Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship – Level 5

Hadland Care Group; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship – Level 5 – Jack and Jill's Childcare, Radford

The Aspire Training Team are currently recruiting for a punctual, reliable and enthusiastic individual to join Jack and Jill's Childcare Radford as a Level 5 Childcare Deputy Setting Manager.

The Radford site is situated within the military residential area of Plymstock. We are in a purpose-built setting with a vast flat garden area which provides many learning and teaching opportunities for the children.

If your child loves the outdoors, they will enjoy our setting, which features three gardens and a playground great for riding bikes, scooters, and construction activities, not to mention an area set aside for climbing!

Using funds raised by staff, parents, and children, we recently installed a climbing tower to add to our slides, balance beams, and wobbly bridge!

We also offer a rich learning environment indoors, allowing children to self-select activities and resources of their choice.

Main Responsibilities in the absence of the manager:

• Oversee daily operations and ensure a safe, sustainable environment for children and staff.
• Maintain compliance with Ofsted standards and safeguarding policies, serving as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Manage staff ratios and qualifications to meet regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate communication and apply policies among staff, coordinating with the Area Co-ordinator as needed.
• Manage setting finances, including outstanding debts and grant funding, ensuring financial viability.
• Promote the childcare setting through community engagement and social media.
• Oversee the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) implementation, ensuring all educational and welfare standards are met.
• Conduct health and safety checks, including risk assessments and emergency drills.
• Arrange cover for staff absences and maintain security protocols for the setting.
• Monitor online communications and manage bookings for visitors, ensuring ID verification.

Building and Health Safety:

• Act as the person responsible for the building, managing all aspects of health and safety.
• Organise regular fire drills and maintain the facility, ensuring it meets health and safety standards.
• Manage maintenance and cleanliness of the building and play areas, supervising storage and care of equipment.
• Carry out all necessary cleaning tasks to ensure a safe, hygienic environment.

Staff Management:

• Lead and supervise the staff team, promoting professional development within an equal opportunities framework.
• Coach and develop staff, enhancing both individual and team performance through continuous support and professional development opportunities.
• Manage the staff team’s training allocation through the office, responding to staffing ratios and seasonal attendance levels.

Working with Children and Parents:

• Ensure the safety and development of children, setting individual goals and promoting a stimulating learning environment.
• Maintain professional, supportive relationships with parents, involving them in their children's development and providing regular updates through appropriate channels.
• Ensure that all children are treated with respect and their unique individual needs are met, allowing them to develop at their own pace.

Key Person Responsibilities:

• Fulfil the role of Key Person, tailoring care and learning to individual child needs, supporting parental engagement, and connecting families with specialist resources if needed.

Essential Skills:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Early Years Childcare and Development.
• Minimum of 2 years of managerial or supervisory experience in an Early Years setting.
• Proficiency in various IT and digital tools for administrative and educational purposes.
• Up-to-date qualifications in First Aid, advanced Safeguarding, and SENCO training.
• Extensive knowledge of the Statutory Framework for the EYFS and Ofsted welfare requirements.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, capable of inspiring and directing a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, adept in conflict resolution and parent engagement.
• Commitment to upholding equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment.
• Competency in financial and resource management to ensure the setting's sustainability.
• Proactive problem-solving skills with the ability to operate independently and make informed decisions.

Desirable Skills:

• Additional qualifications in staff supervision, health and safety, and child psychology.
• Willingness to undertake further training and professional development.
• Access to transport and a clean driving licence for visiting other settings or attending off-site training.
• Flexibility to work outside of core hours as required by the role.

Hours:

• Jack and Jill's Radford are open between the hours of 08:00-17:00 (Tuesday off).
• Working hours will be around 30 hours per week.

Benefits:

• Free parking.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid 6 weeks holiday.