Education Manager

Hiring on behalf of my client, High Legh Pre School Nursery - Based in High Legh, Knutsford.

High Legh Pre‑School Nursery is a well‑established, committee‑run charitable nursery in the heart of Cheshire. We are proud of the care, warmth, and high standards we bring to early years education, and we are now looking for an outstanding educational leader to take us forward.

This is a significant and exciting leadership opportunity. As Education Manager, you will be the most senior operational and educational leader within the setting, responsible for the quality of education, safeguarding, operational effectiveness, and the long‑term development of the nursery.

This is not a role for someone looking to maintain the status quo. We are looking for a confident, ambitious, and driven leader who will bring energy, clarity, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.

Reporting directly to the Committee, you will provide strong, visible leadership across the whole setting.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Overall responsibility for the quality of education and practice, in line with the EYFS framework and current Ofsted requirements
• Leading and embedding high‑quality, purposeful learning experiences clearly linked to children’s development and next steps
• Implementing effective systems for tracking children’s progress and ensuring this informs planning across the team
• Leading on parent engagement, including developmental updates, parent evenings, and open communication with families
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with overall responsibility for safeguarding policy and practice
• Providing strategic leadership on vision, improvement planning, occupancy development, and community profile
• Acting as a clear and professional link between the staff team and the Committee, ensuring open and constructive communication in both directions
• Overseeing financial management, health and safety compliance, and day‑to‑day operational effectiveness
• Leading, developing, and challenging the staff team – supportive in approach, but clear in expectations

We are looking for an experienced early years professional with the skills, ambition, and personal qualities to lead our setting with confidence.

You will be:

• Qualified to Level 6 or above (e.g. Early Years Teacher Status, QTS, or equivalent)
• An experienced leader with a track record of improving practice, maintaining high standards, and ensuring consistency across a team
• Knowledgeable and current in your understanding of the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations
• Confident in leading change, setting clear expectations, and challenging practice where needed
• Skilled at building strong relationships with staff, parents, and governance and at strengthening the connections between all three
• Ambitious for children’s outcomes and motivated to develop the nursery’s provision, reputation, and sustainability
• Experienced in assessment and tracking systems, with the ability to use this to drive improvement in outcomes
• Committed to the highest standards of safeguarding, with knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks

To apply, please submit a current CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience meets the requirements outlined above.