Nursery Assistant / Deputy Manager
Our Aims - "Happy Children, Happy Parents, Happy Staff"
Smart Cookies Nursery in Falkland is a family run nursery with an excellent reputation. We have a happy, relaxed atmosphere and very high standards. Our staff are our biggest asset as they are friendly, professional, supportive of each other and genuinely enjoy their work.
The nursery is in a beautiful, historic village with lots of amenities and places to explore within a short walk. We also have the countryside on our doorstep resulting in frequent adventures to the woods..
About the role
We are looking for a warm, organised and confident Nursery Assistant Manager / Deputy Manager to help lead our nursery team and support the delivery of high-quality early learning and childcare. This role would suit an experienced early years practitioner who is ready to take the next step in leadership, or an existing senior practitioner, room leader, assistant manager or deputy manager looking for a new opportunity.
You will work closely with the Nursery Manager and Owner to support day-to-day operations, staff supervision, safeguarding practice, family partnership working, curriculum planning and continuous improvement in line with Scottish regulatory expectations.
You would be appointed either as Assistant Manager or Deputy Manager depending on prior management experience. (salary dependant on management experience)
Key responsibilities
· Support the Nursery Manager in leading a safe, nurturing, inclusive and stimulating nursery environment.
· Help ensure the service meets Care Inspectorate expectations, Health and Social Care Standards, SSSC Codes of Practice and all relevant Scottish childcare legislation and guidance.
· Promote high-quality play, learning and development experiences for children.
· Support staff supervision, mentoring, deployment and professional development.
· Contribute to self-evaluation, improvement planning, quality assurance and inspection readiness.
· Act as a positive role model for excellent practice, safeguarding, communication and partnership working.
· Build strong, respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.
· Support effective day-to-day nursery operations, including routines, risk assessments, records, ratios and policies.
· Deputise for the Nursery Manager when required, according to experience, competence and service needs.
Essential requirements
· A relevant childcare qualification suitable for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for day care of children services.
· Current SSSC registration, or willingness and eligibility to apply within the required timescale.
· A minimum of 3 years qualified experience working in an early learning and childcare setting, ideally with some leadership, room leader, senior practitioner or supervisory responsibility.
· Sound knowledge of child protection, safeguarding, GIRFEC, Curriculum for Excellence early level, Realising the Ambition and child-centred practice.
· Strong communication, organisation and team-working skills.
· Ability to support staff, manage priorities and maintain a calm, professional approach.
· Commitment to equality, inclusion, children’s rights and continuous improvement.
· Membership of the PVG Scheme for work with children, with satisfactory checks completed before starting any regulated role.
Desirable requirements
· Experience supporting inspections, improvement plans or quality assurance processes.
· Experience supervising, coaching or mentoring early years staff.
· A leadership or childhood practice qualification, or willingness to work towards one where appropriate.
· Paediatric first aid, food hygiene, child protection and additional support needs training.
What we offer
· A supportive and friendly nursery team.
· Opportunities for professional learning and career progression.
· Regular supervision, mentoring and leadership development.
· A child-centred working environment where your ideas and contribution are valued.
· £500 Bonus twice a year in May and November pays
· Access to a free confidential professional Employee Assistance Programme for support with personal and legal issues.
Safer recruitment statement
We are committed to safer recruitment and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to provide satisfactory references, evidence of qualifications, right to work in the UK, SSSC registration status where applicable, and PVG Scheme membership for a regulated role with children. No regulated role duties will commence until the required documents have been received and checked.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering statement. In your application, please tell us about your qualifications including levels and grades, early years experience, leadership strengths and why you would like to join our nursery.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Qualified Nursery: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
