Early Year Deputy Preschool Manager

Job Description

Hours:8:00am-3:30pm 3 days min but required to cover sickness

Contract:Term-time only
Start date:immediately

We are looking for an enthusiastic, fun and caring Deputy Manager to join our established early years team.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on practitioner who is happy to get stuck into the everyday magic of early years. You should be willing to sing nursery rhymes, read stories with enthusiasm, get messy with glue, paint and glitter, create imaginative tuff trays and invitations to play, and join children in their ideas, games and adventures. We want someone who brings energy, creativity and a sense of humour to the day, while still providing thoughtful, purposeful learning experiences that support each child's development, curiosity and confidence.

As a term-time only Pre-School with a strong commitment towards providing high-quality early years education, inclusion and outdoor learning. We place great importance on giving children regular opportunities to learn, explore, and develop confidence in the natural environment and we operate as a blended traditional early year setting.

The Role

Working closely with the Pre-School Manager, you will support the effective day-to-day running of the setting and deputise for the Manager when required. You will working closely with the Pre-School Manager as well as our children, parents, practitioners and external professionals to ensure that individual needs are identified early and appropriate support is put in place. You will of course work directly with all children and contribute fully to our play-based, child-centred setting.

Key responsibilities will include:

· Supporting the Manager with the day-to-day leadership and operation of the pre-school.

· Taking responsibility for the setting in the Manager's absence.

· Supporting, mentoring and guiding practitioners to maintain consistently high standards of practice.

· Helping to ensure compliance with the EYFS statutory framework, safeguarding requirements and our setting's policies.

· Working directly with children as a skilled Early Years Practitioner and Key Person where required.

· Promoting children's wellbeing, independence, communication and emotional development.

· Supporting our inspired by nature, led by play ethos and helping children develop confidence, resilience, curiosity and an appreciation of the natural environment.

· Working outdoors throughout the seasons and supporting safe, appropriate risk-taking and exploration.

· Supporting the early identification of children's additional needs.

· Supporting staff to adapt provision and environments so that all children can participate and make progress.

· Acting as a positive role model for inclusive practice.

· Supporting staff supervision, induction, professional development and performance.

· Supporting safeguarding practice throughout the setting.

About You

We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable, organised, approachable and confident taking responsibility.

You should have a genuine passion for early years education and understand that every child develops differently. You will be able to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues and communicate effectively with outside professionals.

You will be comfortable providing leadership and guidance to other practitioners while remaining an active and hands-on member of the team.

Essential requirements

Previous Deputy Manager, supervisory experience

· A full and relevant Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above

· Ability to confidently take charge of the setting in the Manager's absence.

· Good safeguarding knowledge

· Significant experience of working within an early years setting.

· Sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills

· Good organisational and record-keeping skills

· Ability to work constructively with parents, colleagues and external professionals

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

· Complete PFA training within 3 months of employment commencement if this is not currently held

· Enthusiasm for outdoor learning

Desirable

SENCO qualification

Designated or Deputy Designate safeguarding lead training

Experience:
Childcare: 3 years (required)
Supervisory: 2 year (required)
What We Offer

· Competitive salary

· A friendly, supportive and committed early years team.

· Term-time working.

· Opportunities for professional development and training.

· Free uniform

· Free on-site car park

· Pension: Access to our NEST workplace pension scheme, including employer contributions for eligible employees in accordance with automatic enrolment legislation.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Bicknacre Pre-School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointment to this role is subject to satisfactory completion of all required safer-recruitment and pre-employment checks. These will include verification of identity and Right to Work in the UK, appropriate references obtained directly from suitable referees, verification of relevant qualifications and employment history, and the appropriateEnhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children's Barred List information.

Applicants should be aware that we will not accept open references or references from family members. Any offer of employment will remain conditional until all required pre-employment checks have been completed satisfactorily

Information about the School

Bicknacre Pre-School is a 'not for profit' community-based organisation, situated in the grounds of Priory Primary School, We have a high adult/child ratio, ensuring that we can pay attention to the individual needs of each child in our care. We work hard to provide high quality care for children from the age of 2 up to statutory school age term time only