At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts while engaging directly with children in an outdoor nursery setting.
- Company: Join the award-winning Muddy Boots Acomb nursery, known for exceptional early years education.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14.05 per hour, enjoy a 4-day work week, and receive extra holiday days.
- Other info: Enjoy free lunches, mental health support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive, nature-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in safeguarding or supporting vulnerable families.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Muddy Boots Acomb
Salary: Up to £14.05 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.
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
What’s required?
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 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
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
- 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
Ready to Join the Muddy Boots Family? 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 in York employer: Muddy Boots Nursery
Muddy Boots Acomb is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in an award-winning outdoor nursery that prioritises both safeguarding and hands-on early years education. With a supportive work culture that values teamwork, growth, and responsibility, employees enjoy competitive pay, a 4-day work week, and numerous benefits including enhanced parental leave and lifestyle discounts. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality childcare while enjoying the great outdoors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator in York
✨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 stand for. It’s all about connecting with our ethos!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of your past experiences, especially those related to safeguarding and working with families. We love hearing real stories that demonstrate your skills and resilience in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role by asking about our approach to safeguarding or how we support our educators' growth. It’s a two-way street!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Muddy Boots family right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning:When you're writing your application, let your love for outdoor learning shine through! Share any experiences you've had that highlight your commitment to child-led play and how you’ve engaged children in nature.
Be Clear and Concise:We need to see your communication skills in action! Make sure your case notes, referrals, and support plans are accurate and to the point. This will show us you can handle the written aspects of the role with ease.
Highlight Your Safeguarding Experience:If you've got experience in safeguarding or working with vulnerable families, make it a focal point in your application. We want to know how you've navigated those challenges and what you've learned along the way.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Muddy Boots Acomb.
How to prepare for a job interview at Muddy Boots Nursery
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your safeguarding knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with current legislation, local procedures, and best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand its importance.
✨Showcase Your Outdoor Learning Passion
Since this role is all about outdoor education, be prepared to share your experiences and ideas related to outdoor learning. Think of specific activities you've planned or how you've engaged children in nature-based play. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for the nursery's ethos.
✨Prepare for Real-Life Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle specific safeguarding situations or difficult conversations with parents. Think through some scenarios in advance and consider how you would approach them. This will help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so highlight your teamwork and communication skills. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with colleagues, parents, or external agencies in the past. This will show that you can thrive in a supportive team environment.
