Pre-School Manager – Ingrave

Pre-School Manager

Location: Ingrave, Essex

Permanent | Full-Time | Term‑Time Only

Salary: £16.20 per hour

Working Hours: 8:00 am/8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday

Opportunity

Pre-School Manager Opportunity | Outdoor Learning & Forest School Setting

Overview

Hays Education is delighted to be supporting a highly regarded and expanding early years provider with the recruitment of a Pre‑School Manager for its Ingrave setting.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation that has built a strong reputation across Essex for delivering exceptional childcare and early years education through a unique blend of outdoor learning, forest school experiences and child‑led development.

The setting provides a nurturing and inspiring environment where children are encouraged to learn through exploration, creativity and hands‑on experiences. Outdoor education is at the heart of the provision, helping children develop independence, resilience, confidence and a genuine connection with the natural world.

The successful candidate will join a setting that prides itself on offering a rich enrichment programme, including:

• Forest school and outdoor learning experiences
• Nature‑based exploration and environmental education
• Montessori‑inspired teaching approaches
• Music and creative arts sessions
• Educational outings and local community engagement
• Yoga and wellbeing activities
• Practical, hands‑on learning experiences
• A strong focus on independence, confidence and holistic child development

The Role

As Pre‑School Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the setting, ensuring exceptional standards of care, safeguarding and education are delivered every day.

You will lead and inspire a team of Early Years practitioners, build positive relationships with families and create an engaging environment where children can flourish.

This position offers an excellent work‑life balance, working term‑time only on a full‑time permanent contract, with working hours of 8:00 am/8:30 am until 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

In addition, the organisation offers existing staff the opportunity to undertake additional paid hours during school holiday periods, including half‑term breaks and summer holiday programmes, should they wish to supplement their earnings outside of term time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day running of the pre‑school.
• Ensure the highest standards of childcare, education and safeguarding.
• Manage, support and develop a team of Early Years practitioners.
• Deliver and oversee engaging learning opportunities in line with the EYFS framework.
• Promote the setting's outdoor learning and forest school ethos.
• Maintain compliance with Ofsted requirements and relevant legislation.
• Build strong and positive relationships with parents and carers.
• Monitor children's progress and ensure accurate assessments and records are maintained.
• Manage staff rotas, training and professional development.
• Oversee health and safety procedures across the setting.
• Support the strategic growth and continued success of the pre‑school.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Previous experience in a senior leadership role within an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS Framework.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience managing staff performance and development.
• A passion for outdoor education and child‑centred learning.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

What's on Offer?

• £16.20 per hour
• Permanent, full‑time contract
• Term‑time‑only working
• Working hours of 8:00 am/8:30 am – 4:00 pm
• Opportunity to earn additional income through holiday programmes during half‑terms and summer breaks
• Free daily lunch
• Free onsite parking
• Additional birthday leave
• Company pension scheme
• Wellbeing package
• Sick pay
• Staff social events
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to lead a successful and growing pre‑school setting

Safeguarding

Hays Education and our client are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and robust safer recruitment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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