Why Smarty Pants Nursery? This Level 5 apprenticeship training programme will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviors of early years practitioners to be proactive and influential. The learner will be working in a senior role such as a Room Leader, Early Years Lead or a Deputy Manager. Undertaking this apprenticeship will develop the practitioner’s ability to reflect and build on practice through on-going professional enquiry and action led research. To deliver a high standard of learning, development and care for children aged 0 – 5 years. To deputise for the Nursery Manager. To supervise and appraise nursery staff as directed. To ensure that the preschool nursery is a safe environment for children, staff and others. We are a thriving and passionate early years setting recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted, committed to providing a nurturing, inspiring and inclusive environment for children to learn, grow and thrive. We are seeking a proactive and experienced Deputy Manager to join our leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about early childhood education, confident in supporting staff, and ready to play a key role in driving the ongoing success of our nursery. Job Title: Deputy Manager Location London E13 0PZ Full time, 36 – 45 hours (9 hours per day for 4 or 5 days per week) 24-month apprenticeship opportunity to stay on with the business Course Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship Duties and Responsibilities : To support the Nursery Manager to ensure the effective daily management of the Pre-School. To have a sound knowledge of all Policies, Procedures, Statutory Welfare Requirements and Ofsted expectations and ensure that these are maintained at all times. – To be a role model to the staff team. Be able to showcase high quality practice with regards to individual and group work with children, dealing with staff and parent issues as they arise. To support and actively promote the safety, security and well-being of all children, staff and visitors at all times. Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within the setting dealing with and supporting any issues as they arise. To work alongside the Nursery Manager to lead the Nursery to maintain our Outstanding Ofsted grading. To play an active role in completing a rigorous action plan that supports the development of the Nursery. To embrace, understand and promote the Nursery and to understand the role you play as a member of the management team in providing high levels of care and education Childcare: To support the Nursery Manager in driving the quality of practice in the Nursery, including environments, learning and development and Learning Journals. Reflect on daily practice and identify areas for continual improvement. Ensure all practitioners and volunteers have a sound understanding of the Nursery’s Safeguarding Policy and their role in safeguarding all children in the Nursery. To ensure that the individual needs of all children are met and supported through planning in line with the EYFS. To ensure standards are continuously being met in line with Ofsted requirements and the EYFS. To ensure that any identified development needs are supported with ongoing training either internally or externally. As a management team, to oversee planning and children’s developmental records and ensure that they reflect their individual progress and are up to date. Ensure that settling-in and transitions are well managed for all children. To support on all aspects of inclusive practice, behavior management and special educational needs. To support effective partnerships working with children, families and the wider community. Continuously looking at ways to build relationships with external agencies. To ensure effective communication with staff and families through effective partnerships i.e. Newsletters, Parents Evenings and settling-in sessions. Performance Requirements: Support the future occupancy levels of the setting by working alongside the Nursery Manager in making appropriate decisions in relation to staffing. To reinforce Policy and Procedures at all times and deal with any breaches swiftly and in an appropriate manner. Support the Nursery’s approach to safer recruitment and ensure policies are followed throughout the recruitment process. Support the Nursery Manager in completing full inductions and probation reviews with new employees, offering any support and guidance and addressing performance concerns as required. Identify development areas or training requirements throughout the staff team and actively promote continued professional development. Support the Nursery Manager in completing regular staff supervision to drive practice. Mentor and lead the staff team and offer support and guidance as required. To support and encourage any ideas and initiatives to maintain employee engagement. To support in dealing with investigations, disciplinaries and absence management in line with Nursery Policies and Procedures. Ensure efficient and effective staff deployment at all times. Be an advocate to promote the Nursery ethos and vision. Continually motivate and develop the staff team within the Nursery through effective role modelling and spending time in rooms throughout the setting. Support regular staff meetings with a full written agenda and minutes to accompany. To recognise and reward outstanding practice within the Nursery. Promote equality and diversity within the Nursery, challenging any behavior which does not support the Nursery Inclusive Practice and Equal Opportunities Policy. Policies and Procedures: To reinforce company policies and procedures at all times and deal with any breaches swiftly and in an appropriate manner. To ensure that you have an excellent understanding and have a working knowledge of all aspects of Health and