Childcare Manager

Square One is looking for a Manager/ess  qualified to level 7 or 8 to work in our Childcare Facilities. This is a full time role in a Kilkenny's longest established childcare facility. We are seeking to appoint a Manageress to manage two facilities we operate. The role will include administration of TUSLA & HIVE Portals and assisting in ensuring full compliance with Childcare Regulations. Providing the outer face of Square One & Tus Maith Facilities with Parents and Regulating Authorities.

Square One offer a very friendly and supportive work environment. We've consistently have had a multicultural staff blend and for many years featuring Spanish staff who we've always found to have great personalities and importantly a kindness and love of Children.

In terms of employment we would offer a competitive salary, statutory sick pay, 30 days holidays incl of bank holidays. We support and encourage continuous professional development.

Beyond the above the benefit of living in Kilkenny one of Irelands best locations which has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant night life.

The job requires firstly a level 7-9 Childcare qualification . Please can applicants check their Qualification against the  Early Years recognised Qualifications published by  7e11c357-a461-4dbd-8daa-cf72a2ec0d75.pdf (www.gov.ie)

The creche Manager will be responsible for the efficient running of the crèche on a day to day basis. He/She will provide a safe, stimulating and child centred environment to ensure that all children’s developmental needs are being meet. The leader/manager will ensure that all members of the team work effectively and professionally under their guidance and supervision, and in accordance with the creches polices and procedures. Partnership with parents/primary carers is an essential part of this role. This role requires a democratic leader, fair and caring, to staff, children and parents.

Some key Features of the Role are Noted Below;

Leadership & Management:

• Ensure that all staff members follow all policies and procedures.
• Supervision of volunteers and students on placement.
• Review, update and further develop policies and procedures in conjunction with management committee and staff annually and more often if required.
• Conduct support and supervision for staff.
• Organise staff rota.
• Operate an annual leave and training request system for staff.

Welfare & Development of the Child.

• The leader/manager is responsible for the overall safety and welfare of the children, and staff.
• Work directly with children accessing the service.
• Ensure that the Children First Guidelines are being followed in relation to child protection concerns.
• Understand the role and function of the child protection Designated Officer.
• The manager in conjunction with staff should formulate a daily routine for the children which offer a wide variety of play activities. This will allow for the creative, physical, imaginative, social, sensory, emotional, intellectual and linguistic development of the child.
• Ensure that appropriate curriculum is being implemented as planned.
• The manager should ensure that the room(s) is set up before each session and tidied up at the end in accordance with daily routine plans and activities, this may be done through delegation and team work.
• Every morning, head count of each room should be carried out in case of emergency.
• Ensure a file is kept on each child including details such as contact details for parents/guardians, medical issues, allergies, dietary requirements and any other relevant information. A separate file should be kept on child observations regarding child’s development, behaviour and progress, these should be kept in locked file.
• Ensure that regular observations are carried out on each child and that appropriate notes are kept and parents updated regarding same.
• Ensure that infringements outlined in the Pre-School Inspection report are followed up and rectified (liaise with management committee).
• Ensure that the principle of confidentiality is fully observed by all staff members in relation to any personal details regarding the children and staff.
• Participate in Siolta National Quality Framework to continuously aim to improve the quality of the service. This will be done with other staff members with support from the management committee.

Financial/Administrative:

• The selection and ordering of suitable and appropriate materials/equipment within assigned budget.
• Collection of weekly /monthly fees from parents.
• Keeping of receipts book.
• Administration of petty cash budget.
• Paying of staffs salaries.

Health & Safety:

• Ensure that the service is operating to the standard and above of the Pre-School Regulations 2006.
• Ensure that the first aid box is always stocked up, one present every room.
• Ensuring that fire drills are organised on a monthly basis.
• Be aware of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2005 and its contents.
• Ensure that the environment is safe and free from hazardous conditions for both the children and other staff members.
• Record any incidents/accidents that happen in the setting.
• Ensure that management committee is informed of possible health and safety concerns for them to rectify.
• Know who the Safety officer is.
• Ensure that the services safety statement is on display at all times.
• First aid certificate must be up to date, must ensure there is always a person present on premises with first aid training.
• All fire escapes must be checked each evening.

Communication:

• Ensure parents are updated regarding child’s progress on daily/weekly.
• Involve parents as much as possible in activities/outings/events within playschool
• Ensure parents are fully informed of services policies and any developments.
• Hold staff meetings every two weeks
• The leader/ manager should meet with either full management committee or staff liaison officer from the management committee once a month.
• The leader/manager should understand that the management committee is his/her employer and that they will work in partnership with manager regarding basic policies, rules, fees etc.
• The leader/ manager should be aware of and understand the relationship between the management committee; he/she should know who is responsible for what.
• The leader/ manager will refer to/liaise with the local County Childcare Committee for additional support and to access training for him/her and staff members.

Training & Personal Development:

• Renew/update first aid and child protection training when certificate has expired.
• The leader/manager must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development –attending training, events, seminars etc at the request of management committee and also by your own initiative. This training may take place out of hours and an allowance may be available from the management committee depending on available funding. .

In terms of employment we would offer a competitive salary, statutory sick pay, 30 days holidays incl of bank holidays. We support and encourage continuous professional development.

Beyond the above the benefit of living in Kilkenny one of Irelands best locations which has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant night life.