At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and engage directly with children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Muddy Boots, an award-winning nursery that values innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14.05 per hour, enjoy a 4-day work week, and receive lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy free lunches, events, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your safeguarding skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience with safeguarding or vulnerable families.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Muddy Boots Acomb
Salary: Up to £14.05 per hour
About The Role
This is a hybrid position. Two days each week are protected non‑contact time, dedicated to safeguarding leadership – casework, multi‑agency liaison, and supporting families with active concerns. The other two days, you’ll be in the room as part of the educator team, working directly with children and modelling great practice.
Your safeguarding days will include:
- Leading day‑to‑day case management for safeguarding concerns at Acomb, maintaining accurate records and clear chronologies
- Acting as a key liaison with Children’s Social Care, the LADO, MASH, health visitors, family support workers and Early Help teams
- Attending and contributing to multi‑agency meetings (TAF, CIN, child protection conferences)
- Leading on Early Help assessments and the drafting and review of individual support plans
- Running safeguarding supervision with room leads holding active cases
- Being a consistent point of contact for parents engaging with services, alongside the Nursery Manager
- Managing the early stages of allegations against staff, escalating in line with policy
- Coordinating online safety, Prevent duty, and Operation Encompass at site level
- Maintaining the staff safeguarding training matrix and delivering in‑house refreshers
- Conducting quarterly safeguarding file audits and reporting to group leadership
- Staying current on legislation, guidance, and local safeguarding partnership procedures
Your room days will include:
- Planning and delivering engaging learning activities, with a strong focus on outdoor play and exploration
- Observing, assessing and supporting children’s individual learning journeys
- Acting as a key person and building strong, trusting relationships with families
- Creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment
- Working collaboratively as part of a positive, supportive team
- Being responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in your care
We’re Looking For Someone Who
- Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent)
- Has substantial early years experience, ideally with exposure to safeguarding cases, Early Help or supporting vulnerable families
- Communicates clearly in writing – case notes, referrals and support plans need to be accurate and concise
- Has the calm and confidence to handle difficult conversations with parents and staff
- Is resilient – safeguarding work carries emotional weight, and the role suits people who can carry that thoughtfully
- Is organised, methodical and discreet with confidential information
- Is a reflective practitioner who actively seeks supervision and feedback
- Shares our values and commitment to high‑quality childcare
- Has a genuine passion for outdoor learning and child‑led play
Desirable (or willing to obtain within three months of starting)
- Level 3/Advanced DSL training (we’ll fund this if needed)
- Experience chairing or contributing to multi‑agency meetings
- Working knowledge of local safeguarding partnership procedures
- Direct safeguarding lead experience is welcomed, but a willingness to grow into the role with strong support and training is just as important
What We Offer
- Being part of an award‑winning nursery that values excellence and innovation
- Top 10% pay in the area – up to £14.05 per hour
- 4‑day work week for full‑time staff – more time for you
- Extra holiday days for long‑standing team members
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Lifestyle discounts on groceries, travel, entertainment and more
- Employee Assistance Programme – mental health support and coaching
- Staff treats, events and parties – because we value you
- Free lunches, tea and snacks to keep you fueled
- Free uniform and on‑site parking
Muddy Boots is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment for staff and selection processes for potential employees are equitable and non‑discriminatory. All positions offered by Muddy Boots are subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check, as part of our safeguarding duties.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator employer: Muddy Boots Nurseries
Muddy Boots Acomb is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where innovation and excellence are celebrated. With competitive pay rates, a 4-day work week, and a range of benefits including enhanced family leave and lifestyle discounts, employees can enjoy a fulfilling career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The nursery's commitment to safeguarding and high-quality childcare ensures that educators are equipped with the necessary training and support to thrive in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Muddy Boots Acomb if you can. Familiarise yourself with the environment and think about how you can contribute to their ethos of outdoor learning and child-led play.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your safeguarding knowledge! Be ready to discuss specific safeguarding scenarios you've handled in the past. This will demonstrate your experience and reassure them that you can manage sensitive situations with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the team! During your interview, engage with the staff and show your enthusiasm for collaboration. Highlight your ability to work as part of a supportive team, as this is key in creating a positive environment for both children and colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about their approach to safeguarding and early years education. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Muddy Boots is the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for early years education and safeguarding shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in children's lives!
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your written communication is spot on! Use clear language and keep it concise, especially when discussing your experience with safeguarding and working with families. We appreciate straightforwardness.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the role by highlighting relevant experiences and skills that match what we’re looking for. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for Muddy Boots!
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, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Muddy Boots Nurseries
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding legislation and local procedures. Be ready to discuss your experience with safeguarding cases and how you've handled sensitive situations in the past. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely committed to child welfare.
✨Showcase Your Early Years Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles where you’ve planned engaging activities or supported children’s learning journeys. Highlight your ability to create a safe and stimulating environment, as this is crucial for the role. Use anecdotes to illustrate your passion for outdoor learning and child-led play.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since you'll need to write case notes and referrals, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few written examples to share during the interview. This will demonstrate your communication skills and attention to detail, which are essential for the position.
✨Be Ready for Tough Conversations
Expect questions about how you would handle difficult conversations with parents or staff regarding safeguarding issues. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to navigate sensitive discussions and be prepared to explain your approach. Showing that you can remain calm and confident under pressure will set you apart.
