Deputy Manager - Maternity Cover - Ashbourne
Ashbourne | Full-time | Fixed Term | €41,990 - €44,752.50 depending on experience
At Tigers Childcare, we don't just hire for roles - we hire for impact. Whether you work directly with children, support behind the scenes, or lead teams across services, your work helps shape a nurturing environment where children – and colleagues – can thrive.
Job Introduction
As the Deputy Manager and senior member of the childcare team, you will combine the practitioner role with management responsibilities, ensuring high quality and best practice standards are maintained at the service. You will work closely with the Manager and staff team.
Why We Do What We Do
Tigers Childcare creates exceptional environments where children thrive through play, exploration and meaningful relationships. With 27 centres and growing, we are one of Ireland’s leading childcare providers – committed to quality, inclusion and continuous improvement.
How You'll Make An Impact
* Deliver high‑quality full‑time early years care and education, leading your room and team to support children's holistic development.
* Ensure curriculum planning and learning experiences align with Aistear and Siolta, maintaining compliance and quality standards.
* Provide leadership and mentorship to your team, helping them support children's development and wellbeing.
* Contribute to a culture of professionalism, inclusion, safety and care within your room and across the centre.
Must-Haves
* To report to the Manager.
* Act as Designated Person in charge in the absence of the Manager.
* Responsible, in consultation with the Manager, for recruitment, management, training, motivation and performance of all staff.
* Ensure a dynamic emergent curriculum is delivered to meet the individual needs of children attending.
* Monitor and ensure that all agreed quality and safety standards are maintained at all times.
* Monitor all child protection issues; parents’ issues; complaints, near‑misses, incidents and accidents, and take remedial action immediately, recording and reporting as required.
* Support the Manager to develop the service to its full potential, enabling sourcing of additional funding and timely completion of applications.
* Keep up to date on matters relating to early childhood care and education generally.
* Establish, develop and maintain professional working relationships with all external agencies, including TUSLA and the Early Intervention Team.
* Review and monitor occupancy levels to ensure maximum capacity and financial sustainability.
* Maintain building hygiene to a high level.
* Serve as Designated First Aid Person, Deputy Designated Child Protection Liaison Person, and Designated Fire Safety Person.
* Be available to the Early Years inspector during inspections and provide all appropriate information.
Requirements
* Minimum Level 6 in childcare, Level 7/8 preferred.
* Minimum of 3 years post‑qualification experience in an early years setting, preferably in a supervisory or leadership role.
* In‑depth knowledge and understanding of inclusive early childhood education and care.
* Demonstrable knowledge of current legislation relevant to early years.
Salary & Benefits
* Competitive salary.
* FlyeFit Gym discounted.
* Exclusive Colleague Lifestyle & Learning Discount Platform.
* Access to HSF Health Plan with 10% discount benefit.
* Referral bonus for introducing new colleagues (250 euro).
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP); further development and training within the industry.
* 30 paid holiday days, including bank holidays (holiday increments based on length of service).
* 5 days statutory sick payment.
* Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
* Colleague Recognition Rewards (Tigers stripes Programme).
* Neuro‑divergent support.
* Educational assistance Programme for colleagues.
* Thorough onboarding induction Programme.
* Colleague Appreciation Days.
* Quarterly paid team meetings.
* Break room.
* On‑site Parking.
Let's Build Something Brilliant Together
If this sounds like your kind of role, we'd love to hear from you. Apply via our website.
All roles are subject to Garda Vetting and reference checks in line with regulatory requirements and Tigers Childcare's Safeguarding Policy. Tigers Childcare is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
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