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 summer camp in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive weekly salary, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- 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 - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire in Newtown employer: Barracudas Activity Day Camps
Barracudas is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development and well-being of its staff, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment in the vibrant city of Cambridge. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from comprehensive training and leadership opportunities, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver high-quality Early Years provision. The inclusive culture fosters collaboration and communication, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about early childhood education.
Contact Detail:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Manager- Summer - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire in Newtown
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Barracudas' website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their Early Years provision.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or managed a situation effectively. This will help you demonstrate your skills in communication and problem-solving during the interview, which are key for the Early Years Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare questions for your interviewers! Asking insightful questions about the Early Years programme or how they support staff development shows that you're proactive and engaged. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if Barracudas is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Manager- Summer - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire in Newtown
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:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've supported and developed staff in previous roles – we love to see that!
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 through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-organised application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
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. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented EYFS in past roles will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading a team. Think of specific instances where you’ve supported staff development or managed daily operations effectively. Highlight your communication style and how you foster a nurturing environment for both children and staff.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially regarding safeguarding or behaviour management. Share how you approached these situations and what the outcomes were. This will illustrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with Parents and Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve communicated with parents and guardians in the past. Prepare examples of how you’ve addressed concerns or provided updates. This will show that you understand the importance of building positive relationships with families and stakeholders.
