Early Years Deputy Manager, Island Key, Dublin

Respond; Dublin; On-site; EUR 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 23 days

Education support

Maternity pay

Sick pay

Employee assistance

Purchasing schemes

Attendance bonus

Adoptive leave

Surrogacy leave

Fertility leave

Pregnancy loss leave

Job summary

Respond is seeking an Early Years Deputy Manager to deputise for the Service Manager and deliver high-quality, play-based education in a warm, inclusive environment in Island Key, Dublin 3. You will guide staff, observe learning and ensure safety under national quality frameworks Aistear and Siolta.

The role requires leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, with a 39-hour week and a fixed-term maternity leave contract.

Qualifications

• Fetac Level 7 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education is essential.
• Several years of experience in an Early Years setting is essential.
• A minimum of two years in a supervisory role is essential.
• Garda Vetting will be required on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the service manager and deliver a high-quality play-based curriculum.
• Observe, guide, stimulate and supervise children in a safe, caring environment under Aistear and Siolta.
• Support staff and liaise with management; attend team meetings when deputising for the Manager.
• Develop parental involvement strategies and contribute to service reviews and evaluations.
• Provide ongoing staff support in work time management and training needs.

Skills

Excellent communication

Leadership

Collaborative

Initiative

Professional disposition

Empathy with children

Education commitment

Flexibility

CPD commitment

Change management

Analytical skills

Education

Fetac Level 7 in Early Childhood Care and Education

Job description

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a meaningful role in a purpose-driven organisation? At Respond, we believe in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive, and staff can grow. Our aim is to deliver high-quality, play-based education that makes a real difference. If you're ready to bring your skills, creativity, and care to our service then we want to hear from you! Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion.

Role

Early Years Deputy Manager

Location

Island Key, East Wall, Dublin 3

Reporting to

Early Years Service Manager

Terms

39 hours per week

Contract

Fixed Term (maternity leave contract)

Salary

€17.50 - €22.65 per hour

Staff Benefits

• Annual leave of 23 days plus additional company days
• Further education and training assistance
• Maternity Leave pay
• Sick pay
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee Purchasing Schemes
• 100% Attendance Bonus Holidays
• Adoptive Leave
• Surrogacy Leave
• Fertility Support Leave
• Early Pregnancy Loss Leave

Job Purpose

To deputise and support the service manager when required. Act as a positive role model and be responsible for delivering and implementing a high-quality play-based curriculum under the guidance of the national quality frameworks Aistear and Siolta both indoors and outdoors. To guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• To work within the ethos, aims, and objectives of Respond.
• To assist the manager in ensuring the service is fully compliant with all governing regulations and standards.
• To promote and adhere to the services ethos and mission of Respond.
• To follow the policies and procedures of the service at all times.
• To conduct observation and learning stories for all children.
• Organise materials and resources to ensure that they reflect the children's emerging interests and abilities.
• To implement a play-based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters the growth of self-esteem within all children.
• To support children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
• To assist in providing healthy snacks that meet children's growing needs and reflect variations in culture or dietary requirements.
• To develop and support parental involvement strategies that enhance children's learning experiences.
• Participate in reviews and evaluations of the service along with other staff and management.
• Provide ongoing support to all staff members, in relation to work time management and training needs.
• Attend team meetings when deputising for the Manager and also liaise with members of the management team on a regular basis.
• Undertake any other relevant tasks as may be required from time to time.

Person Specification

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong Leadership qualities.
• The ability to work in collaboration with a dedicated team.
• Highly motivated to work on own initiative.
• A professional and enthusiastic disposition.
• Aptitude and empathy with children and families.
• Commitment to high-quality Education and Care.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Change-management skills.
• Analytical skills.

Qualification & Experience

• A Fetac Level 7 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education is essential.
• A number of years of experience working in an Early Years setting is essential.
• A minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory role is essential.
• Garda Vetting will be required on an ongoing basis.

Closing date for applicants is Friday, 9th October 2026.