Deputy Manager - Kindergarten
Location: National Trust Gibside
Rowlands Gill
NE16 6BG
Reports to: Kindergarten Manager
Line Management Responsibility: Kindergarten Practitioners
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Salary: £28,000 - £34,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
How to Apply
Please note that we do not accept CVs.
To apply, please visit the Join Our Team page on the Stomping Grounds website (https://www.stomping-grounds.org/), where you can download an application form and self-disclosure form.
To be considered for this role, you must complete both the application form and the self-disclosure form and upload them via the Join Our Team page.
Applications submitted by CV only will not be considered.
About Us
At Stomping Grounds North East we believe children thrive when they are given the
freedom, time and support to learn through play, exploration and connection with nature.
Our Forest Kindergarten at Gibside provides a unique early years experience where
children spend their days outdoors, building confidence, resilience, curiosity and a
lifelong relationship with the natural world.
We are a values-led organisation committed to child-led learning, inclusion, nurturing
relationships and high-quality outdoor education. We are looking for someone who
shares those values and wants to play a key role in shaping the future of our Forest
Kindergarten.
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful with lasting impact on society
and nature.
You’ll be working directly with children and young people to create real change -
supporting them to build confidence, develop skills and feel a stronger sense of
belonging.
We are committed to being an inclusive and supportive employer that reflects the
communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all
backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented in the outdoor and
environmental sector, and we aim to create a working environment where everyone can
thrive.
Purpose of the role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Years practitioner who is ready to
take the next step in their leadership journey.
As Deputy Manager you will work closely with the Kindergarten Manager to ensure the
smooth day-to-day running of the setting while maintaining exceptional standards of
care, learning and safeguarding.
The role combines leadership and operational responsibilities with direct work alongside
children. Approximately half of your time will be spent leading delivery within
Kindergarten and half supporting the management, development and continuous
improvement of the setting.
You will play a key role in supporting and developing the staff team, embedding our
child-led and nature-based pedagogy, building strong relationships with families, and
helping to shape the future direction of the Kindergarten.
For the right person, this role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop
leadership and management experience within a support, values-driven organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
● Support the day-to-day management and administration of Kindergarten
● Work alongside the Kindergarten Manager to maintain high standards of quality,
safety and compliance
● Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and support the wider team in
responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
● Support recruitment, induction, supervision and development of practitioners
● Coach and mentor colleagues to deliver high-quality child-led learning
experiences
● Contribute to self-evaluation, quality improvement planning and preparation for
Ofsted inspections
● Help ensure policies, procedures and risk-benefit assessments are implemented
consistently across the setting
● Build positive relationships with prospective and existing families and support the
admissions process
Lead Practitioner Delivery
● Lead high-quality Kindergarten sessions for children aged 2-5 years
● Plan responsive learning experiences that follow children’s interests and support
progress across the EYFS
● Model excellent practice in child-led learning, play-based pedagogy and outdoor
education
● Support children’s learning, wellbeing and development through observation,
assessment and reflective practice
● Work collaboratively with families and external professionals to ensure children
receive appropriate support
● Promote inclusion and ensure all children feel safe, valued and able to thrive
● Contribute to the ongoing development of our woodland learning environment
and curriculum
Safeguarding and Health & Safety
● Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the setting
● Ensure risk assessments, health and safety procedures and statutory
requirements are followed
● Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with EYFS and Ofsted
requirements
● Support colleagues to confidently manage risk within an outdoor learning
environment
Person Specification
Essential
● Level 3 Early Years qualification or Early Years/Primary QTS
● Forest School Level 3 qualification
● Minimum three years' experience working in an early years setting
● Strong understanding of child development and the EYFS
● Experience delivering child-led, play-based learning
● Experience supporting or leading colleagues within a team
● Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
● Strong organisational and administrative skills
● Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures
● Confidence working with children who have additional needs
● Passion for outdoor learning and nature-based education
● Ability to work flexibly, use initiative and remain calm under pressure
Desirable
● Experience in a leadership or management role
● Experience of Ofsted inspections
● DSL or Deputy DSL experience
● Experience supporting children with SEND and neurodivergent children
● Outdoor First Aid qualification
● Experience using Tapestry and/or CPOMS
● Experience delivering training, coaching or mentoring colleagues
Pay: £28,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
