DEPUTY LEADER JOB INFORMATION

Applications are invited for the post of Preschool Deputy Leader

Essential criteria include QCF Level 5 or equivalent (or willing to work towards this) and 2 year’s minimum paid experience in an Early Years setting or Foundation stage

Hours: 35.75 per week

Rate of pay: starting at £14.30 per hour

Interviews will be held on week beginning 16th June 2025.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Job Description
Kells & Connor Preschool, is committed to delivering excellent outcomes for children by providing a quality learning environment for the preschool child. We pride ourselves on running a setting where children are happy, safe, and able to reach their potential. The inclusive, caring ethos in which each child is valued builds the children’s confidence and contributes to their wellbeing and positive attitudes towards learning. Our team of staff are the most important resource we have, and we want staff who are child centred and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure our children fulfil their potential.

Job Purpose
The Deputy Preschool Leader will support the Preschool Leader in the running of the Preschool to ensure safe, stimulating play in a safe, caring, and welcoming environment for children and their families in line with DHSSPS Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12, the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Responsibilities
• To take full responsibility for all aspect of the operation of the Preschool, including the role of
designated Child Protection Officer, in the absence of the Preschool Leader.
• To ensure that all required standards, ratios and conditions of registrations are maintained at all
times within the centre, in conjunction with the Leader.
• To ensure the high standards of safety, security, hygiene, cleanliness and tidiness are maintained at
all times and that the building and resources are treated with respect by children and staff.
• To offer appropriate support to children with special and additional needs.
• To liaise with the Local authority and other professional bodies associated with the Preschool
including networking with outside agencies and funding bodies.
• To work in partnership with parents/carers and families; as this work is highly valued, the Deputy
Preschool Leader must be approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively at all times.
• To work alongside Early Year Specialist and assist the Leader with implementing recommendations
made.
• To work alongside the Leader and Staff Team to ensure that the ethos behind the Preschool is
fulfilled.
• To demonstrate effective time and resource management to meet the planned needs of children.
• To undertake work which requires normal physical effort -this will involve lifting and handling of
play equipment and other resources and being involved in practical activities and the physical care
of young children.
• To attend meetings and training outside normal Preschool hours.
• To work alongside the Leader to monitor and manage the performance of all staff within the
Preschool.
• To ensure that all staff comply with all policies and procedures and with regulatory and statutory
requirements.
• To direct and support staff and facilitate appropriate training to ensure they are suitably skilled and
equipped.
• To provide leadership and support to staff and ensure personal development through the Appraisal
Process.
• To develop and maintain effective staff relations including the health and safety of employees.
• To be responsible for the supervision of students identifying their learning needs and advise key
staff of these.
• To assist with the organisation of regular staff meetings and appropriate training sessions, to
ensure staff are kept up to date with the Preschool policies and procedures and Health and Social
Care Trust requirements.
• To carry out regular observations and access each child’s needs within the Preschool as directed by
the Preschool Leader.
• To attend and participate in all staff meetings and assist in curriculum planning.
• Keep strictly confidential any personal information regarding the children, their families or other
staff which has been gained as part of the job. Such information must not be passed on unless it is
in the interest of a child.
The list of responsibilities above is not exhaustive and the Deputy Preschool Leader may be expected to take on other reasonable duties as assigned by the Preschool Leader.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION AND FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL:
KELLSANDCONNORPRESCHOOL@OUTLOOK.COM