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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the growth of Babyzone, engaging with families and managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a thriving early-years initiative making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young families while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management and a passion for early years education.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 ÂŁ per year.
Reports to: Head of Babyzone Wigan
Salary: ÂŁ30,000 pro-rata
Hours: 1.5 days per week (term-time only) to include delivery day on Fridays (8:15am – 3:15pm)
Location: Wigan Youth Zone (WN1 1RU) for delivery day + remote working
The Role
Babyzone Wigan is a thriving early‑years initiative supporting families with children aged 0–5 years. We are looking for an experienced, hands‑on and collaborative Deputy Head to help lead the growth and day‑to‑day delivery of the programme. Working at the heart of our community offer, you will support the Head of Babyzone Wigan in shaping high‑quality sessions, strengthening family engagement, and ensuring that our work consistently reflects Babyzone's inclusive, evidence‑informed approach.
You will play a key role in:
- Supporting strategic planning and operational oversight
- Coordinating and motivating a small, high‑performing team
- Maintaining excellent safeguarding practice
- Building strong partnerships with local organisations and stakeholders
- Contributing to clear, impactful reporting for funders and leadership
Leadership and Team Management
Recruit and manage a high calibre and motivated Babyzone team, ensuring they consistently demonstrate the high standards of service, conscientiousness and transparency you set. Act as the main point of contact for operational problem‑solving, risk management and safeguarding. Work collaboratively with all Babyzone staff, trustees and partners. Develop and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders such as the council, other charities and the local WOW World Group delivery team.
Delivery and Operations
Develop and refine the Wigan Babyzone offer so that it meets national standards while reflecting the specific needs of local families. Coordinate set‑up, free‑play, classes and close‑down alongside class leaders to ensure:
- Timely opening and closing of sessions
- Adequate staffing levels in all areas
- Safe, welcoming and high‑quality delivery across all spaces
Oversee external contractors and manage Babyzone equipment to ensure safe and high‑quality use. Ensure the Youth Zone is returned to its original layout in time for the afternoon session, with all rooms cleared of any evidence of Babyzone activities. Ensure accurate and timely data collection, monitoring and reporting in line with Babyzone and funder requirements.
Partnerships
Lead local marketing and outreach initiatives to ensure Babyzone reaches as many target families as possible. Build strong relationships with early years organisations and networks in the area, positioning Babyzone as a hub for early years thought, practice and collaboration. Plan and coordinate special events to:
- Widen Babyzone's offer
- Create variety and richness in activities
- Generate content and interest that supports strong attendance and engagement
Recruitment and HR Administration
Supervise and guide additional volunteers, apprentices or support staff as necessary. Respond to and action reasonable requests from the Head of Babyzone Wigan, national management team or Board of Trustees. Invoice and payroll management.
Skills and Technical Competencies
Leadership and Team Management
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to manage and motivate a diverse team. Set clear performance targets for your team and support them in achieving them in a timely fashion. Effective coaching skills to facilitate professional development within your team.
Work Approach and Adaptability
Flexible approach with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a growing team.
Communication and Stakeholder Management
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Technical Literacy
Experience with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with project management.
Value Alignment
A passion for the Babyzone mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Designated Safeguarding Lead Responsibilities
As part of your role as Deputy Head of Babyzone Wigan, you will also fulfil the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) alongside the Head of Babyzone Wigan, for which you will be fully trained. In the absence of the Head of Babyzone Wigan, the Designated Safeguarding Lead has a responsibility for Safeguarding and Child Protection.
Manage Referrals
Refer cases of suspected abuse and neglect to the local authority safeguarding partnership department as required, and support staff who make referrals to the same. Refer cases to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern, and support staff who make referrals to the Channel programme. Refer cases where a person is dismissed or has left due to risk/harm to a child to the Disclosure and Barring Service as required. Refer cases where a crime may have been committed to the Police as required.
Working with Others
Act as a source of support, advice and expertise for all staff. Act as a point of contact with the safeguarding partners.
Information Sharing & Child Protection File Management
Ensure child protection files are kept up to date and confidential. Include a clear and comprehensive summary of the concern including dates. Detail how the concern was followed up and resolved. Note any action taken, decisions reached and the outcome. Sign documents by the DSL. File only accessed by those who need to see it with written permission from the DSL.
Raising Awareness
Ensure each member of staff and volunteer has access to, and understands Babyzone's safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures, especially new staff. Ensure Babyzone's safeguarding and child protection policy is reviewed annually (as a minimum) and the procedures and implementation are updated and reviewed regularly. Ensure the safeguarding and child protection policy is available publicly. Link with safeguarding partners to make sure staff are aware of any training opportunities and the latest local policies on local safeguarding arrangements.
Training, Knowledge and Skills
Undergo training to provide the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role. Complete Prevent awareness training (The Prevent strategy, published by the Government in 2016, is part of Britain's counter‑terrorism strategy).
Providing Support to Staff
Assist staff with welfare, safeguarding and child protection matters. Support staff during the referral processes.
Holding and Sharing Information
Understand importance of information sharing within Babyzone and with safeguarding partners. Understand relevant data protection legislation and regulations, especially the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR. Keep detailed, accurate, secure written records of concerns and referrals and understand the purpose of this record‑keeping. The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR do not prevent the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children safe.
Employee Benefits
Flexible, supportive working environment. Hybrid working for hours that are not within the Babyzone delivery day. Potential to claim additional hours in non‑term time periods, where needed. Pension contribution, life insurance and employee assistance programme. 26 days annual leave (pro‑rata).
Deputy Head of Babyzone - Wigan employer: Babyzone
Contact Detail:
Babyzone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Babyzone - Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Babyzone or early years initiatives. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Babyzone, be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with their mission. Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your leadership and team management abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to Babyzone's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Babyzone team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Babyzone - Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Head of Babyzone. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you're excited about working with Babyzone! Share your passion for early years education and community engagement, as this will help us see your commitment to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babyzone
✨Know Your Babyzone Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Babyzone's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their programmes and how they support families with children aged 0-5 years. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and show that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and managed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your leadership style and problem-solving abilities.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of child protection policies and procedures. Brush up on relevant legislation and be prepared to share your experiences in managing safeguarding issues, as this will demonstrate your competence and commitment to child safety.
✨Engage with Local Partnerships
Building strong relationships with local organisations is key for this position. Think about how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to networking and outreach, and how you can help Babyzone strengthen its community ties.