St George’s Childcare | Children 0-4 years
Key details
- Location: 7 Chilston Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 9LP
- Working hours: 7:30am–6:30pm, 4 days per week
- Working weeks: 52 weeks
- Salary: Dependent on age, experience and qualifications
The role
A Senior Childcare Leader (SCL) is responsible for the day-to-day management of their nursery room. Ensuring a safe, stimulating and educational environment that supports the children’s development and individual needs. The role is central to ensuring high-quality care and education and supporting a motivated and skilled nursery team. Maintaining high standards of safeguarding and health & safety at all times. The SCL follows St George’s policies, procedures and ethos and acts as a role model for outstanding practice.
Key responsibilities
Leadership and daily operations
- Lead the staff team to create a positive and inclusive environment for every child.
- Ensure all staff follow St George’s policies, procedures and Staff Handbook requirements, and challenge practice that does not meet expected standards.
- Organise and lead staff meetings, recording minutes for reference.
- Role model and support staff to maintain a high standard of practice. Including undertaking continued professional development and recognising staff training needs. Sharing these with the Staff Development Lead and Childcare Managers.
- Promote British Values through everyday practice, behaviour expectations and inclusive provision.
- Build positive relationships with parents and respond to queries and concerns promptly.
- Be third in charge and key holder for the setting.
- Collaborate with other colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals to meet the individual needs of each child.
- Managing your rooms budget and spending following our sustainable ethos.
- Planning fundraising events for your room which support relationships with parents, your team and the children.
- Collaborating with management and work flexibly with the wider nursery team, supporting colleagues and contributing to wider nursery initiatives, meetings and development.
- Lead inductions, supervision and staff wellbeing initiatives.
Safeguarding and welfare
- Adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures, and maintain a safe environment.
- Act as your rooms safeguarding lead, responding to child protection concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Ensure staff understand safeguarding procedures and are aware of children’s individual needs, including medical requirements, permissions, dietary needs and additional needs.
- Maintain the security and confidentiality of all information relating to children, families, staff and the setting, in line with policies and procedures.
Health and safety
- Oversee health and safety and enforce risk assessments.
- Respond effectively to accidents, injuries and emergency situations. Including overseeing the safe administration of medication in line with policy.
- Maintain accurate administrative records.
- Keep all areas safe, clean and well maintained.
- Identify and report safety concerns promptly to the Health & Safety Officer.
- Prevent and control infection through ways such as handwashing, food hygiene practices and dealing with spillages safely.
Administration / Childcare and Education
- Strong understanding of the EYFS framework and Statutory Requirements and inclusive practice. Understanding of children's development from birth to 5 years.
- Create a stimulating, age-appropriate environment for children. Ensuring learning is based around the needs and interest of each individual child.
- Ensure areas and resources are safe, clean and well maintained.
- Support children’s wellbeing, creating a safe and supportive environment where they can explore, learn and grow in confidence and independence.
- Monitor progress and oversee high-quality assessments undertaken by your team. Ensure they are accurate and up to date.
- Plan, implement and evaluate learning that supports children’s development. Using the Characteristics of effective learning to plan engaging, child-led activities that nurture curiosity, resilience and critical thinking.
- Create stimulating indoor and outdoor environments that encourage curiosity, independence and active learning.
- Provide enriching experiences that promote cultural capital, diversity and inclusion.
- Understanding of the types of abuse, recognising when a child is at risk of harm and know how to act on any concerns.
- Work closely with other SCL’s to ensure smooth transitions for the children.
- Know, support and promote St George’s ethos, vision and curriculum.
Person specification
Essential
- Level 3 childcare qualification.
- Safeguarding training.
- A minimum of two years’ experience in an Early Years setting.
- Understanding of IT and completing high standard learning journals.
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
- Current Paediatric First Aid training/certificate.
Desirable
- Previous OFSTED inspection experience and knowledge.
- Demonstrates patience, flexibility and initiative.
- Strong communication skills with children, parents/carers and colleagues.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving and ability to work calmly under pressure.
Reporting line and support
You will report to and be supported by the Childcare Management team, working closely with the wider Senior Team and Staff Development Lead.
Pay: From £33,300.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you have a level 3 in early year education?
Work Location: In person
