At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support childcare settings, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 2-3.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to high-quality early years provision in the Vale of Glamorgan.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, job security until 2028, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with a friendly team and participate in ongoing training and reflective practice.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on families and children through a Welsh Government initiative.
- Qualifications: Minimum three years' experience in pre-school settings and NVQ Level 4/QCF 5 in Childcare.
The predicted salary is between 32597 - 36363 £ per year.
Responsible for supporting two childcare settings in the Vale of Glamorgan. Provide day‑to‑day leadership, ensuring high‑quality, safe, stimulating and nurturing environments for children aged 2‑3 years.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and support a team of apprentice childcare workers within the Flying Start settings; coordinate placements and ensure enriched learning opportunities.
- Organise peer support development sessions for apprentices, linking into training and providing opportunities to lead on activities.
- Model good practice, mentor leaders and embed high‑quality care into daily practice.
- Embed universal strategies into daily practice, model effective use and adaptation for individual children.
- Work closely with the Early Years Advisor to maintain and exceed quality standards.
- Lead term‑ly transition sessions for children and parents scheduled to attend the childcare setting.
- Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and reflective practice to develop skills and knowledge.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum three years of experience working with children in a pre‑school setting.
- Experience with the CIW inspection process.
- Minimum NVQ Level 4/QCF 5 in Childcare Learning and Development (CCLD) or equivalent, with leadership and management units or advanced practitioner status.
- A good general education.
- Experience supervising staff.
- Motivation and enthusiasm for the post and an understanding of the tasks required.
- Friendly and approachable manner; able to communicate with a range of professionals and parents.
- Ability to drive/travel throughout the Vale or between locations as appropriate.
- Ability to speak and communicate in Welsh is desirable.
Additional Information
- Day‑to‑day responsibility for two childcare settings, working closely with another Senior Childcare Leader, a Childcare Manager and the Advisory Team to ensure continuity of approach, effective environments and engaging experiences.
Benefits
- Professional development: ongoing training and reflective practice sessions.
- Positive impact: be part of a Welsh Government initiative that supports families and children.
- Team environment: supportive, friendly team committed to high‑quality early years provision.
- Job security: programme funded until March 2028.
Compensation & Working Hours
- Pay Details: Grade 7 (SCP 20‑25) £32,597 – £36,363 pro‑rata.
- Hours of Work / Working Pattern: 37 hours per week, 42 weeks term time (plus 3 weeks to be agreed).
- Main Place of Work: Barry.
- Temporary Reason: Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded project, currently until 31 March 2028.
Flying Start Senior Childcare Leader - Temporary / Fixed Term in Barry employer: Vale of Glamorgan Council
As a Senior Childcare Leader within the Flying Start Programme, you will join a supportive and friendly team dedicated to providing high-quality early years provision in the Vale of Glamorgan. With a strong emphasis on professional development and reflective practice, this role offers meaningful opportunities to impact the lives of children and families while enjoying job security through Welsh Government funding until 2028. The collaborative work culture fosters growth and encourages innovative practices, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about childcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flying Start Senior Childcare Leader - Temporary / Fixed Term in Barry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your experience with children, including any projects or activities you've led. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to childcare leadership. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios, like supporting apprentices or ensuring quality standards, and be ready to share your insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our supportive team dedicated to high-quality early years provision.
We think you need these skills to ace Flying Start Senior Childcare Leader - Temporary / Fixed Term in Barry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Childcare:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see your motivation and understanding of the role, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to providing high-quality care.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Childcare Leader position. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their leadership skills and experience in a pre-school setting, so be sure to highlight those aspects in your application.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vale of Glamorgan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Flying Start Programme and its objectives. Brush up on your knowledge about early years education, especially for children aged 2-3 years. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared to lead in a high-quality childcare setting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience supervising staff and mentoring apprentices. Prepare specific examples of how you've modelled good practice and led teams in previous roles. This will help demonstrate your capability to support and develop others in the childcare environment.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and the specific challenges they face. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also keen to contribute positively to their team.
✨Reflect on Your Experiences
Think about your past experiences with CIW inspections and how you’ve maintained quality standards. Be prepared to share how you’ve implemented strategies to enhance learning opportunities for children. This reflection will highlight your commitment to high-quality care and education.