Second Steps Day Nursery in Burnt Mills (SS13 1DY) are recruiting for an Assistant Deputy Manager to join their team:
Hours: 40 hours / week (Monday - Friday)
Purpose of the job:
To take a lead role, as a part of the management team, in ensuring the welfare, learning and development of all children within the Nursery by working with initiative and creativity to foster an environment that encourages the children’s all-round development.
You will need to be competent in the day to day running of the Nursery with regards to welfare requirements and the smooth running of the business.
You will be able to step into the shoes of the Management team in their absence and represent the nursery. To actively carry out the responsibility of a named officer within the nursery and attend training to fulfil the role effectively with current knowledge and skillset.
Main duties:
- To be involved in developing, reviewing, and implementing Nursery policies and procedures, as well ensuring we meet all regulatory requirements set out in The Early Years Foundation Stage and by Ofsted.
- Inspire and lead staff in good practice and achieving an outstanding level of care and education.
- Effectively run the setting in the managers’ absence should this be required. This means dealing with marketing, and promotion, maintaining partnerships with other proffessionals, conducting staff appraisals & disciplinary procedures, as needed alongside meeting all the Welfare requirements set out in the EYFS and by Ofsted.
- Work in partnership with the Nursery Office Manager to ensure effective communication and productivity in the absence of the Management team.
- Ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery as a whole (in the absence of the Management team), as well as in your base room. You will need to deal with any issues or problems (with staff and parents) as you see appropriate in line with company policies and procedures. This can include complaints and/or disciplinary action.
- When required, work in partnership with the Manager, Nursery Office Manager and Head Office to support recruitment, training, disciplinary, and other issues that may arise.
- Offer guidance and support to other staff within the nursery. You must always demonstrate excellent practice.
- Work in partnership with the Management team to support the Group Operations Manager in their role and ensure recommendations as discussed and set out in visit notes are acknowledged, put into practice, and maintained.
- Work in partnership with the Management team and liaise with outside agencies such as the Early Years Education Partner, Inclusion Partner, Social Services, Police, Healthcare (GP, Health visitors etc) and Children’s centre staff as needed, whilst respecting confidentiality.
- Take a lead role in Safeguarding children and to refer any concerns you or other staff may have about children, following the correct procedures.
- Ensure staff are fulfilling their roles as coordinators (Senco, Enco, First-aid etc.) and to take a lead role yourself in one or more of these areas.
- Take on other duties as given to you by the management team and directors as they see fit.
- Open and/or close the nursery as needed.
- Answer the telephone if required and deal with enquiries from families. You will be able to provide prices and information about the nursery and arrange ‘show rounds’ in the absence of the Manager or Nursery Office Manager.
- Show round prospective families and ensure they have the best possible experience.
- Promote the nursery as directed.
- Organise rotas, lunch breaks and staffing as needed in the absence of the Manager.
- Deal with complaints from parents as far as you can.
- Ensure that correct ratios are always maintained throughout the nursery.
- Ensure that you are reliable, have good timekeeping skills, always have a positive attitude towards children and their families and maintain a proffessional demeanour at all times.
- Oversee and check curriculum planning within the rooms.
- Help provide a stimulating and varied programme of play and learning opportunities.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of the children; this includes undertaking daily risk assessments.
- Assist in the setting up and clearing away of all activities and equipment, including, but not limited to those in your base room.
- Ensure high standards of hygiene and safety are always maintained.
- Ensure that any information received concerning the children is always kept confidential. You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon starting work at the nursery.
- Actively encourage children’s progress in all areas of development, types and stages of play, by interaction and extension of play activities.
- Attend staff meetings, training, and nursery events (sometimes out of nursery hours) as requested.
- Attend regular training and keep yourself updated on the latest good practice and guidance in Early Years.
- Work in partnership with the management team to organise staff meetings and provide training in line with requirements.
- Support the work and beliefs of the nursery by helping to create an environment that promotes open and equal opportunities for children and adults.
- Encourage the participation and involvement of all parents of children attending the setting.
- Be prepared to help when other areas of the nursery may be short staffed, or with domestic duties or other duties as specified by the nursery management team.
Essential criteria
· Proven experience of working in a childcare setting.
· Level 3 early year’s education and childcare qualification or equivalent.
· Sound understanding of child development, and of children's needs.
· Ability to plan and implement a nursery curriculum, considering the SEN Code of Practice, child protection procedures and equal opportunities’ considerations.
· Demonstrable and detailed knowledge of current legislation relevant to the early years.
· Ability to work with parents and families to encourage their involvement.
· Ability to effectively market the nursery to maximise occupancy levels and fee income.
· Ability to effectively lead and manage a team of adults.
· Commitment to equal opportunities and an understanding of equality and diversity issues.
· Ability to write clear reports.
Desirable criteria
1. Level 4 early year’s education and childcare qualification or equivalent
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a DBS. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.
If you require any further information or would like to discuss this vacancy, please contact: [email protected]
Pay: From £30,160.00 per year
Work Location: In person
