School Age Care Deputy Manager

Respond; Kilkenny; On-site; EUR 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Respond is seeking a School Age Care Deputy Manager to join our Kilkenny team. You will deputise the service manager and help deliver a high‑quality play‑based curriculum under Aistear and Siolta, both indoors and outdoors.

You will supervise staff, observe and record children's progress, organise materials, support healthy snacks and inclusive practices, and maintain strong links with parents and the wider community. The role is permanent, 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• FETAC Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education
• Several years of experience in an early years service
• Minimum two years in a supervisory role

Responsibilities

• To deputise and support the service manager when required.
• Deliver and implement a high‑quality play‑based curriculum under Aistear and Siolta, indoors and outdoors.
• Guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment.
• Conduct observation and learning stories for all children.
• Organise materials and resources reflecting children's interests and abilities.
• Implement a play‑based curriculum that fosters independence and self‑esteem.
• Support children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
• Assist in providing healthy snacks and accommodate dietary needs.
• Develop parental involvement strategies to enhance learning experiences.
• Attend team meetings when deputising for the Manager and liaise with the management team.
• Provide ongoing support to staff regarding time management and training needs.
• Undertake other relevant tasks as required.

Skills

Excellent communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Self-motivation

Professional and enthusiastic

Empathy with children and families

Commitment to high-quality Education

Flexible and adaptable

CPD / professional development

Change-management

Analytical skills

Education

FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education

Experience in an early years service

Supervisory experience

Job description

Respond is one of the largest housing associations in Ireland, providing social housing, Early Learning and School-age Services, and homeless services. Our vision is that 'every family and individual in Ireland will have high-quality housing and services as part of a vibrant and caring community'. We are growing rapidly and are now looking for the right person who has the passion and skills to help us realise our vision.

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.

Job Title

School Age Care Deputy Manager

Location

Millennium Court School Age Care, Kilkenny

Reporting to

Service Manager

Terms

Permanent

Hours

25 hours per week. Monday - Friday 1.00-6.00pm

Salary Range

€18.45 - €22.65 per hour

(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience)

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 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 minimum of a FETAC Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education.
• A number of years of experience working in an early years service.
• A minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory role is essential.

Closing Date for receipt of applications

11th of September 2026