An exciting opportunity has arisen for the position of childcare manager at Mes Bach - Little Acorns in the picturesque village of Comins Coch, on the outskirts of the seaside town of Aberystwyth. Mes Bach is looking for an ambitious, experienced, and qualified childcare professional with a vision and passion for childcare provision to maximise the future potential of the setting. Mes Bach is a vibrant and friendly charity run childcare setting, offering quality, affordable childcare for children aged 2-12 years. The setting provides a pre-school nursery for children aged 2 to school age, an after-school club, and a holiday club. Mes Bach operates from a purpose-built facility within the luscious green grounds of Comins Coch School. The manager will oversee the whole operation of Mes Bach and assume responsibility for delivering high-quality childcare and education on a daily basis, as well as administration tasks concomitant with a managerial level post.

 

Main responsibilities:

• Planning, overseeing, and delivering effective daily management of the setting, in accordance with policies and procedures, all relevant legislation, local authority, CIW and ESTYN requirements.

• Provide a warm, welcoming, and family-friendly environment and promote the setting within the local community. • Ensuring excellent relationships with parents/carers of children.

• Ensuring robust registration and record-keeping processes are in place. • As Designated Safeguarding Lead, the manager must ensure that all adults working and looking after children in the setting follow and put into practice the appropriate Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures.

• To ensure the setting rigorously complies with the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework in every aspect.

• To be aware of any children in their care with additional needs (including additional needs and learning disabilities) and is proactive in ensuring appropriate action is taken to promote the welfare and development of those children within the setting.

• Effectively managing staff, including absence, discipline, grievance, and team welfare, in compliance with the organisation’s policies, procedures and all aspects of employment law

• Attending Mes Bach committee meetings

• Communicating effectively with and reporting to the Management Committee and the Responsible Individual.

• Being actively involved in the recruitment, selection, motivation, and development of a qualified team of staff.

• Actively involved in the supervision and appraisal of staff.

• Ensuring the premises and employees adhere to health and safety regulations.

• Creating and ensuring completion of risk assessments, including COVID-19 risk assessments

.• Ensuring appropriate fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures are in place.

• Effectively monitoring, reviewing, and managing the day-to-day finances of the setting, including sourcing, and applying for grants.

• Along with the Committee, driving and implementing growth and development of the facility going forwards. The above list of duties is not exhaustive and gives a general overview of the role.

 

Person Specification Essential Criteria:

• BTEC Level 3 National Certificate or Diploma Children’s Care, Learning and Development or Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) QCF, or other recognised childcare level 3 qualification.

• Has at least two years of Childcare experience

• Knowledge of National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare

• Knowledge of The Child Minding and Day Care (Wales) Regulations 2010

• Safeguarding qualification

• Excellent Communication Skills

• Excellent Organisational Skills

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and willingness to learn new applications if the need arise

• Ability to work as part of a team

Desirable Criteria:

• City and Guilds Level 5 (or equivalent) Leadership and Management of Children’s Care, Play, Learning, and Development Practice

• Understanding of the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Act

• Proven, or ambitions to develop leadership skills

• Ability to speak the Welsh language Skills

• At all times, the manager must display a high level of enthusiasm, loyalty and motivation and must adhere to all relevant policies and Mes Bach’s standards and ethos.

• The manager must always ensure the welfare and happiness of all children in the setting and ensure that children’s individual needs are always met.

• The manager must provide a high level of management and leadership and must cultivate a strong sense of team morale amongst their team. The manager should always maintain a professional manner, acting as a good role model for staff during work hours and out of work hours.

• They must ensure the professional image of the setting, including cleanliness, tidiness, atmosphere, and organisation of the equipment.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of a team and to delegate.

• Knowledge of child development

• Knowledge and understanding of legislation and regulations relating to daycare and the inspection process • Be able to create and implement policies and procedures consistent with legislation, regulations, and requirements.

• To be able to work independently and manage your own time effectively.

Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations.

Benefits:

1. Salary range: £22,880 - £26,000, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Hours: 40 hrs per week, Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am – 5.30 pm.

2. Pension

3. Preferential childcare rates

4. Employee assistance programme

5. Paid DBS

 

Closing date: 25 April 2022 To apply for this position, please send your Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter to [email protected]. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure prior to the commencement of the post.