Early Years Playleader / Manager – Stroud

Location: Stroud, Gloucestershire

Pay: £16.00–£18.00 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications)

Hours: Full-time | Term-time only | Flexible working hours

Job Type: Permanent

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Early Years Career?

Are you an experienced Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, Room Leader, Deputy Manager or NurseryManager looking for an exciting new opportunity?

Do you have a passion for creating a nurturing, creative and engaging environment where children can learn, develop and thrive?

Thrive Education is delighted to be recruiting for a Playleader / Manager to join a well-established, community-focused playgroup in Stroud.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about Early Years education and ready to take on a leadership role within a supportive, welcoming setting.

With over 50 years of experience providing high-quality childcare, the setting has a fantastic reputation within the local community and is looking for someone who can continue to build on its success.

What Will Your Role Involve?

As Playleader / Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the setting, supporting both children and staff while maintaining the highest standards of Early Years education.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, supporting and motivating a dedicated team of Early Years professionals.
• Creating a fun, engaging and stimulating learning environment for children aged 2.5–4 years.
• Overseeing the daily operations and smooth running of the playgroup.
• Ensuring the setting delivers high-quality, play-based learning in line with the EYFS framework.
• Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring children's safety and wellbeing remain the top priority.
• Building positive relationships with parents, carers, local schools and the Management Committee.
• Supporting children with additional needs and ensuring an inclusive environment for all.
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, Ofsted compliance and staff development.

What Are We Looking For?

We would love to hear from candidates who have:

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (or equivalent).
• At least 2 years' experience working within an Early Years setting.
• A strong understanding of the EYFS framework, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• A passion for supporting children's development through play.
• Experience or training supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
• A GCSE pass in Maths.
• A positive, enthusiastic and nurturing approach to Early Years education.

Already working as a Room Leader or Deputy Manager?

You don't necessarily need to be an existing Nursery Manager to be considered. If you have strong leadership qualities, relevant experience and feel ready to take that next step in your career, we would love to hear from you!

What's on Offer?

• Competitive pay of £16.00–£18.00 per hour, negotiable depending on experience.
• Term-time only working, giving you more time outside of work.
• Flexibility around working hours and start/finish times.
• The opportunity to lead an established and respected Early Years setting.
• A friendly, welcoming and supportive staff team.
• A supportive Management Committee.
• Company pension.
• Free on-site parking.
• Some opportunities to work from home.

Interested? Let's Have a Chat!

Whether you're an experienced Nursery Manager looking for a change or a passionate Early Years professional ready to progress into leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

At Thrive Education, we understand how important it is to find a setting that suits you, your experience and your ambitions.