Playcentre Manager

About Fiveways Playcentre

Fiveways Playcentre is a registered charity and a well-established, community-rooted setting providing quality childcare. We provide flexible sessions for nursery and preschool children aged 2-4, as well as breakfast/afterschool clubs for ages 5-11yrs. We are proud of our beautiful environment, which includes substantial outdoor space that forms a central part of our provision. Rated Good by Ofsted, we are committed to maintaining and building on our strong foundations as we look to the future.

Role Overview

The Playcentre Manager is the most senior role at Fiveways and carries full operational, financial, and strategic responsibility for the centre. You will lead a team of approximately 30 staff, setting the tone for a positive, inclusive, and high-quality environment for children, families, and colleagues alike. You will be at the forefront of leading the centre as we enhance our childcare provision, building on the success of the last 30 years and ensuring its sustainability within the community for the next 30 and beyond.

This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and day-to-day presence. You will be the face of the centre to families, partners, and funders, and the driving force behind continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of approximately 30, including playworkers, early years practitioners, and support staff.
• Conduct regular supervision, appraisals, and professional development conversations.
• Manage recruitment, induction, development/training, and retention of staff.
• Foster a positive team culture rooted in respect, safeguarding, and high expectations.
• Monitor the quality of teaching and learning.

Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the centre, ensuring smooth, safe, and high-quality operation.
• Maintain and develop the centre's outstanding physical environment, including the substantial outdoor space.
• Ensure all policies, procedures, and risk assessments are current, fit for purpose and consistently implemented.
• Hold overall responsibility for health and safety across the site.

Safeguarding

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the centre.
• Ensure all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and that the centre operates in full compliance with statutory requirements.
• Maintain a safe environment for all children at all times.

Financial Management

• Hold budgetary responsibility for the centre, working with the board to set and monitor the annual budget.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, local authority contracts, and donations.
• Ensure the centre operates sustainably and that financial reporting is accurate and timely.

Quality and Improvement

• Maintain and build on the centre's Good Ofsted rating, with ambition for continued improvement.
• Lead on self-evaluation, identifying areas for development and implementing improvement plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and develop it according to need, the EYFS statutory framework, current developments in early years, play, and out-of-school childcare policy and practice.
• Ensure all policies, procedures and curriculum plans are in place, up to date and regularly monitored.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families, treating them as partners in their children's development and wellbeing.
• Develop partnerships with local schools, community organisations, and statutory agencies.
• Represent Fiveways in relevant forums, networks, and with external stakeholders.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in a senior leadership or management role within an early years, play, or out-of-school childcare setting.
• Full and relevant Level 3 qualification in childcare, early years, or playwork (or equivalent).
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification or willingness to obtain on appointment.
• Demonstrable experience managing teams of 10 or more.
• Strong financial literacy and experience managing budgets.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence engaging families, staff, and external partners.
• Thorough knowledge of Ofsted inspection frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• A genuine commitment to play, child-led learning, and inclusive practice.

Desirable

• Level 5 or 6 qualification in early years leadership, education, or management.
• Experience of securing external funding or grants.
• Knowledge of the Brighton and Hove childcare landscape.
• Experience working with or reporting to a board of trustees or management committee.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a well-loved, community centre with a strong identity and a beautiful setting.
• A salary of £37,000–£42,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• A committed and supportive board.
• A warm, dedicated team.
• Pension contribution.
• Continuous professional development opportunities.

Please send CV and cover letter of no more than two pages to office@fiveways-playcentre.co.uk. DEADLINE 31st MAY 2026. Interviews - Friday 5th June and Monday 8th June