Job Description – Pre-School Deputy Manager

Job Title:Pre-School Deputy Manager

Responsible to:Pre-School Manager

Purpose of job:To provide safe, high quality education and care for Pre-School children; to fulfil legal and statutory requirements; to act as main point of contact in the absence of the Manager for parents/carers and external bodies; to oversee and supervise the staff and setting on a day to day basis in conjunction with, and in the absence of the Manager; to contribute to and implement Pre-School policies in conjunction with the team and the Manager; to lead planning and preparation and deliver with staff team.

Main Duties:

  • To contribute towards, understand and review medium and long term planning, following the EYFS curriculum, and sessional plans which ensure that each child is working towards Early Learning Goals; to support the Manager in monitoring the effectiveness of the Pre-School curriculum; to support the Manager in reviewing individual child progress and determining plans to close any gaps; to understand current government guidelines and legislation, including ensuring duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, are adhered to.
  • To provide high quality experiences and opportunities for children; to ensure self and other staff are properly deployed and offer appropriate interaction, support and stimulation to the children.
  • To contribute towards and supervise the daily programme of Pre-School activities and events in conjunction with and in the absence of the Manager.
  • To lead weekly planning including main session themes and programme, structured activities planning and adult-led activities planning.
  • To ensure records are properly maintained e.g. daily attendance register, accident and incident book.
  • To act as the main point of contact for parents/carers in the absence of the Manager.
  • To ensure that the Pre-School is a safe environment for children, that equipment is safe, standards of hygiene are high, safety procedures are implemented at all times and fire drills are regularly practised; to ensure special needs of children are known.
  • To liaise with the Management Committee, Ofsted, Children’s Social Care and other professionals in conjunction with the Manager as necessary and ensure that all legal and statutory requirements are implemented; to attend meetings as required.
  • To manage administrative duties associated with the role.
  • To attend in service training and meetings as required.
  • To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Manager and/or Chair of the Committee in accordance with Pre-School objectives.

NB: this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders that have been made against them.

This post requires you complete an application form, provide proof of qualifications, supply references which will be verified, and hold an enhanced DBS disclosure

Pre-School Deputy Manager - Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

  • Experience of working in a pre-school setting
  • Diploma in pre-school practice NVQ level III or equivalent
  • Enhanced DBS
  • A good knowledge and understanding of EYFS
  • Sound understanding of child development and of children’s needs
  • Ability to plan and implement a pre-school curriculum
  • Ability to work with parents and encourage their involvement
  • Able to work on own initiative
  • Ability to apply impact analysis in a range of situations
  • Ability to lead a team of adults
  • Commitment to equal opportunities and understanding of religious and cultural diversity
  • Ability to write clear reports
  • Experience of business administration
  • Ability to analyse and review a range of data
  • Good mental and physical health
  • Caring attitude with a sense of humour
  • Friendly, flexible approach
  • To communicate with parents in a professional, positive, sensitive and constructive manner
  • To communicate with external agencies in a professional and constructive manner
  • To establish rapport and credibility with parents/carers/other professionals
  • Ability to communicate the need for quality and continuous improvement and influence good practice through own example
  • Ability to communicate in a variety of ways and with people at all levels, adopting a communication method appropriate for the listener or audience
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Emotionally resilient and able to handle competing demands
  • Demonstrate professionalism in approach to managing all issues

Desirable Criteria:

  • Experience of a parent managed/parent involved Pre-School
  • Experience in Early Years Foundation Units
  • Paediatric First Aid Certificate