Pre-School Manager

Job Description

Job Description Post: Pre-School Manager

Responsible to: Management Committee

Start date: January 2026 start

Hours: 37.5 hours a week term time (40 weeks per year), +75 hours p/a non-term time (times to be discussed at interview)

About Oakey Dokeys Pre-School

We are a busy, Ofsted graded "good", sessional pre-school, set in the village of Great Oakley, run by a voluntary committee. Our unique approach creates an environment in which our children, aged 2-4, thrive and learn through play. Our long-standing team of staff, and our committee, are dedicated to continuing to provide the highest level of care that parents have come to expect. We are progressive and inquisitive; always seeking to be responsive to individual children's needs and work in partnership to be supportive of the whole family.

Person Specification

We are seeking a Pre-School Manager to join our special team of Early Years Practitioners. The successful candidate will be dynamic, forward thinking and adaptable to change, with strong leadership skills and the ability to think on their feet and respond to situations as they arise. Working very closely as part of a team is paramount. The role requires a high level of passion, energy and commitment to our ethos and a good sense of humour is essential. Exceptional interpersonal and management skills are key as the manager will need to run a small team of staff and liaise extensively with parents, outside agencies and the management committee.

The Oakey Dokeys team

Our team consists of experienced practitioners with a range of qualifications and experience who work within the room with groups of children and in 1-2-1 situations. The day to day administrative and financial management of the Pre-School is co-ordinated by our Business Manager.

Duties will include:

· Manage the Pre-School in line with Ofsted requirements and the EYFS framework and be the Ofsted nominated individual.

· Lead and inspire a team of early years professionals

· Safeguarding Lead for the setting.

· Ensure all safeguarding, health & safety and wellbeing procedures are followed.

· Oversee planning and assessment to support children's development.

· Supervising all staff/volunteers and offering support and guidance where necessary, regarding performance and training. Carrying out regular supervision sessions.

· Undertaking relevant training as necessary.

· Developing and maintaining strong relationships with parents/carers.

· Effectively manage staffing levels.

· Check and upload children's observations, two-year old checks and baselines to our parent portal.

· Drive continuous improvement across the setting.

· Working with outside agencies, such as schools, health visitors, paediatricians, Essex County Council and Specialist Teachers.

· Working alongside the Business Manager regarding day-to-day administration, including registers, ordering and purchasing materials and equipment.

· Being involved in financial accountability of the pre-school by working closely with the Business Manager and Committee regarding budgets and staffing.

· Liaising with the Management Committee where necessary, keeping them informed of matters that arise that impact the business.

· Join the Management Committee and Companies House as a director.

· Undertaking other duties as they become necessary to ensure the successful running of the setting.

Essential Skills/Training:

· Minimum level 3 in Early Years Childcare or equivalent.

· Previous managerial experience and at least 2 years' experience of working in a Pre-School/Nursery.

· Level 3 in maths

· Strong leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills

· Basic computer literacy.

Desirable Skills/Training:

· Current safeguarding certificate.

· Current Paediatric First Aid Certificate.

· Current Food and Hygiene Certificate.

· Full Driving Licence.

Terms of employment:

· Rate of pay: £14.94 per hour.

· Contract hours: 37.5 hours a week term time (40 weeks per year), +75 hours p/a non-term time (times to be discussed at interview), plus 5.6 weeks holiday pay per annum. Term time only.

· The right to work in the UK.

· Two references will be required before start date can be agreed

**Please note that this vacancy is being advertised on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed weekly, and interviews scheduled on a regular basis whilst the role continues to be advertised. Potential applicants should be aware that the pre-school reserves the right to withdraw this role at short notice if the position is filled early. **