At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate childcare team and ensure outstanding care for children.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a National Specialist Family Service in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Full-time hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on recovery-oriented care and ongoing learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading an innovative nursery.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and experience in team management required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Childcare Manager to lead our Outstanding Ofsted registered nursery and the childcare team at our National Specialist Family Service in Sheffield. This is a permanent, full‑time position. The focus of this role is to ensure that the nursery not only meets all regulatory requirements—both internally and externally—but continues to strive for excellence and maintain its current Outstanding Ofsted rating.
You will be responsible for the direct line management of the childcare team and any sessional childcare workers. You will contribute to service delivery and hold oversight of child safeguarding and parenting support. This role is based at the National Specialist Family Service in Sheffield Residential Service, and you will be expected to participate in an on‑call rota.
About You
- We are seeking an individual who enjoys bringing innovative ideas to life and is confident in taking on new and exciting challenges.
- A full and relevant Level 3 or higher childcare qualification (essential)
- Level 2 English and Maths (essential)
- Paediatric First Aid qualification (essential)
- Knowledge of Ofsted regulations and expectations in a childcare/nursery setting
- Knowledge of EYFS standards and strength‑based parenting support
- Experience of managing teams of internal staff and childcare students
- Experience or knowledge of working with families
- Experience or knowledge of working with individuals accessing substance use support/treatment
- Evidence of effective partnership working and the ability to network for the benefit of families and the service
- Determination, a drive to succeed, and a willingness to learn
- Passion and enthusiasm for making a real difference to the lives of the people we support
The Role
You will ensure that the childcare setting is delivered in line with recommended professional good practice and Phoenix Futures’ policies. You will maintain a recovery‑orientated approach to all aspects of the service and demonstrate a strong commitment to ongoing professional learning and development. Your team will support the day‑to‑day care of children in the nursery, ensuring positive parenting is promoted and that children receive the highest standard of care in an environment that supports a culture of recovery in line with a recovery‑orientated system of care.
This is a full‑time role, Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm, based at the Sheffield Family Residential Service. Participation in an on‑call rota is required to support staff and service delivery.
Childcare Manager in Sheffield employer: Phoenix Futures
At our National Specialist Family Service in Sheffield, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and professional growth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families while maintaining our Outstanding Ofsted rating. With ongoing training opportunities and a commitment to excellence, we empower our Childcare Manager to lead a dedicated team in a nurturing environment that prioritises both child development and staff wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Manager in Sheffield
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Phoenix Futures.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Phoenix Futures!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Phoenix Futures, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Phoenix Futures or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Phoenix Futures:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Phoenix Futures! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Futures
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
