Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION - Deputy Manager

The Ark at Thomas Hall

Purpose of Post

1 To deputise for the manager in their absence to include co-ordinating the provision of a caring, safe, secure and stimulating environment, meeting the minimum Ofsted requirements.

2 To lead in an area of responsibility eg SENDco

3 In the manager's absence supervision of a staff team, working with managing directors to ensure policies and procedures are implemented at all times

4 To oversee a successful, high quality childcare provision, ensuring that standards are met and children receive excellent quality care and education;

5 Fulfilling duties as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the setting to promote the safeguarding and welfare of the children, staff and parents/carers

Key Areas

o Work with Children

o Planning of safe, creative and appropriate opportunities

o Liaise with Parents/carers.

o Staff Management, Team Building and Development;

Responsible to

Setting Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

Staff Management, Team Building and Development

1. To support the manager to supervise the staff in accordance with Setting policies, procedures and standards;

2. To ensure all staff and volunteers are fully aware of the Safeguarding and Child Protection policies and procedures, including the 'whistle-blowing', and allegations management policy and process.

3. In the manager's absence to manage staffing levels within the Setting to comply with required ratios, including planning and organisation of staff breaks;

4. Support the manager to maintain staff awareness of key practices within the Setting, e.g. health and safety, food hygiene, safeguarding awareness, paediatric first aid, fire drill procedures, in accordance with the code of practice;

5. Support the manager to manage conflict within the team.

Business Development and Effective Business Administration

1. Be aware of and act in accordance with current legislation, policy and procedures;

2. To promote the aims and objectives of the Setting;

3. To promote the high standards of the Setting at all times to parents/carers, staff and visitors;

4. To communicate with parents, carers and the community about the work of the nursery and seek appropriate opportunities to engage their support.

High Standards of Care and Education of the Children;

1. To ensure staff comply at all times to the Setting's policies, procedures and standards including health and safety, health and hygiene, safeguarding, inclusion, confidentiality, etc;

2. To oversee the planning of safe, creative and appropriate opportunities according to children's needs and interests to fulfil the requirements of the EYFS in the base room.

3. Liaise with parents/carers, other family members and staff to help ensure that the particular needs of children are met and that parental choice is considered in terms of care given;

4. To ensure that a high standard of quality care and education is provided at all times;

5. To support the manager in leading a team of professional workers and ensuring good practice at all times;

6. Establishing and maintaining effective communications links with the Local Authority and other professional bodies associated with the Setting;

7. To actively promote and support the safeguarding of children and young people in the workplace, ensuring that all staff and volunteers observe Setting policies and procedures to keep children safe from harm.

8. To complete systems to monitor and record the progress and development of children within the base room.

Other

1. Working in partnership with parents/carers / carers and other family members;

2. Co-ordinating with appropriate agencies regarding student/trainee placements and supervising accordingly;

3. To liaise with outside agencies as required;

4. To ensure the efficient upkeep of the building and maintenance/stock of equipment, furnishings and fittings, to be supported by appropriate policies for stock checking and assessing the safety of equipment and resources within the Setting;

5. Any other reasonable request made by the manager or managing directors in order to ensure the smooth running of the nursery.

This job description works alongside those of all other personnel. The deputy manager's responsibility is to ensure that the staff team are working to their full potential in the manager's absence.

Job Specification

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

o A recognized qualification in Early Years Education (e.g., NVQ Level 3, CACHE Level 3, or equivalent).

o Proven experience in a leadership or management role within an early years setting.

o Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

o A commitment to providing high-quality care and education.

Desirable:

o A degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

o Experience in managing budgets and financial planning.

o Paediatric First Aid and Level 3 Safeguarding training.

Personal Attributes:

Passionate about early years education and child development.

Strong leadership and organizational skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Flexible and adaptable to changing needs and priorities.

A positive and proactive approach to problem-solving.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 28,209.00-29,365.00 per year

Benefits:

Childcare Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Exeter EX4 5AD: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Childcare: 2 years (required)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Level 3 Early Years Education (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person