Early years room leader in Swindon

The Room leader is responsible for assisting the Manager/Deputy in the day to day running of the pre‑school. The role requires the organisation of learning materials and resources; using them imaginatively and economically. The Room leader will assist in the development of children’s personal/social and language abilities; support the development of basic skills including physical co‑ordination, speech and communication; encourage mathematical and creative development through stories, songs, games, drawing and imaginative play and develop children’s curiosity and knowledge. They will assist in ensuring staff and children and their parents are happy, that pre‑school is attaining standards of education and care required by governing bodies and that the pre‑school is visible in the local community. To work as a key person and as part of the pre‑school team under the direction of the manager/deputy. To provide safe, high quality education and care for young children which meets the individual needs of children attending the setting. In absence of the Pre‑School Manager/deputy he/she will step up to support the pre‑school’s day to day operation.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the staff by example in ensuring a very high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual education and care for the children of the pre‑school.
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) within the pre‑school setting and ensure training/meetings are attended where necessary.
• Support the Manager/Deputy in providing advice and support for all personnel within the pre‑school, either as individuals or in the staff’s day to day duties.
• Ensure Tapestry, our online learning journal, is kept up to date alongside the manager/deputy.
• Systems of observation and record keeping are followed so that children’s attainment and progress is effectively and regularly assessed; and to monitor effectiveness of these procedures.
• Be responsible for keeping individual record files for each of the children in their key person group.
• Support the manager/deputy in policy and procedure implementation within the pre‑school.
• Help obtain and order resources and ensure the pre‑school runs efficiently.
• Maintain close liaison with all primary schools, especially during the transition to school period, including the writing of the children’s transition reports to school.
• Attend and actively participate within staff/leaders meetings, attend training/other meetings as required and take responsibility for personal development.
• Attend pre‑school parent consultation events and open days as organised by the Manager.
• Work as part of a team and support colleagues and be flexible with the working practices of the pre‑school.
• Be prepared to help when other areas of the pre‑school may be short staffed or with other duties as specified by the Manager/Deputy.
• Understand and have knowledge of some duties and responsibilities of the manager/deputy in order to implement these in their absence.
• Assist the manager/deputy with staff appraisals and staff supervision meetings.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Chair or the management committee, in accordance with the pre‑school’s objectives.
• Implement and oversee the planning of the curriculum using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for guidance.
• Set up for the daily session and tidy away at the end of the session.
• Act as a key person to a small group of children, liaising closely and building an effective relationship with parents/carers and ensuring each child’s needs are recognised and met.
• Work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members.
• Advise the Manager/Deputy of any concerns, e.g. health and well‑being of children, parents or the safety of equipment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.
• Support children’s learning, offering an appropriate level of guidance and stimulating play experiences.
• Ensure children are kept safe and understand when to follow child protection procedures.
• Support meal times within the setting by making this time of day interactive and a social event, and ensure children’s dietary requirements are met.
• Ensure the kitchen is kept hygienically clean and tidy throughout the day.
• Keep completely confidential any information regarding the children, their families or other staff, which is required as part of the job.

Person specification – Essential criteria

• At least two years’ proven experience of working in an early years care and education setting – ideally in a leadership role.
• Minimum Level 3 early years education and childcare qualification or equivalent.
• Sound understanding of child development, and of children’s needs.
• Detailed knowledge of current legislation relevant to the early years.
• Ability to comply with the requirements placed on the setting by the EYFS.
• Ability to work in partnership with parent and families to encourage their involvement.
• Ability to effectively lead and manage a team of adults, including conducting performance management processes e.g. supervision meetings, appraisals and setting objectives.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuously promoting a culture of safeguarding.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and an understanding of equality and diversity issues.
• Knowledge of data protection and information management practices and their application within the setting.