Pre-School Deputy Leader

Pre-School Deputy Leader

Responsible to: Pre-School Leader
Location: Duncairn Complex, Duncairn Avenue, Belfast BT14 6BP
Hours: 30 hours per week (Pre-School hours are 8.30am - 12.30pm), termtime
Salary: NJC Scale 4 SCP 10 £27, 694 (Pro rata for 43.33 weeks per year)
Holidays: 25 days annual leave plus 12 days public holidays (pro rata). All holidays must be taken during school holiday periods. .

Job Purpose:

To support and participate in leading the day-to-day organisation and running of the 174 Trust Pre-School.

Job Duties

1. Educational Leadership: Participate in and support the implementation of the curriculum to meets the developmental needs of children aged 3- 4 years, ensuring it aligns with the NI Pre-School Curriculum and Minimum Standards.
2. Staff Management: Support Pre-School staff to create a positive learning environment and ensure that the preschool delivers high-quality provision.
3. Child Development: Observe and assess children's progress, developing planning and implementing individualised learning plans to support all areas of their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
4. Parent Engagement: Communicate regularly with parents about their child's development and involve them in the learning process through meetings, updates and events.
5. Safety and Compliance: Participate in creating a safe and nurturing environment for children, adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements. Support the implementation of all 174 Trust policies and procedures, including health and safety and safeguarding.
6. Programme Administration: Maintain accurate records of children's progress and attendance and manage classroom resources effectively.
7. Management responsibilities: As Deputy Leader, the postholder will be expected to

• Outwork the vision, values and strategy of The 174 Trust
• Support the Pre-School Leader to manage the preschool and deliver high-quality learning experiences.
• Lead projects, programmes or areas of work, as directed by the Pre-School Leader
• Work closely with colleagues to enable the 174 Trust to deliver its vision and strategy. This will include attending regular team meetings.
• Work with colleagues to ensure the implementation of all policies and procedures of the 174 Trust.

At the 174 Trust the Pre-School staff are part of the wider organisation and therefore on special occasions some unsociable hours and weekend work may be required.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT MEANT TO BE DEFINITIVE AND IS OPEN TO MODIFICATION TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS

Personnel Specification: Pre-School Deputy Leader

Essential Criteria:

• QCF level 5 CCLD in Early Years Care & Education or working towards, or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years' experience working in a PSEP setting in a paid capacity
• Experience in planning and implementing the NI Pre-school Curriculum Guidelines and Minimum Standards
• Experience of inspection and quality assurance processes
• Knowledge of child development, including age-appropriate areas of learning and an understanding of the importance of parental involvement in early years
• Experience of developing long, medium and short term planning for early years setting
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills with children and adults
• Commitment to 174 Trust's vision and values
• Understand the importance of confidentiality in matters relating to children, families, staff members and committee matters
• Current safeguarding and paediatric First Aid certificates or willing to complete this training prior to starting
• Good IT skills Desirable criteria:
• A degree in Early Years Childhood Studies or equivalent
• Previous paid experience in a management or supervisory role in an Early Years setting

Interested applicants please submit your CV, via clicking the apply icon.

Closing date: Monday 7 th September 2026 at 9:00am