At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Early Years team while ensuring a safe, engaging environment for children.
- Company: Barracudas, a fun and nurturing childcare provider in Harlow, Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive weekly salary, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape young minds and create memorable experiences in a vibrant camp setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with Early Years children and strong leadership skills required.
The Early Years Manager oversees the planning, delivery, and quality of the Early Years provision, ensuring all activities align with the EYFS and meet Barracudas' high standards. They lead, support, and develop the Early Years team, ensuring safe practice, strong supervision and a nurturing environment for every child. Through effective organisation, communication and leadership, they ensure smooth daily operations, uphold safeguarding responsibilities and create an inclusive, engaging space where children can learn, play and thrive.
Leadership & Daily Operations
- Lead the Early Years provision, including Induction Training, Set Up Days and the daily running of Explore and Play and Active Play sessions to ensure effective EYFS implementation.
- Support sessions when required, stepping in to assist staff, supervise children or lead activities to maintain smooth operations.
- Carry out additional duties as required, in line with the needs of the camp and organisational objectives.
Curriculum, Planning & Quality Assurance
- Plan, review and quality‑assure Explore and Play and Active Play sessions, ensuring they are age‑appropriate, engaging and aligned with the EYFS.
- Monitor staff practice through observations, coaching and regular check‑ins to ensure high standards of supervision, behaviour management and EYFS delivery.
Health & Safety
- Maintain a safe, well‑organised environment by ensuring base rooms and activity spaces are tidy, hazard‑free and appropriately equipped.
- Enforce Health & Safety procedures, following all safe systems of work and addressing safety concerns proactively.
Safeguarding & Welfare
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, responding to child protection concerns and supporting staff with safeguarding queries.
- Ensure individual needs are met, including medical, dietary and additional needs, making reasonable adjustments and ensuring medication is administered correctly with full documentation.
Staff Management & Development
- Support staff development by providing guidance, feedback and end‑of‑season performance evaluations for all Early Years team members.
Parent & Stakeholder Communication
- Communicate effectively with parents and guardians, providing updates, addressing concerns and ensuring a positive, professional experience for families.
- Act as a main point of contact for OFSTED Inspectors, ensuring compliance, documentation and practice are inspection‑ready.
- Work collaboratively with Area Managers and Central Office, providing updates, escalating concerns and ensuring consistent delivery across the Early Years provision.
Administration & Other
- Maintain accurate paperwork and administrative records, including high‑risk activity forms, registers, incident reports and staff documentation.
- Support additional camp activities, including Skills Builder sessions (where required) and swimming sessions.
Essentials
- Strong experience working with Early Years children in an educational or childcare setting.
- Confident leading a team and overseeing daily operations.
- Solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Ability to plan, organise and evaluate Early Years activities.
- Strong communication, leadership and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to manage safeguarding, behaviour and welfare concerns appropriately.
Desirables
- Primary QTS or equivalent teaching qualification.
- CACHE Level 3 or above.
- Experience planning early years sessions.
- Experience supervising or developing staff.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding training or certificate.
Employment Requirements
- Employment in this role is subject to completing all pre‑employment requirements, including being aged 18 or over by the start date, providing proof of eligibility to work in the UK, supplying satisfactory references, and holding or obtaining an Enhanced DBS check through Barracudas or the Update Service.
- Before starting work on camp, all seniors are required to complete our mandatory training, which includes annual online training modules, an in‑person Induction Training Day, and any additional role‑specific briefings delivered by the Central Office.
Salary
£606.86- £785.19 salary per week (dependant on age, experience, qualifications, and camp size).
Early Years Manager- Summer - Harlow, Essex employer: Barracudas Activity Day Camps
Barracudas is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development and well-being of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where team members are encouraged to grow and thrive. Located in Harlow, Essex, the Early Years Manager role provides opportunities for professional development through training and mentorship, while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children. With competitive salaries and a commitment to high standards, Barracudas fosters a collaborative atmosphere that values communication and inclusivity.
Contact Detail:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Manager- Summer - Harlow, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Early Years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in person! If you get the chance, volunteer at local childcare events or workshops. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you a chance to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for Early Years education.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Barracudas and their approach to Early Years provision. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to creating that nurturing environment they pride themselves on.
✨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 serious about joining the team and ready to dive into the Early Years adventure!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Manager- Summer - Harlow, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with Early Years children and how it aligns with the EYFS. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Show Off Your Leadership Skills:As an Early Years Manager, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've supported and developed staff in previous roles – we love a good story!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-organised application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join the Barracudas family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Brush up on its principles and how they apply to planning and delivering activities. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the guidelines, but that you can implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed daily operations in a childcare setting. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and support your team while ensuring a nurturing environment for children.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you’ve engaged with parents and guardians in the past. Share examples of how you’ve addressed concerns or provided updates, as this will highlight your professionalism and commitment to creating a positive experience for families.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Since safeguarding is a major part of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience and approach to child protection. Familiarise yourself with relevant policies and procedures, and think about how you would handle various scenarios. This will reassure your interviewers that you take safeguarding seriously.
