After School

Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Works Manager to oversee daily operations within our childcare facilities. The ideal candidate will possess strong management and leadership skills, with a passion for early childhood education and child development. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support the Manager, ensure high standards of care, and foster a safe, nurturing environment for children. Applicants should have relevant experience in childcare settings and excellent organisational abilities to manage staff schedules, compliance, and programme delivery effectively.

Special Requirement:

It is a requirement of the post that the individual meets the Minimum Standards of the Health & Social Care Board as a suitable person to manage a child care setting, including a satisfactory Fit Person Assessment by the HSCT. An enhanced Access NI disclosure and Health Declaration will be required.

To work closely with the ASC & Play Work Manager to provide leadership and management of North Down YMCA After School service. To support the day-to-day operation of After School service and deputise in the Managers absence to ensure a high level of care and customer service. To work with the ASC & play work Manager to motivate, lead and manage the staff team, working closely with the admin support and Play Work supervisors. To identify and implement areas of improvement to the service and investment into staff.

Responsibilities

Operational

• To assist with management and operational responsibility for the North Down YMCA After School operations which operates across two locations; ensuring all regulations and standards are met on a daily basis
• To appropriately plan, allocate and evaluate work carried out by the wider team
• To be an appointed Designated Child Protection Officer holding responsibility for management of safeguarding and child protection policies within the setting
• To assist the ASC & Play Work Manager to ensure all administration required for the provision of the service is done to a high standard and where necessary, delegated appropriately
• To assist and manage complex rotas, school pick-ups and daily planning for the service to a high degree of accuracy
• To assist and liaise with Early Years Team SEHSCT in regards inspection and registration of the After-School Provision.
• To assist the ASC & Play Work Manager to evaluate and organise information for action with the staff team. Regularly communicating information relevant to the setting
• To create and maintain a thriving environment for staff and children to flourish
• To contribute to the evaluation and implementation of proposed changes to services and systems
• To deliver a high setting occupancy, promoting the setting through local marketing in conjunction with the operations team, where necessary
• To work with the ASC & Play Work Manager & CEO on potential growth of the service through the existing site and/or additional sites or partnerships

Service Provision

• To assist maintaining and improving the service ensuring the highest standards of childcare are delivered at the settings
• To assist to build upon and ensure an effective parent engagement strategy, creating links for parental interactions / feedback
• To contribute to systems and regular feedback mechanisms with parents ensuring high engagement in user feedback
• To assist in planning, implement and evaluating play activities and experiences to promote children\’s learning and development across the setting ensuring staff are taking on responsibility
• To assist in ensure the setting is planning experiences and activities to promote the physical and emotional growth and development of all children
• To be able to drive YMCA or own a vehicle for school collections / trips as and when required

People Management

• To assist with the management of staff; recruiting and supervising directly managed posts, assisting with induction, training needs are identified and met, and staff supervision across the setting
• To assist with management of staff levels across the setting
• To assist with staff communication, ensuring effective flow of information and that staff are aware of key developments within the setting
• To promote a healthy working environment, leading by example, and being accessible so that staff feel listened to and supported
• To assist in the development and implementation of staff policies that ensure that best practice is followed in all areas
• To assist and advise on objectives for the team and to provide feedback to the team and individuals on their performance
• To ensure that all staff policies are followed within the setting and, when necessary assist in the implementation of informal and formal disciplinary and grievance procedures

Finance and Compliance

• To assist with systems and financial management of the setting\’s budget, including comprehensive financial records and an online booking system.
• To assist the ASC & Play Work Manager in the financial performance for the setting ensuring high occupancy and appropriate staffing levels are maintained
• To assist the ASC & Play Work Manager monitor and maintain the health, safety and security of the facilities for children, staff and parents alongside the Administration and Compliance Officer within YMCA
• To assist the ASC & Play Work Manager conduct thorough risk assessments of the setting and effectively ensure that relevant Health and Safety legislation is adhered to at the setting
• To assist the ASC & Play Work Manager and work closely with the admin and finance team to effectively manage monthly billing for parents

General

• Assist with establishing and maintain arrangements with parents for the provision of a child care service.
• To understand and work closely with statutory agencies including social services, government bodies and partners within the Early Years sector
• To play a key part in Team meetings working closely with the other staff/Senior Leadership Team/Programme Co-ordinators on promoting North Down\’s services to the community

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive summary of the responsibilities. The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties of a similar nature from time to time

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £26,000.00-£28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Private medical insurance

Application question(s):

• Level 5 Diploma in Playwork or Child Care Learning and Development; or a relevant occupational qualification in early years education, social work, nursing, teaching or health visiting

Third level education with a qualification in a relevant discipline (eg Early Childhood Studies)

Work Location: In person