Deputy Leader

**About us**

Naíscoil Mhachaire Rátha is a small community focussed preschool in Maghera. We have a strong team culture and work diligently to support and nurture our staff to provide an enjoyable working environment.

We offer company pension, full paid holidays and opportunities for career progression.

To assist us in developing the high standard of care we provide our children, we are currently recruiting for the role of Deputy Leader:
To assist in the management and development of an Irish medium Naíscoil, assisting in the delivery of the pre-school curriculum and efficient running of the facility, deputising for the leader where required.

**Responsibilities**:

- Ensuring the overall wellbeing and safety of the children within your care, maintaining confidentiality of stakeholders at all times.
- Assistance in the planning, organisation and delivery of the pre-school curriculum, diligently observing and revising child management systems as necessary.
- Management / supervision of staff, volunteers and student placements within the setting.
- Liaison with appropriate statutory and advisory bodies, leader, parents and management committee to ensure all care provided is in line with HSCNI Minimum Standards (2012) and all necessary policies and procedures developed and implemented.
- Maintenance of all appropriate records and reports in accordance with statutory and management requirements in a timely fashion.
- Monitoring all equipment and resources in the setting, organisation of maintenance, repair or replacement where required within management agreed budgets while ensuring high standards of care and cleanliness are maintained for the setting.
- Working to and assisting in preparation of operational budgets.
- Effective and appropriate communication with parents of children using the setting.
- Assuring the Naíscoil is favourably presented at all times, partaking in activities, events and any other reasonable duties pertinent to the promotion of the setting
- Organisation, preparation and service of snacks, adhering to good standards of food hygiene
- Collaboration with relevant community, educational and advisory organisations with an aim of co-ordinating activities, to best promote our Gaeilge ethos.

**Essential Criteria**
- Currently holds or capacity to demonstrate working towards obtaining QCF Level 5 Children’s Care, Learning and Development in Leadership and management, QCF Level 5 in Playwork, or other equivalent qualification.
- At least 2 years paid employment in a children’s setting.
- A sound understanding of child development and children’s needs.
- An understanding of the HSCNI Minimum standards.
- Proficient level of written and spoken Irish.

**Desirable Characteristics**:

- Experience of supervision of staff / volunteers.
- Demonstrable ability to establish working relationships with parents and actively encourage their involvement.
- Ability to prepare information for staff, parents and stakeholders.
- First Aid.
- Child Protection Designated Officer training.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £11.00-£12.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- Language training provided

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

School type:

- Preschool

**Education**:

- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Nursery experience: 1 year (preferred)
- Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
- Management: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Maghera (required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Maghera: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person