safety and the risks assessments that are in place. Promote the health, safety and wellbeing of the children and other professionals within the building by completing toilet checks and daily risk assessments for rooms. To ensure all safeguarding procedures are followed in line with local authority and company procedures. Respond appropriately to issues regarding confidentiality. To work in partnership to ensure standards are continually being met in line with Ofsted requirements and the EYFS. To contribute to the creation of a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children. To be vigilant and protect children from harm or abuse, reporting any concerns immediately – in accordance with child protection and whistleblowing policies Entry Requirements: You need to have achieved the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma Worked a minimum of 2 – 3 years in an Early years setting Achieved the Level 2 in Maths and English GCSE or Functional Skills certificate DBS Level 3 Paediatric First certificate Skills and Attributes Empathy and understanding of children under five. Excellent verbal and communication skills with children and parents. Ability to write reports and keep clear and accurate records. Excellent organizational skills Administrative and basic IT skills Calm and caring nature Ability to work as part of a team Able to work on own initiative Personal Qualities Reliable, enthusiastic, and flexible A commitment to quality in all areas, with a high level of motivation and enthusiasm Able to perform under stress A creative thinker A good sense of humour Caring and patient Passionate about giving children the best start in life Future Prospects As a company we support and encourage staff to achieve their career goals. Therefore if you have aspirations to progress in Early Years, to take on extra responsibilities, to become a room leader or member of management we will support you and provide the training and mentoring to allow you to fulfil your potential. Benefits A warm and supportive working environment Opportunities for professional development and progression The chance to be part of an Outstanding team that truly values its staff Staff wellbeing and recognition initiatives Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications A leadership team that understands the demands of the sector and works collaboratively to support the whole team General Ability to calmly and effectively lead the Nursery in times of emergency. Abide by the Nursery’s Code of Conduct and all other Policies and Procedures at all times, maintaining a professional approach, behaviour and confidentiality at all times. Act as a representative of your Nursery, promoting a professional image at all times. To have awareness of any legislation relating to your role and keeping up to date with any changes. Ensure all correspondence is dealt with promptly and professionally within a reasonable time frame. Show a willingness to undertake additional roles to meet the needs of the Nursery, children and staff. Keep job knowledge up to date through internal and external training, showing a commitment to professional development. Be able to confidently and competently step up to the role of Nursery Manager in their absence. Any other duties as required by the Nursery Manager. Training Information Over the course of 24 months (dependent upon the level of course an apprentice is being enrolled onto), you will study things such as the principles of healthcare and safeguarding, person-centred care & support, physiological measurements, basic life support, dementia, cognitive & mental health support, moving, handling and infection control, supporting daily living, lifespan development and healthcare needs, duty of care and legislation. Higher level courses go into more depth within different pathways such as dementia, learning disabilities and Austism, children & adolescent mental health, combined therapies, complex care, maternity, mental health, rehabilitation, substance misuse and acquired brain injury (these topics may differ). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will achieve a qualification and a TQUK Diploma in Care. We and our employer partners are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, so a DBS check will be required for this role. To make you aware, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’ must be declared, and you will be asked about these during the recruitment process. Our delivery of training is through blended learning. Supported by one of our sector specialist tutors, they will deliver teaching sessions using various methods including face to face teaching, Skype, Facetime, telephone and peer virtual classroom whilst using our interactive multi-sensory teaching resources. Teaching sessions are normally bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the learner’s preferred learning style. Additionally, the tutor will provide the support required to ensure the learner enjoys and ultimately successfully achieves their goals and completes their training. We want learners to feel that our team are approachable at any stage of their learning journey. You will initially take an online assessment that will help us to understand your learning style and needs, then we will tailor your learning experience accordingly. We ensure that you stay on track to complete your programme on time by managing your expectations through our state-of-the-art e-portfolio system. At the end of your programme, your learnt knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed by an independent assessor in your end point assessment (EPA). As part of the apprenticeship, alongside your job role, 20% of your time in work must be dedicated to developing new skills. This can be any time devoted to learning and improving new skills without interruption.