Deputy Manager

Overview

Borras Park Full Day Care Provision is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and dedicated Deputy Manager to join our committed childcare team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspirational early years professional who is passionate about providing high-quality childcare and supporting children's learning and development within a nurturing, play-based environment and is looking for career development.

Working closely with the Manager, you will play a key role in the leadership and day-to-day management of our provision, supporting the delivery of outstanding care and education across our Playgroup, Flying Start, Early Education, Nursery Plus, After-School Club and Holiday Club services.

This role offers the opportunity to lead and inspire an experienced staff team while making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families within our community.

About the Role

As Deputy Manager, you will support the Manager in the overall leadership and management of the provision and act as Person in Charge in their absence. You will help ensure compliance with the Welsh Government ‘Early childhood play, learning and care’ Framework, National Minimum Standards, CIW requirements, safeguarding legislation and all relevant statutory regulations.

You will work alongside the Manager to ensure the delivery of exceptional care, learning and play experiences for children while maintaining a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment.

You will also:

• Support the Manager in the daily operation and leadership of the setting.
• Lead the provision in the Manager's absence, ensuring continuity of service and high standards throughout.
• Monitor staffing levels and child-to-adult ratios to ensure statutory compliance.
• Support staff development, supervision, training, staff rotas and administrative processes.
• Build positive relationships with children, their families, carers, school staff, Trustees and external agencies.
• Support safeguarding responsibilities and act as Safeguarding Lead in the Manager's absence.
• Assist in maintaining records, documentation and regulatory requirements in line with setting policies and procedures.
• Lead, supervise and inspire practitioners and playworkers in planning, observations, assessments and delivering high-quality play and learning opportunities.
• Support staff in implementing play-based learning approaches, including planning in the moment, the Curiosity Approach and the Playwork Curriculum.
• Ensure all areas of the curriculum for funded non-maintained nursery settings in Wales are delivered effectively.
• Ensure all areas of the curriculum for early childhood play, learning and care: Developmental pathways 0-3 in Wales are delivered effectively.
• Monitor and maintain an enabling learning environment that promotes children's independence, curiosity and development.
• Support practitioners in their key person responsibilities and act as a positive role model for staff and children.
• Contribute to staff meetings, peer observations, supervision processes and quality improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, employment legislation and all company policies.
• Undertake practical duties within the setting when required, including supporting children's personal care, snack preparation and maintaining high hygiene standards.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

Essential

• A recognised Level 3 Childcare qualification (or above) relevant to the role.
• Significant experience working within an early years or childcare setting.
• Experience of supervising, leading or supporting staff within a childcare environment.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and welfare requirements.
• Strong understanding of the Welsh Government ‘Early childhood play, learning and care’ Framework and curriculum for funded non-maintained nursery settings.
• Knowledge of CIW, Estyn, National Minimum Standards and relevant childcare legislation.
• Experience of planning, observation and assessment processes within early years provision.
• Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff and external professionals.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality childcare and promoting positive outcomes for children.
• A flexible, proactive and professional approach to work.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Desirable
• Relevant leadership or management qualification such as Level 5 Leadership and Management of Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development, or willingness to work towards it.
• Experience working within Flying Start and funded nursery provision.
• Current Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience of supporting inspections and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge and experience of planning in the moment, the Curiosity Approach and the Playwork Curriculum.
• Experience of staff training, mentoring and supervision.
• Understanding of budget management and childcare administration processes.

Why Join Us?

At Borras Park Full Day Care Provision, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where children can thrive through play, exploration and meaningful learning experiences.

We value our staff and invest in their professional development, recognising that a skilled and supported team is key to delivering exceptional childcare.

As Deputy Manager, you will play a vital role in maintaining the success of our provision and supporting children to achieve their full potential. Borras Park Full Day Care Provision is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, suitable references and all other pre-employment checks required in line with current safeguarding requirements. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, sexuality, religious belief or age.

Contract Type Full-time, maternity cover position.

Hours and contract terms will be discussed during interview.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced childcare professional with a passion for leadership and high-quality early years practice, we would love to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a supporting statement/covering letter to [email protected] or contact us for more information on 01978 346890 (Option 3).

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Pay: £25,420.00-£33,137.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person