At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and support nursery managers to ensure high-quality childcare.
- Company: Join First Steps Childcare Group, a nurturing environment for children and staff.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Family-friendly policies and commitment to safeguarding children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career in childcare.
- Qualifications: Level 5 in Early Years Care or willingness to achieve it; coaching experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 39493 - 41885 € per year.
First Steps Childcare Group (FSCG) has an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a Deputy Director at our Chichester Nursery. You will join us on a full‑time, permanent basis. In return, we will offer a competitive salary pro rata of £39,493 – £41,885 per annum, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.
FSCG is seeking an experienced and inspirational Deputy Director to support the operational leadership and strategic development of our nurseries. Working closely with the Director, you will oversee the day‑to‑day operational running of all FSCG settings and provide effective leadership and support to Nursery Managers. You will play a key role in ensuring consistently high‑quality early years provision, strong safeguarding practice, regulatory compliance, and a culture of continuous improvement across the Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership for the daily operations across all settings, ensuring smooth, efficient and effective running.
- Support Nursery Managers with daily queries, incident resolution and operational decision‑making.
- Line‑manage the Nursery Managers, providing regular supervision, coaching, performance monitoring and development planning.
- Support managers with staff supervision to ensure consistency and ongoing development.
- Lead staff training and continuous professional development, including: liaising with apprentice coaches and trainers to ensure apprentices receive high‑quality training and maximise the 20% job training time; planning and delivering content for staff development days to keep staff up to date with sector and government changes and provide CPD to enhance their knowledge of child development and the curriculum.
- Ensure that all settings deliver the best possible nurturing and learning environment for all children and meet the required regulatory standards in line with Ofsted and the Department for Education.
- Provide expert knowledge and lead and monitor the delivery of the Group’s curriculum to ensure consistency and high‑quality teaching.
- Ensure all settings meet Ofsted requirements, EYFS statutory guidance and relevant regulatory frameworks.
Qualifications and Experience
- Level 5 in Early Years Care and Education or willingness to work towards it.
- Detailed knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework and Ofsted EIF/toolkit.
- Previous experience coaching and mentoring staff.
- Clear vision of quality provision and experiences for children.
Benefits
- Competitive annual leave scheme plus bank holidays and closure days over Christmas not deducted from leave entitlement.
- Significant discount at FSCG nurseries.
- Other discount schemes including shopping, restaurants, travel and onsite facilities.
- Family‑friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave (dependent on continuous service).
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- And more – see the Staff Benefits booklet for details.
Apply now to join a fantastic team! All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, which may include a check of the barred lists and any relevant overseas checks. The Chichester College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Deputy Director employer: First Steps Childcare
First Steps Childcare Group (FSCG) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment in Chichester. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including generous leave and discounts, and a focus on high-quality early years education, FSCG fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children while enjoying a fulfilling career with ample opportunities for advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare 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
Prepare for interviews by researching First Steps Childcare Group thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! As a Deputy Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and support others. Consider role-playing common interview scenarios with a friend to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the First Steps Childcare Group family.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Deputy Director role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves supporting and managing Nursery Managers, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you've inspired and developed others in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Knowledge of Early Years Frameworks:Demonstrate your understanding of the EYFS statutory framework and Ofsted requirements. This will show us that you're not just familiar with the regulations but also committed to maintaining high standards in early years provision.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at First Steps Childcare Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Steps Childcare
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the EYFS statutory framework and Ofsted requirements. Brush up on your knowledge of child development and the curriculum, as you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or managed staff in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you coached or mentored others, as this will be key for the Deputy Director position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges or staff issues. Practise your responses to these types of questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain high-quality provision.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Articulate your vision for quality early years provision and how you plan to implement continuous improvement across the nurseries. Be prepared to discuss how you would support Nursery Managers in achieving this vision.
