Job Description

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Job Title: Early Years Manager

Reports to: As a charitable organisation you will be reporting to the Chair of Trustees

Location: Walton on the Naze, Essex.

Why Work at Walton Preschool?

Imagine starting your day just a two-minute stroll from the beach. At Walton Preschool, you'll find a warm, welcoming environment set within the vibrant Walton Community Centre. Our two classes-Caterpillars and Butterflies-each enjoy their own beautifully equipped classroom designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and creativity.

Our expansive outdoor area is a true highlight: well-maintained, thoughtfully resourced, and complete with a charmingmini-allotmentwhere children grow and care for their own plants. It's a space where learning comesaliveand every day brings new discoveries.

As a charitable organisation, Walton Preschool is guided by a supportive board of trustees who value and prioritise the wellbeing of both staff and children. Our strong reputation within the community means we are consistently supported and encouraged by local families and groups.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief:every child is unique-and deserves exceptional learning experiences.Our dedicated team works consistently each day to nurture, challenge, and celebrate every child who walks through our doors. If you share that commitment, Walton Preschool is a place where you will truly make a difference.

Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage the early years setting, ensuring the provision of delivering outstanding childcare practice and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and all relevant legislation. Maintaining an enabling and inclusive environment. To support, mentor, and develop staff and maintain strong relationships with children, parents, and external agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

Oversee the day-to-day running of the Pre School, ensuring high standards of childcare practice and education.
Lead, support, and supervise staff, ensuring a positive team culture.
Manage staffing schedules, ratios, and deployment.
Conduct staff supervisions, appraisals, and performance reviews and team meetings.
Curriculum & Quality

Ensure the EYFS is implemented effectively throughout the setting.
Monitor planning, observations, and assessments.
Safeguard quality by completing internal audits, learning walks, and environment checks.
Ensure compliance with Ofsted requirements and prepare for inspections.

Safeguarding & Welfare

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Ensure all staff are up to date with relevant legislations and follow safeguarding policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality and accurate record-keeping.
Conduct risk assessments of the environment and any activities undertaken.

Parent Partnership

Build positive, professional relationships with parents and carers.
Handle enquiries, complaints, and feedback.
Conduct parent meetings and share children's progress.

Special Educational Needs Co Ordinator

Coordinate the identification of pupils with SEND through observation, data analysis, and referrals.

Conduct assessments and ensure high-quality plans (e.g., SEN Support Plans (One Plan), EHCP evidence).

Work with educational psychologists and external specialists to support assessments.

Support SEND provision, ensuring inclusion and early intervention.

Administration & Compliance

Ensure compliance with Ofsted standards and relevant legislation.
Maintain children's records, registers, and documentation.
Support recruitment, staff induction, training, and appraisals.
Manage budgets, resources, and supplies.
Ensure all statutory training and health & safety legislation compliance.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

Level 5/6 with a Level 3 in Early Years.
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSL)
Previous SEND Co experience
Strong understanding of EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
Excellent organisation, communication, and leadership. Human Resource Managment Finance and budgetting awareness Inspirational and able to lead by exampls

Information about the School

Do you want to work in a forward thinking and inspirational Pre School where you can contribute to our vision. Do you have the drive, passion and enthusiasm we are looking for?. If so Walton Pre School are looking for you.

We have highly skilled staff, large spacious classrooms a stimulating outside hard surface garden and a fantastic forest school area with an outdoor classroom. We have fun whilst learning and create the most amazing opportunities for our children. We value our staff's wellbeing and provide support, guidance and a dedicated wellbeing support officer as well as free snacks and drinks, free uniform, access to free high quality training and an environment where we support career progression.

We are open for 39 weeks of the year from 08.45 to 3.30. We have a capacity of 52 children presently.

We are a small dedicated team who strive to improve the educational outcomes for children as well as extending the children's life experiences through visits, outings and in house opportunities.

Call us now for an informal chat or to arrange a visit 01255 672189 / walton.preschool@googlemail.com.