At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative activities for young people with diabetes, boosting their confidence and wellbeing.
- Company: Join YMCA Heart of England, a charity making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, 29 days leave, and a birthday day off.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work and a passion for supporting young people.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel across Coventry, offering excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 21000 £ per year.
YMCA Heart of England are looking for a Head of Early Years to join the team. This is a hybrid role based across two hospital sites - University Hospital Coventry and St Cross Hospital in Rugby - with additional travel to other local venues such as community centres and schools across Coventry. The successful candidate will join us on a part time, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £15,000 per annum.
YMCA Heart of England is a Christian charity providing a range of life-changing services for the local community. With a turnover of over £7.5m, we house over 300 young people and support them to get their lives back on track. We also care for pre-school children in our nursery and run various social enterprises and community programmes. With over 100 staff and volunteers working for us and thousands of people using our many premises every year, we are an organisation committed to delivering the best possible service to our customers in line with our Christian ethos and values.
About The Head Of Early Years Role:
YMCA Heart of England is looking for two part-time Youth Workers to deliver a 12-month NHS-funded programme in partnership with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. You'll work with young people aged 12-19 living with diabetes, designing and delivering creative session activities that build confidence and improve wellbeing. The role includes supporting peer networks and working across hospital and community settings.
Key responsibilities of the Head of Early Years include:
- 1:1 and peer support activities for young people
- Identify support needs and develop tailored activity and intervention plans
- Create and maintain youth-friendly environments in clinics and community settings
- Work with external partners to expand activity options
- Support safeguarding and accurate record-keeping
- Represent the youth voice in multidisciplinary meetings and national networks
What we Offer our Head of Early Years:
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Travel expenses paid at 45p per mile
- 29 days annual leave (pro rata) including Bank Holidays plus an additional day after each year of completed service up to 5 days
- Workplace Pension scheme
- 20 days sick pay (pro rata)
- Life Assurance of 4 times your annual salary
- Day off for your Birthday
Closing date: Tuesday 3rd February 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. YMCA Heart of England is an independent Christian charity, a registered provider of social housing, and affiliated to the national and international YMCA Movement. As an organisation fully committed to the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, a thorough vetting process is carried out as part of the appointment process, including verification of qualifications, identity checks, references, and a DBS check as appropriate.
Head of Early Years in Rugby employer: YMCA Heart of England
Contact Detail:
YMCA Heart of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Early Years in Rugby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the early years sector, especially those connected to YMCA Heart of England. Attend local events or workshops to make connections and show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching YMCA Heart of England's values and services. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Since the role involves designing activities for young people, come up with a few fun ideas you could implement. This will demonstrate your initiative and understanding of the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the YMCA Heart of England team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Early Years in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Early Years role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially those related to working with young people and community settings.
Show Your Passion: YMCA Heart of England is all about making a difference in the community. Let your enthusiasm shine through in your application! Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications and fit for the role without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Heart of England
✨Know Your Values
YMCA Heart of England is a Christian charity, so it's crucial to understand their ethos and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of supporting the community.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your experience working with young people, especially in health-related contexts. Prepare specific examples of how you've designed and delivered activities that build confidence and improve wellbeing, as this will resonate well with the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations, such as identifying support needs or creating youth-friendly environments. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be ready to share your thought process and solutions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current programmes, how they measure success, or what challenges they face in delivering their services. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment.