 1pm, 25 September 2025. Interview date: 6 October 2025.
Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
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Daycare Manager employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Daycare Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Daycare Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Highfield Children’s Centre thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and what makes them tick. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you fit right into their vibrant environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've nurtured children's development in past roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Highfield team and contributing to their outstanding reputation.
We think you need these skills to ace Daycare Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’ll give you a clear idea of what Highfield Children’s Centre is looking for in a Daycare Manager, and you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your Level 3 Early Years qualification and any relevant experience you have. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed.
Be Personal and Passionate: Let your personality shine through in your application! Share your passion for early years education and how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles. This will help us see your commitment to nurturing children and fostering their love for learning.
Submit Through Our Website: When you’re ready to apply, make sure to submit your completed Application Form via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage and local safeguarding procedures. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed a daycare setting or led a team. Highlighting your achievements will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of a Daycare Manager.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about their approach to early years education and how they support staff development. This shows your interest in being part of their community.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for nurturing children's development shine through. Share your vision for creating a vibrant learning environment and how you plan to collaborate with parents and carers to enhance children's experiences.