Toddlers Room Lead - The Old Potting Shed

Toddlers Room Lead – The Old Potting Shed

We are looking for a Toddlers Room Lead to support the Manager in leading the toddler room, ensuring the highest quality of care for children aged 2‑3 years and building strong relationships with parents and the community. The role is permanent, full‑time (40hrs weekly) at a salary of £27,051.71.

Benefits

• 1 night free stay at a YMCA hotel
• 60% discount on childcare fees for children up to 3 years of age
• 20% discount on childcare for children over 3 for non‑funded hours
• Free and discounted places for children attending Day Camps
• 28 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays per year for full‑time staff
• Staff Pension
• Free parking
• Free gym membership – George Williams Centre, Bridgwater or The Beach Hotel Minehead
• Health Insurance for those working over 16 hours per week
• Charity Worker’s Discount at certain high street stores
• Training budget
• Monthly raffle
• Mental Health Support
• Access to Occupational Health Assessment
• Discount at our Wedding Venue, Barley Wood

Purpose

The post holder will support the Manager to lead the toddler room, actively ensuring the highest quality of care to children 2 to 3 years of age and continue to foster and build relationships with parents and the wider community.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide effective and engaging opportunities for children to learn through play experiences that are cohesive with EYFS and utilising the outdoors as much as possible.
• Provide a secure and stimulating environment where children can develop emotionally, intellectually, morally, physically, spiritually and socially at their own pace.
• Ensure that the development of each child is recognised; next steps identified and planned for effectively and consistently across the room and share these with parents and colleagues.
• Manage a key person system, carry out regular observations and record keeping in line with the revised EYFS.
• Communicate effectively and work in partnership with families and carers.
• Help maintain safety, security and wellbeing of the children in our care.
• Work positively with team members, advocating for high standards and role‑modeling best practice.
• Assist with the support and development of new staff, volunteers and students; provide theoretical and practical help with assessment.
• Carry out regular supervisions and 1:1s with the team, feeding back areas of support needed to management.
• Responsible for day‑to‑day management of the baby room under guidance of the Nursery Manager/Deputy.
• Ensure care and room routines are maintained and delivered effectively.
• Plan room moves and children’s transitions.
• Ensure all YMCA Dulverton Group policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Bring incidents, accidents, safeguarding concerns and equipment hazards to line manager’s attention.
• Attend and complete mandatory and any other training necessary.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of childcare legislation and practice; share with staff.
• Quality‑improve, reflect and implement changes needed to enhance the room.
• Deputise in the Manager/Deputy’s absence.
• Undertake any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Nursery Manager, Head of Early Years Education, Executive Directors, CEO or Board of Trustees.

Health and Safety

• Take reasonable care for safety of yourself and others; comply with safety rules and procedures and ensure nothing you do puts others at risk.
• Check that any person entering YMCA property has a right to do so and record the visit in accordance with YMCA procedures.

General

• Maintain and develop up‑to‑date professional knowledge and skills through training, reading and other activities, and incorporate it into practice.
• Work across the organisation to build a learning culture and positive working environment.
• Maintain commitment to YMCA vision, values and strategic aims.
• Manage health and safety issues in your area of responsibility.
• Comply with YMCA GDPR, confidentiality and information security policies.
• Undertake other duties reasonably consistent with the role.

YMCA Dulverton Group is committed to the protection and safeguarding of children and adults at risk and promoting their welfare. This post is subject to an enhanced level DBS Disclosure.

Person Specification

Qualifications And Experience

• Minimum Level 3 childcare qualification.
• Proven experience at an appropriate childcare setting.
• Strong understanding of developmental needs of children, including those with additional needs.
• Willingness to engage in continuous professional development.
• First aid qualification or willingness to train.
• Knowledge of health and safety and ability to complete risk assessments.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding good practice.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Committed to providing best quality opportunities to children and community.
• Empathy and enjoyment of working with children.
• Working knowledge of safeguarding practice.
• Effective team player.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Maintain good records and administration.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Good IT competency.
• Work on own initiative and lone work when required.
• Plan and implement in a busy environment.

Personal Qualities

• Relate positively to children, parents and staff.
• Appear punctual.
• Inspirational approach to helping young children develop through play.
• Demonstrate leadership and motivate others.
• Enthusiastic about the organisation’s work and values.
• Commitment to investing in development of team members.
• Ability to work to budgets.
• Work under pressure and strict deadlines.
• Commitment to equality and diversity.
• Creative, flexible approach.
• Professional, diplomatic, non‑judgemental.
• Motivate others and support Christian ethos of YMCA.
• Committed to continuous professional development.
• Self‑motivated, manage workload.
• Team player, build relationships with beneficiaries.
• Prioritise and manage conflicting demands.
• Resilient, proactive, responsible, balanced decisions.
• Anticipate need for change, introduce improvements.
• Adaptable to change.