Playgroup Manager

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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