At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in early years education, ensuring high-quality care for children.
- Company: Join North Ayrshire Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years education and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Start date 19th August 2026. This site operates from 8am to 6pm. Initial working pattern for this post is between the hours 8am - 4.30pm or 9.30am - 6pm Monday to Friday.
We may conduct our interviews in person or using Microsoft Teams for video calling. All you need is a device with a camera and access to the internet. We will provide guidance and instructions on how to use this method if your interview is being held virtually.
We are a disability confident leader and we support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
This post is based within Elderbank Primary School. To deputise for the Head Teacher and assist in the management and delivery of a quality education and care service for young children and their families. We are seeking to appoint an experienced and highly motivated Early Years Manager to lead the development and implementation of a new model of delivery.
The successful candidate will be a passionate and forward thinking professional with a strong commitment to high quality early learning and childcare. This role requires an effective leader with the vision, drive and interpersonal skills to establish practice, lead and inspire staff, and work collaboratively with families and partners to achieve positive outcomes for children.
Before you apply, find out a little bit about us and why we are a Great Place to Work.
Staff Values & Behaviours
North Ayrshire Council uses a behavioural based approach throughout the recruitment process. Our staff values of Focus, Passion & Inspiration will be explored for this vacancy.
Further information on our Staff Values and how to complete behaviour based application form questions is available.
Additional Information
- References: If this post requires references you will be notified of further details if you are successful in gaining an interview. Not providing relevant references when requested may delay the outcome of the interview process.
- PVG (Children): This post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to confirmation of employment being made by North Ayrshire Council. Please note, successful candidates will be expected to meet the cost of the relevant PVG check (£59 or £18), which will be deducted from your salary following commencement of employment.
For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit the relevant website. Please note if you are the successful candidate your name and email address will be entered into the Disclosure Scotland PVG system to generate your PVG form which will be issued to your email with an enclosed link to complete.
Our Workstyles
As an employer of choice, North Ayrshire Council has identified four different Workstyles. Each post in the council has been allocated one of these styles: In Building - More than 90% of time spent primarily at a single base or location. This post has been allocated the workstyle: In Building.
More information on our workstyles can be found in our HR Guide.
Early Years Manager: Lead Innovation in Childcare in Irvine employer: North Ayrshire Council
North Ayrshire Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and innovate within their roles, particularly in the vital area of early years education. The council's focus on values such as Focus, Passion, and Inspiration ensures that team members are not only valued but also empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Manager: Lead Innovation in Childcare in Irvine
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, check out North Ayrshire Council's values and behaviours. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Whether it’s in-person or via Microsoft Teams, rehearse common interview questions and your responses. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for early years education clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've inspired and led teams in the past. Highlighting your experience in developing innovative childcare practices will definitely catch their attention.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team. This shows your genuine interest and helps you determine if this is the right place for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Manager: Lead Innovation in Childcare in Irvine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to explore who we are at StudySmarter. Understanding our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through! Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your commitment to high-quality childcare and innovative practices.
Be Behavioural:Remember, we love a behavioural-based approach! Make sure to highlight instances where you've shown focus, passion, and inspiration in your previous roles. This will resonate well with our recruitment process.
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 there!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Ayrshire Council
✨Know Your Values
Familiarise yourself with North Ayrshire Council's staff values of Focus, Passion, and Inspiration. Think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate these values in action, as they will likely be explored during the interview.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since the recruitment process uses a behavioural-based approach, practice answering questions that start with 'Tell me about a time when...' or 'Give an example of...'. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Early Years Manager, you'll need to inspire and lead staff. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or implemented new initiatives in childcare settings.
✨Get Tech-Ready for Virtual Interviews
If your interview is via Microsoft Teams, ensure your device is set up with a working camera and microphone. Test your internet connection beforehand and choose a quiet, well-lit space to make a great impression.
