Preschool Playgroup Manager
| Posting date: | 09 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £24,500 to £25,500 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 31 March 2026 |
| Location: | NG161QU |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Noahs Ark Preschool Playgroup |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | PSPM1 |
Summary
Noah’s Ark Playgroup is a small, community-based charity setting with a strong commitment to providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 2–5. This role offers the opportunity to lead that provision, shaping a positive early years experience that supports children’s development, confidence and school readiness.
As Playgroup Manager, you will provide day-to-day leadership for the setting, working closely with a supportive Committee to ensure high-quality EYFS delivery, strong safeguarding practice and the continued stability and development of the playgroup. This is a hands-on leadership role with real impact, suited to someone who is confident in their practice and motivated to grow alongside the setting.
Core Responsibilities
• Lead the day-to-day running of the playgroup, ensuring a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2–5.
• Oversee curriculum planning and delivery to support children’s learning, development and school readiness, including inclusive practice and support for children with SEND.
• Provide supportive leadership, supervision and ongoing development for staff, promoting a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Ensure the setting remains inspection ready and meets regulatory requirements including safeguarding, staff ratios, health and safety and Ofsted expectations.
• Monitor attendance, occupancy and funded hours, working with the Committee to support financial stability.
• Maintain accurate records and oversee essential administrative processes, including processing staff payroll and supplier payments, with training and Committee support provided where needed.
• Build strong, professional relationships with parents, carers and the local community to promote the playgroup and encourage enrolment.
• Work constructively with the Committee and premises stakeholders to maintain a safe and suitable environment
Experience Requirements
• Working in an early years setting.
• Supporting or leading other practitioners.
• Working in partnership with parents and carers.
• Safeguarding practice within an early years environment.
• Administrative and or budgeting processes is desirable.
Knowledge Requirements
• Working knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Understanding of child development for children aged 2–5.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements including staff ratios and health and safety.
• Willingness to develop confidence in budgeting, funding arrangements and compliance processes with appropriate support from the Committee.
Skill and Competency Requirements
• Warm, confident leadership style with the ability to support and motivate a small team.
• Strong Professional communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Sound judgement in safeguarding and child welfare matters.
• Ability to balance operational responsibilities' with hands-on involvement in the room.
• Openness to learning and developing new skills as the role evolves.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality and continuous improvement
Required Professional Qualifications/Certifications
• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
• Paediatric First Aid certificate (must obtain).
• Safeguarding training appropriate to the role .
• Enhanced DBS check in line with EYFS requirements and complete a Health declaration form for childcare applicants.
As Playgroup Manager, you will provide day-to-day leadership for the setting, working closely with a supportive Committee to ensure high-quality EYFS delivery, strong safeguarding practice and the continued stability and development of the playgroup. This is a hands-on leadership role with real impact, suited to someone who is confident in their practice and motivated to grow alongside the setting.
Core Responsibilities
• Lead the day-to-day running of the playgroup, ensuring a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2–5.
• Oversee curriculum planning and delivery to support children’s learning, development and school readiness, including inclusive practice and support for children with SEND.
• Provide supportive leadership, supervision and ongoing development for staff, promoting a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Ensure the setting remains inspection ready and meets regulatory requirements including safeguarding, staff ratios, health and safety and Ofsted expectations.
• Monitor attendance, occupancy and funded hours, working with the Committee to support financial stability.
• Maintain accurate records and oversee essential administrative processes, including processing staff payroll and supplier payments, with training and Committee support provided where needed.
• Build strong, professional relationships with parents, carers and the local community to promote the playgroup and encourage enrolment.
• Work constructively with the Committee and premises stakeholders to maintain a safe and suitable environment
Experience Requirements
• Working in an early years setting.
• Supporting or leading other practitioners.
• Working in partnership with parents and carers.
• Safeguarding practice within an early years environment.
• Administrative and or budgeting processes is desirable.
Knowledge Requirements
• Working knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Understanding of child development for children aged 2–5.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements including staff ratios and health and safety.
• Willingness to develop confidence in budgeting, funding arrangements and compliance processes with appropriate support from the Committee.
Skill and Competency Requirements
• Warm, confident leadership style with the ability to support and motivate a small team.
• Strong Professional communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Sound judgement in safeguarding and child welfare matters.
• Ability to balance operational responsibilities' with hands-on involvement in the room.
• Openness to learning and developing new skills as the role evolves.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality and continuous improvement
Required Professional Qualifications/Certifications
• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum).
• Paediatric First Aid certificate (must obtain).
• Safeguarding training appropriate to the role .
• Enhanced DBS check in line with EYFS requirements and complete a Health declaration form for childcare applicants.