Playgroup Manager

Description:

Part-Time, Term-Time Playgroup Manager

Location: LE3
£16.00 per hour
Part Time | 16–22 hours per week
Permanent | Term Time Only
Expected Start: October/November 2026

All three of the following requirements are essential. Please do not apply unless you meet all three:

Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification or above
SEN/SEND experience and SENCO experience/knowledge
Minimum 2–5 years' managerial experience within a playgroup, preschool or nursery setting
About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on, experienced and enthusiastic Playgroup Manager to join and lead our small, dedicated team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years professional who enjoys being actively involved in the day-to-day running of a setting, supporting staff and creating a safe, happy and stimulating environment where children can thrive.

Working closely with the owner, you will help lead the playgroup, support staff and ensure we continue to provide high-quality care, education and learning experiences for every child.

Key Responsibilities - As Playgroup Manager, you will:

Lead, support and motivate our small team of Early Years staff
Work closely with the owner on the day-to-day management of the playgroup
Oversee the setting in the absence of the owner
Help ensure the effective implementation of the EYFS framework
Manage and complete relevant EYFS documentation and paperwork
Ensure children's records, progress and development are accurately maintained
Support and manage children with SEND
Take responsibility for allocated key children
Lead and support staff with safeguarding and child protection
Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded and acted upon appropriately
Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene and welfare
Ensure equipment and the environment remain safe and suitable for children
Ensure records such as attendance registers, accident and incident records are completed accurately
Provide high-quality learning opportunities through age-appropriate activities and experiences
Build strong and positive relationships with parents and carers
Communicate children's progress and development effectively with families
Encourage and support parental involvement
Lead and assist with daily set-up and pack-away
Support the team in implementing recommendations following regulatory inspections
Work collaboratively with the owner and staff to maintain and improve the quality of the setting
About You -We are looking for an experienced Early Years professional who is:

Hands-on and confident in a leadership role
Passionate about providing excellent care and education
Experienced in managing and supporting an Early Years team
Confident working with SEND children
Knowledgeable about EYFS, safeguarding and child protection
Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
A strong communicator who can build positive relationships with parents and staff
Supportive, approachable and able to lead by example
Flexible and willing to get involved in all aspects of the setting
Comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions when required
A genuine team player with a positive and engaging approach
Essential Experience & Qualifications - You must have:

Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification or above
Minimum 2 years' managerial experience within a playgroup, preschool or nursery — 3–5 years' experience is preferred
Experience working with children with SEND
Experience and/or formal training relating to SENCO/SEND
Strong knowledge of the EYFS
Experience with safeguarding and child protection
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Working Hours

Monday to Friday
Term time only
Start: 8:30am
Finish: between 1:30pm and 3:00pm, depending on agreed hours
25 hours per week
Exact working hours to be agreed at interview
Flexibility is essential
Benefits

£16.00 per hour
Permanent, term-time position
Casual dress
Company events
On-site parking
Supportive working environment
Opportunity to take a leading role within a friendly Early Years setting
If you are an experienced Early Years Manager, Playgroup Manager, Preschool Manager, Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager looking for a flexible, term-time leadership position, we'd love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

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