Our preschool
Kingdom Preschool in Whitfield, near Dover, is a full-day care nursery school providing fantastic, affordable childcare between the ages of 3 months and 5 years. Established in 2016, the setting is unrivalled locally, boasting bright, individual rooms that are not only beautifully – and functionally – designed, but also equipped with all the age-appropriate resources a baby or toddler could ever need for play, development and learning.
Alongside our safe and spacious outdoor areas, which are perfect for exploration, physical activities or quiet recreation, we also offer children the all-year-round use of our fully accredited forest school, which is nestled in our very own woods directly behind the main building. And the icing on the cake (literally) are our fantastic in-house chefs, who prepare us all delicious and freshly cooked meals in the on-site professional kitchen.
The opportunity
As a result of the preschool’s continued expansion, we are recruiting for an exciting managerial position. Kingdom Preschool is a large setting (170 children on roll), and the successful applicant will be key to supporting the setting’s manager in achieving our vision and values. The time is right now to employ a second deputy manager to share the workload. Because we are a large setting this is a demanding senior leadership role. We are therefore looking for an individual with at least two years’ experience in a leadership role within an Early Years setting who is keen to develop their career within senior management.
The Deputy Managers are responsible for leading, guiding, and supporting a group of 30 Early Years professionals. The role involves overseeing the planning, delivery, and assessment of high-quality Early Years education to foster a nurturing and engaging environment that promotes the development of children. Our deputies work closely with staff, parents, and external professionals to ensure that their needs are met and that every child receives the best start in their educational journey.
Key responsibilities:
Leadership and management
Leading a team of Early Years practitioners, support staff and apprentices, providing guidance and mentorship to ensure the highest standards of care and education. Developing and coaching each staff member through a personalised development plan and carrying out their supervision meetings. Developing, implementing, and monitoring personalised learning plans for children within the setting. Managing the setting’s daily operations, working closely with the room leaders, and supporting them in maintaining a positive, well-managed environment, fostering teamwork and professional growth. Curriculum design and implementation
Overseeing the delivery of a developmentally appropriate and engaging curriculum aligned with government legislative Early Years frameworks and other pedagogies such as Forest School, Froebelian Principles and Reggio Emilia. Planning and delivering a variety of activities that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in children, across the cohort. Adapting and differentiating teaching approaches based on individual learning needs, ensuring all children are challenged and supported. Assessment and progress monitoring
Monitoring and assessing all children's progress using observations, assessments, and feedback from parents across the cohort. Ensuring the team’s effective use of tracking tools to record and evaluate children's development, planning next steps in collaboration with other educators. Leading and contributing to weekly reviews and management meetings to discuss children's progress, staff team's progress, share observations. Safeguarding and welfare
Taking on the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring that the safety and well-being of all children is a top priority. Implementing safeguarding policies and procedures to protect children, reporting concerns to designated safeguarding leads as required. Promoting an inclusive environment. Parental engagement and communication
Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with parents and carers, fostering collaboration and open communication about children's progress. Organising and leading regular meetings with parents to discuss their child’s development, concerns, and achievements. Providing guidance and support to families, especially those with children requiring additional help or intervention. Professional development
Staying informed of the latest Early Years research, trends, and best practices, incorporating these into the curriculum and teaching strategies. Participating in relevant training opportunities and professional development to enhance leadership skills and knowledge in early years education. Supporting the professional development of the team, providing coaching, feedback, and opportunities for further training. Key requirements A Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education (or equivalent) is essential; a Level 5 or higher qualification (e.g., BA in Early Childhood Education or equivalent) is desirable. Additional certifications in safeguarding, first aid, or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) training are beneficial. Proven experience in Early Years education, with a strong understanding of child development. At least 2 years’ experience in a leadership or senior practitioner role within an Early Years setting. Experience in working with children who have additional learning needs is advantageous. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build strong, supportive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently. Ability to lead a team, providing motivation, guidance, and feedback. Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Knowledge of relevant Early Years frameworks and safeguarding practices. A nurturing, compassionate, and patient attitude, with a passion for working with young children. Occasional evenings or weekends for parent meetings or professional development opportunities may be required. The successful candidate will receive: Salary of £31,500 per annum 30 days holiday per annum Loyalty bonus Opportunities for training and career advancement for those keen to embrace responsibility Valued support, training and mentoring from a great management team A team of supportive and dedicated colleagues, providing a safe and friendly working environment that feels like a family Uniform provided by us Paid paperwork time, away from ratio Regular (paid for) staff social events Free on-site parking Competitive company benefits including company pension and health & well being programme which includes access to BUPA mental health support scheme Company ethos Our not-for-profit company promotes a loving and caring faith ethos for all. It has been established on Biblical foundations; praying with staff and children each day, singing worship songs, and reading bible stories is part of who we are. Whilst the position would therefore be perfect for a committed Christian, this is by no means mandatory, and we would like to hear from any applicant willing to uphold our values and demonstrate our beliefs, in line with our company's constitution. How to apply In the first instance, please email your CV to Laura Rigden at laura@kingdompreschool.org.uk stating in the email why you would be ideal for this position and what full and relevant qualifications you hold. Please note that successful candidates will be contacted for an initial interview and viewing of the setting, so please also let us know of your availability for this when you apply. We are committed to safeguarding so all positions within our company are subject to our safer recruitment policy and will require references, DBS checks and proven, relevant qualifications. You will also be required to sign up to the DBS update service. Job Type: Full-time Pay: £31,500.00 per year Benefits: Additional leave Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Schedule: Monday to Friday Education: Diploma of Higher Education (preferred) Experience: Management: 2 years (preferred) Licence/Certification: Driving Licence (preferred) Work Location: In person
