Job Description

JOB TITLE: Assistant Deputy Manager

RESPONSIBLE TO: Deputy Manager and Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Supporting Early Years Practitioners

PURPOSE OF THE JOB: The Assistant Deputy Manager plays a key supporting role within the management structure of Minster Playgroup. Working closely with the Deputy Manager and Manager, they will assist in ensuring the smooth daily operation of the setting, maintaining high standards of care, learning, and safeguarding. This role also includes stepping up in the absence of the Deputy Manager when needed, helping to lead the team, and ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for all children.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Support the Deputy Manager and Manager in the day-to-day operations of the setting in creating and maintaining a culture of self-evaluation and reflective practice throughout the playgroup.

Ensure the smooth running of the playgroup floor, leading a team of early year professionals, co-ordinating daily tasks in line with health and safety requirements. Be expected to model outstanding practice to the team and ensure the environment meets the needs of all children Take responsibility for delivering planned activities and actively contribute to their planning, working alongside the senior management team to lead and support the process. Be responsible for the effective deployment of staff, to ensure the required standards are always maintained. In collaboration with the SMT team, you will ensure that all children are kept safe and that staff are confident to follow safeguarding procedures Adhere to the MPG policies and procedures and current EYFS and ensuring that the staffing team adhere to these requirements too. Support the Manager and Deputy Manager to ensure policies and procedures are kept up to date in line with legislation Work in collaboration with the SMT team to provide leadership and support to all staff to enable them to establish and maintain professional positive working relationships with both colleagues, parents and carers and other professionals ensuring the staff have high wellbeing Support in handling minor staff concerns or queries and escalate more serious matters to the Deputy Manager or Manager. Liaise with the Deputy Manager or Manager team to ensure that the appropriate planning and assessment is in place and is accurately maintained by all staff. Support the development of good practice in relation to special educational needs and be fully inclusive Ensure staff-to-child ratios are met and assist with daily room organisation and cover planning following the ratios (1:4 for 2 years and 1:8 for 3+ years) Support with record keeping including attendance, incidents, and child development profiles. Attend staff meetings and training sessions, contributing to ongoing development and quality improvement. Take initiative in the absence of senior management, maintaining standards and supporting staff as needed. To act as a key person to a small group of children and to ensure that their needs are reflected in the planning of routines and activities
PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential:

Relevant and recognised Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare. Experience working in an Early Years setting. Knowledge of the relevant legislations and policies including EYFS, Sen, Safeguarding and the Children's Act 2006. Ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills with adults and children. Commitment to inclusive and equal opportunity practices. Organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Flexibility to support management as required. Ability to remain calm under pressure. Demonstrate professionalism when managing all issues.
Desirable:

Recent Paediatric First Aid Certificate. Food Hygiene Certificate. Experience supervising or mentoring others. Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Hours per week: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm, Term Time, with 1 additional throughout the holidays (39 weeks per year)

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 06/07/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025