Children's Programme Manager (Weekend Work)

Children's Programme Manager (Casual Worker)

Organisation: Ballet Britain

Location: Manchester and/or Leeds

Pay: £20.00 per hour (plus 12.07% rolled-up holiday pay)

Contract: Casual Zero-Hours Worker Agreement

Hours: Ad hoc, seasonal and weekend work, including school holidays, workshops and performances.

Travel: Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence, have access to a vehicle and be confident travelling longer distances when required.

About Ballet Britain

Ballet Britain delivers exceptional children's performing arts programmes, workshops, holiday schools and theatre experiences across the UK.

We are looking for an organised, confident and proactive Children's Programme Manager to lead the smooth day-to-day running of our programmes and provide an outstanding experience for children, families and staff.

This is a key leadership role where you will act as the on-site lead, supporting staff teams, overseeing operations, maintaining high standards of safeguarding and health and safety, and ensuring programmes run efficiently from start to finish.

You will be fully supported by an off-site Director throughout the day and will never be expected to work in isolation.

This role would suit an experienced teacher, teaching assistant, childcare professional, school administrator, programme coordinator, dance teacher or team leader who enjoys working with children and leading others in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the on-site delivery of the programme throughout the day.
• Coordinate staff and teaching teams to ensure activities run smoothly.
• Monitor timetables and ensure activities start and finish on time.
• Support staffing requirements and provide assistance where needed.
• Act as the main point of contact for staff, parents and visitors.
• Proactively identify and resolve operational issues.
• Carry out opening and closing duties where required.
• Escalate significant concerns to the Director when appropriate.

Staff Leadership

• Provide day-to-day support and guidance to teachers and support staff.
• Ensure staff are fully briefed and prepared for their responsibilities.
• Promote professionalism and high standards throughout the programme.
• Foster a positive, supportive and collaborative working environment.

Child Welfare & Safeguarding

• Ensure the safety, wellbeing and positive experience of all children attending.
• Oversee sign-in and sign-out procedures.
• Support children who may require assistance throughout the day.
• Manage incidents and welfare concerns appropriately.
• Follow all safeguarding procedures and organisational policies.
• Administer basic first aid where required (training can be provided).

Parent & Customer Experience

• Provide a warm, professional and welcoming front-of-house presence.
• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians.
• Respond confidently and professionally to questions, concerns and feedback.
• Handle sensitive situations with empathy, discretion and professionalism.
• Represent Ballet Britain positively at all times.

Administration & Compliance

• Maintain attendance records and programme documentation.
• Complete accident, incident and welfare reports when required.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR and health and safety procedures.
• Support general programme administration duties.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience working with children in an educational, childcare, performing arts or similar environment.
• Experience supervising, coordinating or supporting a team.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional and solution-focused under pressure.
• High levels of reliability and personal responsibility.
• Strong administrative and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Professional appearance and approach.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training).
• Safeguarding training and knowledge of child protection procedures.
• Experience in programme, event or operations management.
• Experience in a customer-facing role.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.
• Enhanced DBS certificate (or willingness to obtain one).

What We Offer

• £20.00 per hour (plus 12.07% rolled-up holiday pay).
• Flexible casual work around school holidays, workshops and performances.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• First Aid and safeguarding training where required.
• A supportive and friendly team environment.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and families.
• Varied and engaging work where no two days are the same.

Please note: This is a casual zero-hours worker role. There is no obligation for Ballet Britain to offer work, and no obligation for the successful applicant to accept work offered.

Pay: £20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 6.0 – 15.0 per week

Experience:

• Childcare: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (preferred)

Work Location: In person