Pre-school manager

PRE-SCHOOL MANAGER Job Title: Pre-School Manager Rate: Salary negotiable for the right candidate Responsible to: Board of Trustees The Pre-school Playgroup is a well-respected charity at the heart of the local community. With a Good Ofsted rating we provide a nurturing, child-centred environment and are looking for an enthusiastic person to lead, motivate and develop our team of six dedicated early years practitioners. We welcome informal conversations and visits to the setting prior to application. 35 hrs per week, term time. Benefits include; casual dress, free on-site parking. Flexible working arrangements for the right candidate. 1. STAFFING RESPONSIBILITIES * Management and Oversight: Take overall responsibility for staff management, including recruitment, handling grievances, and providing managerial support. Ensure the preparation and implementation of staff contracts and job descriptions in line with employment law (with support from the administrator). * Staff Planning and Coordination: Prepare staff rotas for each session. Plan and implement an annual training schedule for the team. Arrange in-house training sessions and termly staff meetings, including notifying staff, setting agendas, and chairing meetings. * Performance Management: Conduct staff supervisions, appraisals and develop individual training plans to address training needs promptly. Perform peer-to-peer observations and "walk-the-floor" reviews with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Ensure SLT members are informed and fulfil their responsibilities, providing daily information transfer where required. * Recruitment and Induction: Draft and manage recruitment advertisements for publication by the administrator. Conduct interviews and oversee staff induction, including role-specific training and policy familiarisation. * Support and Supervision: Address staff concerns and provide ongoing support. Supervise the duties of the cleaner and maintain regular contact. Arrange staff cover as necessary. * Policy and Compliance: Ensure all policies are understood and followed. * Pay and Conditions: Negotiate staff pay and conditions with trustees. 2. PRE-SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES * Operational Flexibility: Ofsted Nominated Individual for the setting Maintain a flexible working attitude to cover sessions during staff absences due to illness or training. * Policy Development: Write, update, and implement pre-school policies with support from the administrator. Maintain and update the SEF (Self-Evaluation Form) and review the QISP (Quality Inspection and Standards Plan) annually, ensuring action plans are completed. * Communication and Liaison: Liaise with the Chair of Trustees, Early Years Improvement Officers (EYIO), specialists, and external agencies. Maintain effective communication with parents and respond to their queries. * Planning and Oversight: Prepare for OFSTED inspections and handle correspondence. Organise and oversee annual cleaning and sorting tasks. Ensure the key person system is implemented and maintained. * Special Educational Needs Coordination: Act as the designated SENCO, attending training and implementing strategies to support children’s individual needs. Allocate and supervise assistant SENCO roles. * Safeguarding and Health & Safety: Serve as the safeguarding lead, liaising with Social Care and other agencies as necessary. * Professional Development: Stay up to date with changes in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Attend leadership and management courses as required. 3. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA * Proven experience in a pre-school setting. * Comprehensive knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). * NVQ Level 3/4 or equivalent qualification. * Strong understanding of safeguarding and SENCO responsibilities. * Ability to plan and implement a pre-school curriculum. * Skilled in building relationships with parents and encouraging their involvement. * Demonstrated leadership and teamwork abilities. * Excellent communication and report-writing skills. * Commitment to equal opportunities and cultural diversity. * Computer literacy. 4. DESIRABLE CRITERIA * Proficiency in Windows-based systems, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PDF software. * Familiarity with funding systems for early years education. Note: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must disclose any convictions or orders made against them