Stepping Stones Community Nursery Deputy Manager Job Description and Person Specification January 2012

Job Title: Reports to: Responsible for:

Stepping Stones Community Nursery Deputy Manager Stepping Stones Community Nursery Manager Overseeing the overall running of the Nursery adhering to very high professional standards, providing practical support for the daily activities and strategic insights to increase the nurserys impact and effective performance 18,000 per annum

Salary

Job Description Main Duties: 1. To be responsible for the Nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager. Management, Compliance and Performance 2. To be responsible for the day to day operations of the Nursery 3. To ensure the Nursery meets all legal requirements 4. To ensure equal access to services regardless of ethnicity, gender culture, disability or lifestyle in accordance with Stepping Stones Community Nursery Equal opportunities policies. 5. To ensure that the Nursery operates within agreed aims,

objectives, policies and procedures 6. To support the Manager in suitably equipping the Nursery to provide a high quality, practical and welcoming learning environment 7. To effectively deliver the Nursery curriculum for 0-3 year olds, using the "Birth Three" framework and to provide a robust education development programme for 3-5 year olds using the "Foundation Stage" framework, which ensures the Nursery meets and exceeds the OFSTED standards 8. To support the development and maintain procedures for regular review and assessment of each childs progress 9. To support the implementation and to manage an effective parent liaison programme ensuring regular communication and interaction with parents. 10. To ensure the complaints procedure is implemented in a positive manner and that the staff team are supported in this process 11. To develop a programme of support to aid the transition of children from the nursery to primary school 12. To actively promote the nursery and the range of activities available to local parents by developing publicity materials and engaging with new media tools. 13. To work in partnership with health and education providers, social services, community and voluntary organisations to provide a high quality nursery service. 14. To establish and maintain an inventory list of equipment/resources purchased 15. To ensure the effective and efficient use of resources available 16. To assist in the production of management reports and attend meetings deemed appropriate 17. To assist the Manager in ensuring full capacity and

occupancy levels by reviewing numbers of children attending and by following up all enquiries for nursery places. 18. To have responsibility for the Nursery premises ensuring that the building is both safe and well maintained at all times and that the need for repairs are promptly reported to the Nursery Manager 19. To be responsible for Health and Safety issues within the Nursery ensuring that all policies relevant are complied with. Quality in education and care 20. To provide effective leadership and management of the Nursery team. To undertake regular performance reviews, team meetings and staff supervision as required by the nursery manager 21. To maintain a very high standard of practice in accordance with the nurserys principles, policies and procedures. This will include the safeguarding child protection procedures. 22. To ensure quality standards, including the implementation of all relevant legislation, policies and procedures 23. To maintain high standards of accuracy and confidentiality in record keeping. To produce reports and statistical information as required 24. To contribute to ongoing research, evaluation and assessment of need in the area 25. To promote and represent the nursery at appropriate events, conferences, seminars and training 26. To work as a member of the nursery team. 27. To undertake any tasks requested which are commensurate with this job role and responsibilities 28. To promote the high standards of the Nursery at all times to parents/carers, staff and visitors; 29. To develop and implement an evaluation of Observation,

Assessment and Planning within the nursery. 30. To assist with the preparation and maintenance of highly relevant materials and equipment. 31. To ensure high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained at all times; 32. Act as Key person for children and their parents 33. Develop a special relationship with key children and parents 34. Make observations of key children to inform individual care and learning needs, make assessments and plan for their development and progression 35. Maintain individual records of key children as required by the nursery

Person Specification for Nursery Deputy Manager

Experience:

Minimum of two years working in a senior role, within an Early Years Care/Education setting. Experience of providing quality childcare and education in the early years Experience of implementing national childcare standards Experience of record-keeping and maintaining confidentiality Knowledge of the Childrens Act 1989 and the Care Standards 2000 Knowledge of "Birth Three Matters" Experience of working in a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary environment Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities Knowledge of safeguarding-child protection issues

 Knowledge of Health & Safety issues and current legislation

Qualifications or Training: NNEB, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ level 3 or equivalent Paediatric first aid Food safety Health and safety Clear CRB Update safeguarding training Special Educational Needs training.

Practical Skills:

Effective communication skills Ability to manage a team effectively The ability to plan and implement a curriculum for children 0-3 years and children within the Foundation stage Ability to write observations, assessments, and reports using ICT skills. Must be able to work autonomously, manage own workload and meet targets set. Ability to maintain balance between duties/responsibilities and relax/friendly environment in the nursery. Experience of working in a social enterprise, voluntary or community setting

Personal Qualities and Attributes: Honesty, integrity and commitment

Willing to work flexibly to meet the needs of the nursery Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills

Application: To apply please send your CV and Covering Letter (2 pages maximum) to Alex.sutton@praxis.org.uk by 5pm on Friday the 17th of February 2012. Interviews will take place the last week of February 2012