Oasis Freshford and District Childcare Centre

Job Description and Person Specification

A dynamic, experienced and confident Manager is required to continue to develop and operate this not-for-profit ECCEservice (Full Day Care) in Freshford, Co. Kilkenny.

JOB TITLE:Manager

LOCATION:Oasis Freshford and District Childcare Centre, Freshford, Co Kilkenny

ACCOUNTABLE TO:Board of Management

Main Job Purpose

  • Ensure the effective daily management of Oasis in accordance with the requirements of the Policies and Procedures of the Service, the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, Síolta, Aistear and any other relevant legislation and good practice requirements and be accountable to Board of Management
  • Management of the DCYA funding schemes including management of the PIP system in terms of contract and payment management, child registrations and POBAL compliance.
  • Ensure the safety, security and well being of all children attending Oasis
  • Be responsible, in consultation with the Board of Managementfor recruitment, management, training, motivation and performance of all Oasisstaff.
  • Ensure a dynamic curriculum is delivered to meet the individual needs of children attending Oasis
  • Monitor and ensure that all agreed quality and safety standards are maintained in Oasisat all times.
  • Monitor day-to-day financial operations within Oasis.
  • Respond to childcare policy at local and national level
  • Market the service to ensure that the service is maximizing its potential

Service (Operational):

  • Review and monitor occupancy levels, to ensure they are maintained to maximum capacity levels in line with service ethos and objectives and to ensure financial sustainability.
  • Proactively market Oasisto potential users and to partner organisations to meet these objectives.
  • Manage Oasisand ensure that the facilities are fully utilised in line with policies and procedures ofOasis
  • Review Policies and Procedures on a regular basis to ensure they are kept up-to-date and reflect best practice.
  • Ensure that required standards, ratios and conditions of Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016are maintained at all times
  • Meet parents as necessary to discuss children’s progress.
  • Be responsible for the health, wellbeing and the safety of both children and employees at all times in line with legislation.
  • Monitor all child protection issues; parents’ issues; complaints, near-misses, incidents and accidents to ensure that any necessary remedial action is taken immediately. Ensure all issues and actions are recorded. Report Child Protection concerns to the HSE using the Children First Guidelines
  • Carry out the role of Designated Child Protection Person for Oasis.
  • Develop the Service to its full potential grasping all opportunities in sourcing additional funding.
  • Keep up to date on local and national ECCE policy.
  • Establish, develop and maintain professional working relationships with all external agencies, including TUSLA and the early intervention Team.

Curriculum Development & the Learning Experience.

  • Plan, implement and evaluate varied programmes of activities appropriate to the age ranges of the children in collaboration with childcare staff.
  • In collaboration with childcare staff, develop the programme of activities using the principles of Siolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Aistear, the National Curriculum Framework.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate the observation, assessment and monitoring of each child’s developmental progress against the developmental norms for the child’s age.
  • Ensure Observations are recorded using the appropriate materials.
  • Organise schedules of regular review meetings for key workers to discuss child’s developmental progress with parents.
  • Organise and attend regular parents’ meetings and open days.
  • Ensure all weekly / monthly returns and reports are made to the appropriate bodies as agreed and appropriate.
  • Ensure the care, maintenance and security of equipment and toys in the Childcare Service.

Staff (Personnel Responsibilities)

  • Manage the staff team on day to day basisacting as a positive role model and motivating staff to reach their full potential
  • Develop and implement a staff training schedule.
  • Liaise with the Freshford & District Childcare Centre Ltd. in relation to recruitment and training of staff. Carry out all appropriate checks for new employees, trainees and cover staff including reference checks and Garda vetting.
  • Ensure that Oasis is a centre of excellence by ensuring staff are trained, motivated, directed and appraised and developed in a positive and effective manner, taking account of statutory requirements to ensure that they fulfil the provisions of their job description.
  • Undertake regular review meetings with all Oasisstaff and monitor their performance.
  • In consultation with the board of management, to be responsible for the well being of staff ensuring that disciplinary and grievance procedures are adhered to in line with legislation.
  • Monitor staffing levels, ensuring Oasisis appropriately staffed on a daily basis. Maintain a list of appropriate cover staff.
  • Manage staff annual leave requests to ensure Oasisis adequately staffed at all times.
  • Ensure all payroll returns are both accurate and timely, including the reporting of absence through sickness and holidays
  • Maintain accurate personnel records for all Oasisemployees, cover staff and trainees.
  • Support staff in delivering quality childcare service with a strong emphasis on child development.

Health & Safety

  • To ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene of Oasisat all times.
  • Be responsible for security systems and maintenance of the facilities and that they are used properly by staff
  • Ensure Oasisis checked daily for potential risks to children
  • Maintain an accident, incident and near-miss log book, in accordance with Service Policy and legislative requirements.
  • Ensure all relevant reports are submitted to the Health and Safety Authority.
  • Establish monitor and record appropriate emergency procedures.
  • Supervise the administration and recording of all medication administered within the Childcare Service.
  • Undertake and maintain records of regular Risk Assessments

Financial Responsibilities

  • Operate Oasiswithin the given financial budget and to liaise with administrator re: finances etc
  • Be fully conversant with the childcare business concerning maximising effectiveness of funding received and ensuring equitable fee income.
  • In association with the Finance Administrator monitor all staff costs including cover staff costs, training and travel closely to ensure they do not exceed budgetary provisions.
  • Maintain accurate accounts, including fee registers, collection and management of debt.
  • Provide a timely monthly financial summary for Oasis.

Reports

  • Attendbi-monthly committee meetings and submit written progress and financial reports to the Board of Managementand to funding agencies when requested.
  • To liaise with Administrator on preparation and presentation of monthly financial reports.
  • To undertake evaluation of the project under the direction of the parent company. This evaluation should inform future strategic planning in Oasis.

Other

  • Represent Oasisat conferences, in local partnerships and on committees where relevant.

This job description may be reviewed, updated and/or amended from time to time in line with the needs of the Service.

Person Specification

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications /
  • An ECCE Qualification recognised by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland at a minimum of level 6.
/ An ECCE Qualification at 7 or above.
A recognised qualification or training course in management/leadership
Experience /
  • Proven track record in managing or working in a management or deputy manager capacity.
/ Experience in implementing the Síolta validated Quality Assurance programme.
Skills and Knowledge /
  • A knowledge of compliance and quality assurance programmes within the ECCE sector
  • The ability to implement a quality assurance programme within Oasis
  • The skill to manage occupancy levels and staff ratios to maximise efficiency
  • The knowledge and ability to actively market Oasis to attract new families
  • A working knowledge of employment law, health & safety legislation and preschool regulations and good practice systems
  • Current knowledge of Child Protection and Children First
  • Knowledge and practical experience of using social media channels
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and be flexible
  • Ability to be detail oriented with a strong attention to effective task completion
  • Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and ability to work as a team player
  • Excellent time management and organisation skills
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of discretion and confidentiality

Personal Attributes /
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • A high level of confidence
  • Sincere andgenuine interest in the welfare and education and care of children
  • Proven track record as a strong, dynamic leader
  • Highly self – motivated and independent, a strategic thinker
  • Computer literate
  • Professionalism
  • Initiative and ability to cope
  • Willingness to participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate
  • Willingness to take direction as appropriate
  • Team Leadership: willingness to motivate staff to upskill and to be involved in the decision-making of the centre.

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