Job Description

Clare's Little Bears Preschool and Forest School are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate, experienced Deputy Manager to join our fun and friendly team to oversee the daily operations of our preschool and to deliver the best possible environment and highest standards of care and education for all of the children in our care. The ideal candidate will have a passion for childcare and giving children the best start in life, combined with energy and creativity, and the ability to lead and develop a team. Sound knowledge of the EYFS, Safeguarding and current legislation is required.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years and minimum of 2 years at senior level and working with children 9 months to 5 years with a thorough understanding of the EYFS. Previous leadership skills is essential. Have excellent working knowledge of Ofsted requirements. Understanding of childcare funding. Knowledge of the role of SENCO.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

To provide inclusive play and learning opportunities for all children attending the setting and to maintain a safe, stimulating and enjoyable environment. To support the Pre-school Manager (PSM) to maintain and exceed the standards set by Ofsted, and to deliver the Early Years Foundation through high quality teaching. To be responsible for the curriculum planning and management of the preschool, including staffing levels, in the absence of the PSM.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Actively participate and provide a high level of care that will enhance the children's general health and well-being. Take the time to listen and respond to the children and encourage their participation. To promote and maintain an inclusive culture and environment. To provide equal opportunities for all children and families within the setting. To ensure individual children's needs and circumstances are known and met through the care and education provided. To be the key person if necessary for a group of children at the setting and to be responsible for them To ensure that their progress is regularly observed and effectively assessed. To keep informative, accurate and up-to-date records, including records of progress and any behavioural or developmental concerns. To create clear next steps for those children to ensure they continually develop at their own rate. To supervise the children and to protect them from dangerous and harmful situations. Ensure the Pre-school is always a safe environment for all. Equipment must be safe, standards of hygiene high and safety procedures adhered to at all times. Fire drills must be regularly practiced. To recognise and act upon children's additional or special educational needs and ensure staff support these children effectively. Ensure all activities take into account the SEN Code of Practice, Child Protection Procedures and promote equal opportunities. To recognise and support any gaps in children's development and to put procedures in place to close these gaps. To keep online learning journals on FAMLY up to date including, observations, wow moments and assessments for all key children and be prepared to complete these at home if required. Ensure parents of your key children receive regular feedback on their child's development and progress. Actively seek feedback from our families on how to make our Pre-school even better. To arrange and attend parent/carer meetings to allow two-way discussion of their children's needs, interests and progress undertaking the role of key person or back up key person to a group of children. To support children with their self-care and change nappies as and when required. Oversee the general hygiene and safety requirements of all staff i.e., emptying potty, removing risk, and ensuring the school is looked after respectfully. Oversee the effective use of the Montessori outdoor classroom. To oversee the preparation of snacks, ensuring that all children receive a daily healthy snack and drink and all dietary, allergy and cultural needs are met. Promote a good working relationship between the Pre-school and local schools to support children in the smooth transition to their next school, sharing information, sharing care. To adhere to the Pre-schools safeguarding policy and procedures to promote the welfare and safety of children within the setting and to report any welfare or child protection concerns immediately to the PSM. To act as the designated person for safeguarding in the PSM's absence. To oversee that staff are using the iPad and iPods appropriately. To ensure all fire exits and pathways are clear of risks and hazards. Work with SENCO to ensure that all children's needs are met. Ensure the security of the school is adhered to at all times during opening hours. Ensure that opening and end of day procedures are followed.

HR MANAGEMENT:

To support the PSM, managing the staff on a day-to-day basis, ensuring quality at all times. To support the PSM, to ensure that supervisions and appraisal meetings within the setting are being undertaken for staff and all members of staff are participating in ongoing training. To support and offer guidance to volunteers, students on placements, work experience whilst in the setting. To give support and guidance to apprentices to help achieve their qualification. To be fully aware of the operational policies and procedures and ensure policies and procedures are followed, implemented, monitored and reviewed by all staff. To support the PSM in preparing and submitting Key Performance Indicators (Red, Amber, Green), as and when required.

SESSION MANAGEMENT:

To support the PSM with the day-to-day management, staffing, organisation and to ensure that the setting operates in an effective and efficient manner. To support the PSM in keeping a daily register for all the children, ensuring they are signed in and out in a timely manner and any absentees are explained and recorded. Inform PSM of any frequent late pickups or drop off. To manage the setting and undertake all the necessary duties in the absence of the PSM. To support the PSM with the planning, delivery and monitoring of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS) to achieve desirable learning outcomes. To set up at the start of the day and close down at the end of sessions Ensure recommended ratios are maintained.

ADMINISTRATION:

To liaise and work in partnership with other agencies and professionals, both statutory and voluntary, where appropriate. Ensure confidentiality is reinforced with all staff on a regular basis.

RECORDS AND PLANNING:

Maintain the required records and ensuring that all accidents, incidents and concerns are recorded on FAMLY our nursery software, as outlined in the policies and procedures and parents are informed. Maintain confidentiality at all times adhere to the pre-schools policies on data protection (GDPR). Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action. Support the PSM with parent liaison, including visits and ensure these are recorded in the visitor book. Ensure parents are aware of where all pre-school is accessible for them. Keep a maintenance record monthly of any jobs that need to be carried out and bring to PSM attention any urgent issues.

MARKETING AND PR:

To support the PSM with appropriate marketing of the setting in the local community and undertaking action to ensure that occupancy targets are met and maximised and we have an active waiting list.

TRAINING:

To contribute to and attend his/her supervisions and staff appraisal. To contribute to and attend regular team meetings. To attend any conferences, training events or meetings identified by the PSM and to keep up to date with current good practice. Identify training needs for all members of staff and support them in participating in ongoing training.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Store discount
Education:

Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:

Early childhood education: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: CLB/6/6/24