Outdoor preschool / afterschool manager

Outdoor Preschool and Afterschool Manager
Seedling Nature Schools provide nature education for preschool and afterschool children. The service is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. during term time with 5 additional camp weeks per year. We spend almost all of our time outside throughout the seasons. This is not only possible, but great fun and a very rich experience for both children and adults thanks to wellies, rain pants and shelters. Our learning activities celebrate mud and rain as well as sunshine, wind, flowers, creatures and everything nature provides.
The Role
The Manager will be responsible for the overall management of the service, including staff supervision, compliance with all regulatory and funding requirements and curriculum development.
Key Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the service, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment where children thrive in nature.
Lead, manage, and support a team of childcare professionals, providing guidance and training as needed and supporting their efforts in implementing a nature based curriculum.
Manage government funding programs and ensure accurate reporting and documentation.
Ensure compliance with all government regulations, standards, and quality assurance frameworks.
Maintain and update records of children, including health, attendance, and developmental milestones.
Build strong relationships with parents and carers, communicating regularly about their child’s progress and any concerns.
Handle administrative duties, including scheduling, budgeting, and staffing.
Promote the nature-based approach of the service, ensuring that all safeguarding and health and safety policies are adhered to.
Be proactive in the role and engage in training and continuous professional development as required.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave of 25 days per year.
Enhanced sick pay.
Continuous professional development.
Tax free vouchers.
Pension contributions.
Mentoring in Forest School.
Regular staff outings.
A supportive team culture.
Discounted childcare.

Requirements
The successful candidate must have a minimum qualification at QQI level 7 in childcare or a related field. Experience in childcare management, a solid understanding of relevant government regulations, and a commitment to providing the best possible early years education are essential.
The ideal candidate is flexible and hardy, willing to work in wet gear, able to problem solve and to approach the role predominantly from an outdoor base. You must love being in nature and be passionate about children’s learning outdoors.
Training and experience in forest school, adventure or nature pedagogy are an advantage.
Rate of Pay
Salary 42 000.- per year on a contract with annualised hours. This is based on a 40 hour week (there may be more hours during busy weeks in term time and fewer hours during quieter weeks of the year).
Interviews will be held in early July.
Shortlisting may apply.
Seedling Nature Schools is an equal opportunities employer.
Contact Johanna Davis at 085-1560915 if you have any questions.
* Your Childcare Qualification must be recognized by the department on this list: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/dcediy-early-years-recognised-qualifications-september-2024.pdf
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