At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts while engaging directly with children in an outdoor nursery setting.
- Company: Join our award-winning outdoor nursery, Muddy Boots Acomb.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14.05/hour, enjoy a 4-day work week, and receive extra holiday days.
- Other info: Enjoy free lunches, mental health support, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in nature.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in safeguarding preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28 - 28 £ per hour.
Join our award-winning outdoor nursery in a brand-new role that combines safeguarding leadership with hands-on practice - working a 4-day week, paid in the top 10% locally, and supported to grow your career within our nurseries across York and Leeds.
At Muddy Boots Acomb, we’re proud to be an award-winning nursery, recognised for delivering exceptional early years education through meaningful outdoor learning. Everything we do is guided by our core values - Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork and Responsibility - and they shape how we care for children, support families and look after each other as a team.
We’ve created this role because we believe safeguarding deserves real time, attention, and expertise - not squeezed in around everything else. The right person will be an experienced Level 3 educator ready to step into safeguarding leadership while keeping their feet (muddy!) firmly in the rooms with the children.
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.
- 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
- 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
What’s required?
- 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 you’ll be well supported, but 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
- 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
What we offer
- Be 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 & adoption pay
- Lifestyle discounts on groceries, travel, entertainment & more
- Employee Assistance Programme – mental health support & coaching
- Staff treats, events & parties – because we value YOU!
- Free lunches, tea & snacks to keep you fuelled
- Free uniform & on-site parking
If you love the idea of working in an award-winning nursery where the great outdoors is at the heart of everything we do, we’d love to hear from you!
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 Nursery
Muddy Boots Acomb is an award-winning outdoor nursery that prioritises excellence in early years education while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer competitive pay, a 4-day work week, and numerous benefits including enhanced parental leave and mental health support, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to thrive and make a meaningful impact on children's lives.
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's values and mission. When you walk in for your interview, show us how your passion for outdoor learning and child-led play aligns with what we do at Muddy Boots. It’s all about connecting with our ethos!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of your past experiences, especially around safeguarding and working with children. We love hearing real stories that demonstrate your skills and how you’ve handled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy! Ask us questions during the interview. Whether it’s about our approach to safeguarding or how we support our team, showing curiosity tells us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our award-winning team.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Muddy Boots Acomb.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for outdoor education! Share any experiences you have that highlight your love for nature and child-led play. We want to know how you can bring that passion to our nursery!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clear communication, especially when it comes to safeguarding. Make sure your application is well-structured and free of jargon. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase your experience in early years education and safeguarding. Whether it’s case management or working with families, make sure to detail your relevant skills and how they align with what we’re looking for at 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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Muddy Boots Nursery
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and procedures. Familiarise yourself with local safeguarding partnerships and be ready to discuss how you've handled safeguarding cases in the past. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about child welfare.
✨Showcase Your Outdoor Learning Passion
Since this role is all about outdoor education, think of specific examples where you've incorporated outdoor play into your teaching. Be prepared to share how you engage children in learning through nature, as this aligns perfectly with the nursery's values.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
This position requires collaboration with various professionals. Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively in a team, especially in multi-agency settings. Highlight your communication skills and how you build relationships with colleagues and families.
✨Be Ready for Tough Conversations
Expect questions about handling difficult conversations, whether with parents or staff. Think of scenarios where you've navigated sensitive discussions and how you maintained professionalism and empathy. This will show your resilience and ability to manage emotional situations.
