Hays
Pre-School Manager - Brentwood
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Pre-School Manager
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Salary: £17.00 - £18.00 per hour
Permanent | Full-Time | Term-Time Only - Monday to Friday | 8:00am - 4:00pm
Start date: ASAP
Lead a Pre-School Where Learning Has No Walls
Are you an experienced Early Years leader looking for a setting that's a little different? Do you believe the best learning happens through exploration, creativity, and real-world experiences rather than being confined to four walls?
Hays Education is proud to be partnering with a well-established and growing Early Years provider to recruit a Pre-School Manager for its Brentwood setting.
This is a unique opportunity to join a setting where outdoor learning isn't an occasional activity, it's part of everyday life. From forest school experiences and nature-based learning to music, mindfulness, and Montessori-inspired practice, children are encouraged to discover the world around them through curiosity and adventure.
Why This Setting Stands Out
This successful Early Years provision has built an outstanding reputation by creating engaging environments where children are encouraged to become confident, resilient, and independent learners.
The setting combines the EYFS curriculum with a rich programme of enrichment activities designed to support children's emotional, social, and educational development.
Children benefit from:
- Outdoor and forest school learning opportunities
- Nature-based exploration and environmental awareness
- Montessori-inspired teaching practices
- Music, movement, and creative arts sessions
- Yoga, mindfulness, and wellbeing activities
- Educational visits and community projects
- Hands-on learning experiences
- A strong focus on confidence, independence, and school readiness
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The Role
As Pre-School Manager, you'll be at the heart of the setting's success.
You'll lead a dedicated team, inspire high-quality practice, and create an environment where both children and staff can thrive. You'll have the autonomy to influence the direction of the setting while receiving support from an experienced and collaborative leadership team.
This role offers the rare combination of a leadership position, excellent work-life balance, and the opportunity to make a genuine impact on children's lives.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the pre-school.
- Inspire and develop a high-performing team of Early Years professionals.
- Deliver exceptional standards of childcare, learning, and safeguarding.
- Support practitioners in providing engaging, child-centred experiences.
- Build strong relationships with families and the wider community.
- Drive continuous improvement and maintain high-quality outcomes.
- Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
- Promote the setting's outdoor learning and forest school philosophy.
- Monitor children's progress and support positive outcomes for every child.
- Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture across the setting.
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with candidates who have:
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- A Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
- Experience in a leadership role within a nursery or pre-school setting.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS Framework.
- Excellent safeguarding and child protection awareness.
- Proven experience leading and motivating teams.
- A passion for delivering outstanding Early Years education.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor learning and child-led development.
What's in It for You?
- £17.00 - £18.00 per hour
- Permanent, full-time position
- Term-time only
- Excellent working hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm
- Opportunity to earn additional income through holiday club programmes
- Free daily lunch
- Free onsite parking
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Company pension scheme
- Wellbeing support package
- Sick pay
- Team celebrations and staff events
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Supportive leadership and genuine progression prospects
Apply Today
If you're ready to lead a pre-school that truly embraces outdoor learning, child-led discovery, and innovative Early Years practice, we'd love to hear from you.
Aamir Malik
Senior Manager | Hays Education
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📞 0207 259 8770
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