Deputy Playleader Safer Recruitment Form

Safer Recruitment Application

Deputy Playleader: Rodborough Playgroup

Who are we?

We are a friendly and popular community playgroup situated on the edge of Rodborough Common. We provide childcare for children between the ages of 2 years, 6 months, and 4 years.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a candidate who can bring energy, creativity and dedication to this key role of Deputy Playleader. Responsibilities include leading sessions, supporting our Playleader in the management and running of Playgroup, and sharing best practice.

We welcome applications from people who have experience as a Deputy Playleader or can demonstrate their ability to take on extra responsibility.

If you have strong leadership qualities and can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to shape and develop our playgroup, we would love to hear from you.

A level 3 qualification or above in early years is essential and 2 years' experience at this level is desirable. We will provide access to excellent in-house and professional training.

Hours of work

Our hours are generally between 8:15 and 15:30. Pay will be dependent on experience but in the range of £14-£15.50 per hour.

The position will be contracted for 36.25 hours per week, in term time only.

We can offer some flexibility on start and finish times, and on contracted hours.

This role will involve regular days where the candidate is in operational charge of the setting, so would suit someone looking to progress into a management position.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Deputy Playleader
Employed by: Rodborough Playgroup
Accountable to: Committee
Line Manager: Playleader Manager

The Deputy Playleader will assist the Playleader in the overall running of the setting and take responsibility for the setting in the Manager’s absence.

They will help fulfil legal and statutory requirements and will both contribute to and implement the setting’s policies, so we provide a safe, caring and high-quality environment for children.

1. EYFS Curriculum & Child Development

Learning & Play: Plan, deliver, and evaluate stimulating, inclusive play-based activities aligned with the EYFS framework.
Assessment & Key Person Role: Act as a Key Person, observing and recording individual development, maintaining learning journeys, and supporting Rising 5s school transitions.
Inclusive Care: Foster positive behavior, promote equal opportunities, and implement tailored plans for children with special educational or medical needs.

2. Leadership, Operations & Staff Support

Management Support: Assist the Playleader in day-to-day operations, setting long-term goals, managing agreed budgets, and recruiting team members.
Team Mentoring: Allocate work, mentor Play Assistants, conduct appraisals, support ongoing staff development, and lead staff meetings when required.
Daily Setup & Administration: Oversee daily opening/closing procedures, equipment maintenance, volunteer inductions, and accurate record-keeping (attendance, registers, incident logs).

3. Safeguarding, Health & Safety

Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Serve as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), enforcing strict child protection policies, staff training, and Ofsted/statutory compliance.
Safety & Risk Assessment: Maintain a safe environment, conduct risk assessments, manage allergy information, oversee regular fire drills, and liaise with Social Services and health professionals.
Medication & Health: Record and administer medications in accordance with individual health plans and setting policies.

4. Parent Partnership & Community Engagement

Family Communication: Maintain warm, regular communication with parents/carers regarding child progress, setting updates, and setting events.
Committee & Community Liaison: Attend committee meetings as requested, assist with trips/outings, and support fundraising initiatives and grant applications.

Surname

Other names

Address

Postcode

Home telephone

Work telephone

Email address

Education and training

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY — EMPLOYER 1

Employer 1: Name of Employer

Employer 1: Employer address and type of business

Employer 1: Your job title

Employer 1: Dates you were employed and reason for leaving

Employer 1: Your duties and responsibilities

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY — EMPLOYER 2

Employer 2: Name of Employer

Employer 2: Employer address and type of business

Employer 2: Your job title

Employer 2: Dates you were employed and reason for leaving

Employer 3: Your duties and responsibilities

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY — EMPLOYER 3

Employer 3: Name of Employer

Employer 3: Employer address and type of business

Employer 3: Your job title

Employer 3: Dates you were employed and reason for leaving

Employer 3: Your duties and responsibilities

Please tell us about any gaps in your employment history

Information in support of your application - Talk about skills and experience that support this application - within the working environment or outside.

Do you consider yourself to have a disability?

Yes

Do you need a work permit to work in the UK?

Yes

When can you start work for us?

REFERENCES

Please provide two referees. One should be your current employer and one, if different, your last early years employer. We may contact referees before interview.

Referee 1 name

Referee 1 address

Referee 1 telephone and email

Can we contact referee 1 prior to interview?

Yes

Referee 2 name

Referee 2 address

Referee 2 telephone and email

Can we contact referee 2 prior to interview?

Yes

I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the information in this application is correct.

I have read and agree to follow the Rodborough Playgroup safeguarding statement and Code of Conduct.

I declare that I am not on the Children's Barred List, disqualified from working with children, or subject to any sanctions imposed by a regulatory body.

Signature

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Signature Date

If you want to, you can upload copies of any qualifications or other documents to support your application here. We'll ask to see paper copies of qualifications if you're shortlisted for interview