Job Description

About Us

Woodchester Playgroup is a well-established, charity-status, committee-led early years setting located in the heart of the village. We are proud to be housed in our own welcoming building with a recently refurbished garden, situated within the primary school grounds offering a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for young children to learn and grow.

Our playgroup operates during term time only, from 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday. Additionally, we run a relaxed "Stay and Play" session on Fridays during school holidays, offering continued support and connection for families in the area.

We are passionate about learning through play and are committed to delivering high-quality early years education in partnership with families and the wider community.

Role overview

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Playgroup Manager to lead the daily operations of our setting. This hands-on role requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of early years education, and a passion for community-based childcare.

The successful candidate will work closely with the voluntary management committee to support the playgroup's strategic and operational development.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Leadership and Management

Lead and manage the daily operations of the playgroup in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Supervise, support, and develop a team of early years practitioners, including monitoring students and volunteers. Foster a collaborative, professional, and caring work environment. Attend committee meetings, contributing to planning, fundraising, and community engagement. Oversee administrative functions including admissions, record-keeping, and regulatory documentation. Ensure compliance with Ofsted and EYFS standards and all safeguarding and health and safety regulations. Manage financial processes in collaboration with the finance administrator and committee, including budgeting and resource planning

Curriculum Planning and Delivery

Plan and implement a broad, balanced, and engaging curriculum in line with the EYFS framework. Ensure that learning experiences are tailored to meet the developmental needs of each child. Promote learning through play, ensuring activities are stimulating, inclusive, and age-appropriate. Use observations and assessments to inform planning and track progress. Ensure the continuous development and evaluation of educational practices.

Child Welfare and Development

Maintain a safe and nurturing environment where all children are respected and supported. Ensure all children are supervised in accordance with staff-to-child ratio requirements. Promote positive behaviour and emotional well-being in all children. Provide targeted support and reasonable adjustments for children with SEND, working with external specialists as needed. Maintain up-to-date learning records for each child, including progress tracking and next steps.

Parent and Community Engagement

Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers, ensuring regular two-way communication. Offer regular feedback and updates on children's progress and development. Encourage parent participation in playgroup activities and events. Support a family-friendly ethos and ensure the playgroup is welcoming to all families. Develop links with the adjacent primary school to support smooth transitions and collaborative early years practice.

Environment and Safety

Create and maintain a safe, stimulating, and well-resourced learning environment both indoors and outdoors. Conduct regular risk assessments to ensure the safety and security of all children and staff. Uphold the highest hygiene, health, and safety standards throughout the setting. Instil a strong safeguarding culture among staff, ensuring policies and procedures are followed rigorously. Ensure that all information relating to the setting, its operation, children, staff and parents / carers is treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications

Minimum Level 3 Diploma (Early Years Educator) Up to date GCSB training

Essential

Experience

Min 4 years of childcare experience. Min 3 years supervisory experience Sound knowledge of the EYFS and current early years legislation. Experience in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, particularly those applying to childcare. Experience in implementing systems for child records and financial records. Experience in creating and implement policies and procedures consistent with legislation, regulations, and local requirements.

Desirable

Paediatric First Aid and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training. Experience within a voluntary sector or community setting. Familiarity with managing budgets and basic fundraising.

Knowledge and Skills Essential

Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills. Willingness to work as part of a committee-led charity organisation Knowledge, understanding and practical experience of day care for young children. Knowledge of child development and understanding issues around child development to support all children, including children with disabilities. Knowledge and understanding of legislation and regulations relating to the provision of care for young children and the inspections process for Ofsted Able to work independently and to manage own time efficiently. Commitment to the principle that families 'know best' about their own needs. Commitment to equal opportunities for all children and families. Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively as part of a team and to delegate. Confidence in making day-to-day decisions thoughtfully and with a high degree of sensitivity to the needs of children and families. Able to build strong relationships with children. Strong interpersonal skills, particularly in relation to parents/carers.
We are committed to equal opportunities and equality and do not tolerate harassment or discrimination.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo a DBS check and provide references.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 14.50-17.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 33 per week

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Experience:

Playgroup Management: 3 years (required) Early childhood education: 4 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/05/2025
Reference ID: WPG042025