Title: Early Years Pre-School Room Lead – Maternity Cover Hours: 40 hours per week Contract: 6 months Fixed term to cover maternity leave, with the possibility of alternative employment at the end of the fixed term contract. Salary: £27,051.71 per annum Benefits: 1 night free stay at one of the YMCA Hotel 60% discount on childcare fees for children up to 3 years of age 20% discount on childcare for children over 3 for non-funded hours Free and discounted places for children attending Day Camps 28 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays per year for full-time staff Staff Pension Free parking Free Gym membership – George Williams Centre, Bridgwater or The Beach Hotel Minehead Health Insurance for those staff working over 16 hours per week Charity Worker’s Discount at certain high street stores Training budget Monthly raffle Mental Health Support Access to Occupational Health Assessment Discount at our Wedding Venue, Barley Wood Purpose The post holder will support the manager to lead the nursery, actively ensuring the highest quality of care to children under 5 years old, inspire a large staff team and build relationships with parents and the wider community. The nursery is also managed as a business with financial sustainability set as a key measure of success alongside quality of care. The post holder will effectively lead the setting in the managers absence. Main responsibilities The postholder will be responsible for: Working with the Manager to support the team to reflect and learn to develop as professionals and fulfil their potential as practitioners. Lead the team to ensure we provide a secure and stimulating environment where children can develop emotionally and intellectually as well as morally, physically, spiritually and socially, at their own pace. Work with the Manager to lead the setting in continuous development of practice, in order to provide the best opportunities for children to learn through play, utilising the outdoors as much as possible. Collaborate with Nursery Manager, Head of Early Years Education, and other Nursery Mangers/ settings to share learning, practice and resources. Proactive in building and developing the reputation and occupancy of the setting alongside the manager. Supporting the Manager to review, monitor and offer feedback on planning and delivery; to ensure diverse and stimulating opportunities for each child, which ensures their developmental level, interest and needs are recognised and responded to. Supporting the Manager to utilise and develop systems and procedures to ensure the effective day to day to operation of the setting. Alongside the Manager, monitor the enquiry, starter and retention levels to ensure the service is valued by and meeting the needs and expectations of families. Working with Manager to ensure high standards of care and Health and Safety across teams, responding to or feeding back promptly any concerns to the relevant Manager. Driving your own professional development to ensure your training and knowledge of the EYFS, legislation, compliance, Ofsted requirements and YMCA-DG policies is up to date; to support consistent understanding and implementation of the above across the team. Undertake any other duties as deemed appropriate to the level of the post by the Nursery Manager, Head of Early Years Education, Executive directors, CEO or Board of Trustees. Line Management Responsibility: Early Years Practitioners Early Years Apprentice Health and Safety In carrying out this role you have a duty (under Health and Safety legislation) to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and that of others. This implies taking positive steps to understand the hazards in the workplace, to comply with safety rules and procedures and to ensure that nothing you do, or fail to do, puts yourself or others at risk. This includes managing a safe and secure environment for people who use our services. This duty includes checking that any person entering YMCA Dulverton Group property has a right to do so and their visit is recorded in accordance with YMCA Dulverton Group procedures. General To maintain and develop up-to-date professional knowledge and skills through training, reading and other such activities and to incorporate the same into practice. Work across the organisation to build a learning culture and positive working environment. To maintain and demonstrate a commitment to YMCA Dulverton Group’s Vision, Values and strategic aims and objectives and ensure all activities reflect the values of YMCA Dulverton Group. Managing health and safety issues in your area of responsibility in line with the relevant section(s) of the Health and Safety Policy. Complying with YMCA Dulverton Group’s GDPR, confidentiality and information security policies at all times. To undertake such other duties and responsibilities reasonably consistent with the role of [insert job title]. YMCA Dulverton Group is committed to the protection and safeguarding of children and adults at risk and promoting their welfare. The YMCA Dulverton Group, therefore, expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced level DBS Disclosure in respect of the Adults/Children’s Workforce. Person Specification Qualifications and Experienc Minimum of Level 3 childcare qualification Proven experience of an appropriate childcare setting. Strong understanding of the developmental needs of children, including those with additional needs. Willingness to engage in continuous professional development and reflect on own development. First aid qualification (or willingness to train). Knowledge of health and safety and ability to complete risk assessments. Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding good practice. An NVQ assessor for childcare qualifications or willingness to work towards. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities A confident individual who is committed to providing the best quality opportunities to children, young people and the community. An empathy and enjoyment of working with children. Working knowledge of effective safeguarding practice. An effective team player. Good organisational and administrative skills. Ability to maintain good records and administration. Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills. Good IT competency. Able to work on own initiative and lone work when required. The ability to form plans and carry them out in a busy environment Personal Qualities Ability and willingness to relate positively towards children, parents and staff. Ability to be punctual at all times. An inspirational approach to helping young children develop through play. Demonstrate leadership qualities able to motivate and develop others. Enthusiasm for the work and values of the organisation. A belief in the value and importance of investing in the development of every individual in our teams. An ability work to set budgets. Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines. Can evidence an understanding and commitment to the principles of Equal Opportunities. A creative and flexible approach to the work of the organisation. Professional, diplomatic, and non-judgemental approach. Ability to motivate others. Able to support the Christian ethos of the YMCA. Committed to continuing professional development, both personally and in the interests of staff for whom the post has responsibility. Commitment to YMCA Dulverton Group’s Values Self-motivated with ability to manage own workload. Team player, with ability to build relationships with beneficiaries. Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting demands. Demonstrates resilience, motivation and commitment to driving up standards of work. Takes personal responsibility and accountability and able to make well informed balanced decisions taking account of risk. Demonstrates a proactive approach taking responsibility for areas of work and finding solutions. Ability to anticipate need for change, proactively introducing systems to bring about improvements in effectiveness and efficiency. Is adaptable to change/embraces and welcomes change.