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Leading a team of Early Years practitioners, support staff and apprentices, providing guidance and mentorship to ensure the highest standards of care and education. Developing and coaching each staff member through a personalised development plan and carrying out their supervision meetings. Developing, implementing, and monitoring personalised learning plans for children within the setting. Managing the setting’s daily operations, working closely with the room leaders, and supporting them in maintaining a positive, well-managed environment, fostering teamwork and professional growth. Curriculum design and implementation
Overseeing the delivery of a developmentally appropriate and engaging curriculum aligned with government legislative Early Years frameworks and other pedagogies such as Forest School, Froebelian Principles and Reggio Emilia. Planning and delivering a variety of activities that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in children, across the cohort. Adapting and differentiating teaching approaches based on individual learning needs, ensuring all children are challenged and supported. Assessment and progress monitoring
Monitoring and assessing all children's progress using observations, assessments, and feedback from parents across the cohort. Ensuring the team’s effective use of tracking tools to record and evaluate children's development, planning next steps in collaboration with other educators. Leading and contributing to weekly reviews and management meetings to discuss children's progress, staff team's progress, share observations. Safeguarding and welfare
Taking on the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring that the safety and well-being of all children is a top priority. Implementing safeguarding policies and procedures to protect children, reporting concerns to designated safeguarding leads as required. Promoting an inclusive environment. Parental engagement and communication
Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with parents and carers, fostering collaboration and open communication about children's progress. Organising and leading regular meetings with parents to discuss their child’s development, concerns, and achievements. Providing guidance and support to families, especially those with children requiring additional help or intervention. Professional development
Staying informed of the latest Early Years research, trends, and best practices, incorporating these into the curriculum and teaching strategies. Participating in relevant training opportunities and professional development to enhance leadership skills and knowledge in early years education. Supporting the professional development of the team, providing coaching, feedback, and opportunities for further training. Key requirements A Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education (or equivalent) is essential; a Level 5 or higher qualification (e.g., BA in Early Childhood Education or equivalent) is desirable. Additional certifications in safeguarding, first aid, or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) training are beneficial. Proven experience in Early Years education, with a strong understanding of child development. At least 2 years’ experience in a leadership or senior practitioner role within an Early Years setting. Experience in working with children who have additional learning needs is advantageous. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build strong, supportive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently. Ability to lead a team, providing motivation, guidance, and feedback. Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Knowledge of relevant Early Years frameworks and safeguarding practices. A nurturing, compassionate, and patient attitude, with a passion for working with young children. Occasional evenings or weekends for parent meetings or professional development opportunities may be required. The successful candidate will receive: Salary of £31,500 per annum 30 days holiday per annum Loyalty bonus Opportunities for training and career advancement for those keen to embrace responsibility Valued support, training and mentoring from a great management team A team of supportive and dedicated colleagues, providing a safe and friendly working environment that feels like a family Uniform provided by us Paid paperwork time, away from ratio Regular (paid for) staff social events Free on-site parking Competitive company benefits including company pension and health & well being programme which includes access to BUPA mental health support scheme Company ethos Our not-for-profit company promotes a loving and caring faith ethos for all. It has been established on Biblical foundations; praying with staff and children each day, singing worship songs, and reading bible stories is part of who we are. Whilst the position would therefore be perfect for a committed Christian, this is by no means mandatory, and we would like to hear from any applicant willing to uphold our values and demonstrate our beliefs, in line with our company's constitution. How to apply In the first instance, please email your CV to Laura Rigden at laura@kingdompreschool.org.uk stating in the email why you would be ideal for this position and what full and relevant qualifications you hold. Please note that successful candidates will be contacted for an initial interview and viewing of the setting, so please also let us know of your availability for this when you apply. We are committed to safeguarding so all positions within our company are subject to our safer recruitment policy and will require references, DBS checks and proven, relevant qualifications. You will also be required to sign up to the DBS update service. Job Type: Full-time Pay: £31,500.00 per year Benefits: Additional leave Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Schedule: Monday to Friday Education: Diploma of Higher Education (preferred) Experience: Management: 2 years (preferred) Licence/Certification: Driving Licence (preferred) Work Location: In person
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