After-School Care Leader (Maternity Cover) in Aberdeen

We are seeking to appoint a Wrap Around Care Manager to lead our enthusiastic and committed after school care and holiday club team. Reporting to the Head, the Wrap Around Care Manager will take delegated responsibility for the planning and delivery of a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 3-12.

Working hours in term time Monday-Friday – 1.30-6pm. Working hours for holiday club Monday – Friday – 7.45am-5.45pm with a half hour paid lunch.

Remuneration and benefits: The salary for this position will be dependent upon the experience and qualifications of the candidate. The successful candidate will be automatically enrolled into the school's support staff pension scheme, but will have the right to opt out. St Margaret's has an Employee Assistance programme which offers free and confidential advice on both work and personal issues. Staff with dependents attending the school will be eligible for a 30% remission on school fees (pro‐rata for part‐time staff).

Main Responsibilities:

• Promotion and marketing of after school care and holiday club and liaison with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth booking process and accurate registers.
• Leadership and management of the work of the after school care team, holding regular staff meetings which promote highly effective practice and a positive working environment for the team.
• Careful liaison with the Nursery Manager and Head of Junior School Learning & Teaching to ensure that the needs of all children using the service are well known by all members of the wrap around care team.
• Modelling of best practice in relation to working with all children in the wrap around care services.
• Preparation, organisation and supervision of a range of stimulating and age appropriate activities which reflect pupils' interests and needs.
• Making arrangements for the purchase and provision of healthy snacks.
• Managing the departmental budget in consultation with the Head of Finance.
• Building positive relationships with children and families ensuring that they feel welcome and supported within the service.
• Ensuring that whole school policies are adhered to and that wrap around care policies and procedures reflect Care Inspectorate guidance and best practice.
• Ensuring a safe experience for all stakeholders within the wrap around care setting, taking responsibility for departmental risk assessments and policies.
• Promoting professional learning and undertaking professional review and development meetings with wrap around care staff in line with school processes.
• Self‐evaluation and improvement planning taking into account the views of all stakeholders.
• Completing all relevant Care Inspectorate paperwork in a timely, accurate manner.

The Ideal Candidate: The successful candidate will have a genuine commitment to providing the highest standard of care and engaging play experiences for all children. They should possess strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team. Excellent communication and organisational abilities are essential, along with a flexible, inclusive and compassionate approach to working with children, families and colleagues.

Qualifications & Experience: Applicants for this position must already meet the standards for SSSC registration as a Practitioner. Ideally applicants should hold, or be working towards, a Degree in Childhood Practice, or other relevant qualification to meet the SSSC criteria as a Manager in a Day Care of Children Service, although this is not essential. The successful candidate will have experience in a leadership role within an early learning or childcare setting, managing staff and resources.

St Margaret's School places safeguarding of its pupils as its highest priority and the successful applicant will be subject to appropriate qualification and registration checks. All appointments are subject to the receipt of at least two satisfactory references. All employees at St Margaret's are required to be a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

About the school/organisation: Founded in 1846, St Margaret's School for Girls is the oldest all-through girls' school in Scotland and the only single sex school in Aberdeen. Today, it provides an exceptional all‐round education to around 370 pupils aged 3-18. Recognised by The Sunday Times as the Scottish Independent School of the Year 2020, the school enjoys a fine reputation for academic excellence, is committed to extending access and offers a challenging and enriching education within a warm and inclusive environment.