Pre-School Manager

ABOUT US 

Challengers is a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled children and young people through the power of play. We provide inclusive, fun, and safe spaces across the Southeast where children aged 2–18 can make friends, enjoy new experiences, and develop vital life skills. Our unique non-exclusion policy ensures that every child, regardless of the complexity of their needs, is welcomed and supported. 

BENEFITS – What is in it for you?  

• To work for an organisation who truly consider work life balance and have high expectations for our outcomes not only for those who use our services but for our teams as well. 
• Free Training and encouragement to learn and thrive! 
• Free DBS – As we require all staff to have a DBS before they start with us, we have decided to offer this free of charge.
• Pension & Health Care Cash Plan – All our staff have access to a NEST pension and Simply Health health care plan.
• Career breaks after 3 years’ service.  

About the Role

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the pre-school in line with EYFS and Challengers’ policies.
• Lead an engaging, creative curriculum that supports children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
• Act as Designated SENCO—liaise with professionals, complete referrals, and manage SEN paperwork/funding.
• Safeguard all children and ensure staff follow safeguarding procedures.
• Line-manage, support, and supervise staff; manage rotas, training needs, and performance.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, and site security.
• Support administration including attendance, funding forms, budgeting, and record-keeping.
• Represent Challengers in meetings with families and external agencies.

 About You

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in early years and prior managerial/leadership experience.
• Level 3 Childcare & Education (or equivalent) qualification.
• Strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Confident with EYFS requirements and inclusive practice.
• Willingness to undertake training and develop specialist skills.

 Desirable:

• Paediatric First Aid
• Surrey SENCO training
• Early Years Teacher/QTS

Pre School Manager Job Description

Closing Date – 11/12/2025

Interview Date – 17/12/2025

Challengers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job- There is no such thing as the perfect candidate.  Challengers is a place where everyone can grow.  We follow equal opportunities so however you identify and whatever your background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day

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The position which you are applying for potentially involves significant unsupervised contact with children and is therefore subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. This means that you must disclose details of any convictions, bindover orders or police cautions, warnings or reprimands, including those which are considered “spent” under the terms of the Act. Please use the Disclosure Form below only if this applies to you. This information will not be used to discriminate against you unfairly.

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If you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) by SI 2013 1198, please complete the information below and return it with your application. This information will not be used to discriminate against you unfairly. For more information on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act please click here.

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Challengers is committed to achieving a Play and Leisure service which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from unlawful or unfair discrimination. Our policy covers all aspects of our operations, including recruitment. Please complete this part of the form. This information will be used only in order to monitor our recruitment processes and prevent unfair discrimination on any grounds.

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