Deputy Manager
Reporting to Nursery Manager
Job Summary
To assist and support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day management and
running of the nursery. In the absence of the manager, to undertake responsibility for the overall day-to-day management of the nursery. To be responsible for meeting the requirements of regulatory bodies with relation to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Birth to Five matters, special needs, safeguarding, Health and Safety and to ensure that company policies and procedures are adhered to.
Key Responsibilities
- To ensure that all children attending the setting are kept safe and receive rich and stimulating play experiences appropriate to their age and stage of development.
- To assist the manager in ensuring that all legislation in relation to registration with regulatory bodies, special needs, child protection and Health and Safety is complied with, and that company policies and procedures are adhered to.
- Assist in the implementation of the EYFS and Birth to Five Matters including overseeing planning and record keeping.
- Implement and monitor any internal programs developed by Maxxi.
- Promote and facilitate partnership with parents/carers and other family members.
- Welcome new families into the setting and be available for new client questions during settling in.
- Develop and maintain highly professional working relationships with relevant Local Authority departments, regulatory bodies and other agencies.
- Remain abreast of current developments in childcare and education and your own continuous professional development.
- Operate the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the nursery.
- Support the manager and staff during Ofsted inspections and assist in the implementation of any recommendations.
- Assist the manager in monitoring and controlling budgets and maintaining petty cash systems.
- Assist with the preparation and delivery of regular staff meetings, planning meetings and parents’ meetings and other events. This will include organising agendas and minutes.
- Assist the manager with the chasing of late payments and outstanding payments.
- Assist the manager with the recruitment, induction and probation for all new staff, and ongoing supervisions and appraisals for all staff.
- Use the computer effectively for storing information using the nursery software system.
- Support and mentor all staff in carrying out their job roles. Support and mentor new staff as well as provide support to apprentices and Room Leaders.
- Ensure that the nutritional needs of the children are met and that Food Safety Regulations are complied with by managing the kitchen staff and ensure that the relevant paperwork is always up to date. Manage any Environmental Health inspections.
- Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by management.
- Take the lead in Health and Safety and be the nursery’s representative.
- Take the lead in organising and doing fire drills, lock down drills and complete the fire checks as needed
- Be responsible for the outside of the nursery ( front door area, garden, outside space) ensure that it is always clean, tidy and presentable.
- Ensure that all the rooms and shared areas is clean and tidy and portray a warm and welcome atmosphere.
- Champion the company’s values in everyday action and ensure that the staff has a clear understanding of the company’s ethos and values and follow/ contribute to it.
Essential Criteria
Relevant experience
- A minimum of 3 years post qualification experience in a full day care setting. (If a candidate has less than 3 years’ experience appointment can be made at the discretion of the Nursery Director)
- Experience of leading and supporting staff teams to improve practice.
Education and Training
- A Childcare and Education qualification equivalent to NVQ Level 3 or above.
Knowledge
- A sound knowledge of childcare development from birth to five years.
- A sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- An understanding of a play-based approach to children’s learning and development.
- Understanding of the role of the “Key Person”
- A sound knowledge of Safeguarding Procedures.
Skills and Ability
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
- Ability to develop effective relationships with all key stakeholders.
- Ability to lead a team by managing and motivating
- Individuals, setting targets and holding them accountable.
Other Requirements
- Ability to use computers and software packages. An understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace.
- A willingness to undertake further training including some evenings and weekends.
Desirable Criteria
- A higher-level qualification in Early Years Childcare and Education/Childhood Studies.
- A management qualification.
- A Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- An understanding of the inspection process of regulatory bodies.
- A knowledge and understanding of research related to childcare and education.