Join the team!

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At Kinder Croft our aim has been to create a positive and dynamic outdoor space for both children and staff to grow and learn together. If you are interested in becoming a part of our wonderful team we would love to hear from you and we often have opportunities coming up. 

We are always looking for volunteers even if just for half a day so if you are interested in getting involved then please get in touch via our contact page...

Current Vacancies

Nursery Manager

Job Description and Person Specification

Outdoor Nursery Manager
Closing date for applications: 10th Sept 2021
Salary: £16,000 (unqualified), £21,000 per annum (qualified). 35 hours a week, 38 weeks per year.
Location: Kinder Croft Outdoor Nursery, Leckmelm Wood, Ullapool, Ross-shire, IV23 2RH

Kinder Croft opened in September 2019 to provide outdoor daycare to 3-5 year olds in a woodland setting near Ullapool.  We are a Community Interest Company and have seen enrolments increase over the last 2 years so we are now seeking to appoint a new Manager to work with the existing team to deliver the increase in demand and the day to day running of the nursery.  We intend to increase opening hours to 4 days a week from August 2021.

Job Description

The manager will be responsible for delivering and co-ordinating a unique child centred service, which at its core places an emphasis on engaging in the natural environment. The manager will ensure that all children feel safe, secure and welcome whilst maintaining high quality care, support and learning. The manager will be expected to follow best practice by working in partnership with parents and children to develop and maintain a collaborative and responsive service. The manager will be expected to report to the board and work with us to fulfil our overall vision for the nursery.

It is expected that you will be on site for 24 hours a week, with one hour for professional development, which is flexible. We are planning the installation of a new site office this year, which is where you will primarily work from. This will allow you to be on site to provide support to staff as needed and to cover lunch breaks for 4 days a week, Tuesday to Friday. There may some flexibility with hours and home working so long as ratios on site are maintained and lunch breaks are covered.

You will be supported by the previous manager, who is moving into a practitioner role, and the Chair who will be working 3 days a week on overall business development.

• Key Responsibilities

• To deliver a child centred service within a caring, safe and welcoming environment

• To manage day-to-day operations of the Nursery

• To work with the board to develop and deliver their vision of child led, play based early years learning, following the nursery ethos and up to date national guidance.

• To effectively lead and manage the team including providing day to day guidance and support to all practitioners

• To support existing staff in appropriate record keeping and observations.

• To ensure all policies, procedures  are implemented and adhered to at all times and that these are kept up to date with the latest industry guidelines.

• To work in partnership with the Highland Council and fulfil all administrative tasks associated with our contract as a partner provider.

• To work in partnership with the local schools and liaise where there are transitions and split placements.

• To work in partnership with parents to engage them in the nursery and promote effective communication

•  To help develop our outdoor space into an interesting and engaging learning environment that facilitates child led play

• Administering first aid as and when required

• Plus any other duties required by the board

Person Specification

We are looking for an appropriately qualified and motivated Nursery Manager with great people skills.  You must be passionate about connecting with children and nature, love the outdoors and feel excited about the opportunity of working outside everyday in all seasons.

Essential Qualities

• You must have relevant experience and qualifications to register with the Scottish Social Services Council as a Manager of daycare of children. A provisional registration may be acceptable with the intent to complete further study within 5 years. For full up to date details of accepted qualifications please visit the SSSC website. If you are unsure whether you are qualified or not then please get in touch with us to discuss.

• You will be required to join the PVG scheme.

Desirable Qualities

• Have 2 years of experience in a similar management role

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of current early years policy.

• Have excellent communication skills and be a strong leader as well as a team player

• Have excellent organisational skills including short and long term planning.

• Be energetic, proactive, self-motivated and have attention for detail

• Have knowledge and interest in loose parts play theory and different pedagogies.

• Have a passion for working with young children and the outdoors.

If you feel this could be the job for you then we would love to hear from you.

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Please apply by sending a C.V. and cover letter to mplanterose@me.co.uk 

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Relief Childcare Practitioners