School Age Care Deputy Manager

About Respond

Respond stands as one of Ireland's major housing associations, specializing in social housing, early learning, school-age care, and homelessness services. Their mission is to ensure every individual and family in Ireland has access to quality housing and services within supportive communities.

They actively encourage diversity and equal opportunity in their workforce, welcoming applications from all cultural backgrounds, genders, and those who have faced social exclusion.

Role Overview

The School Age Care Deputy Manager position is based at Millennium Court School Age Care in Kilkenny. This is a permanent part-time role requiring 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The role involves supporting the Service Manager and stepping in as required, leading with a positive example and implementing a high-quality play-based curriculum indoors and outdoors aligned with national frameworks Aistear and Siolta.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support and deputize for the Service Manager as needed.
• Uphold and actively work within Respond's ethos and objectives.
• Assist in ensuring the service complies fully with all regulatory standards and policies.
• Conduct detailed observations and learning stories for every child.
• Arrange materials and resources that reflect children’s developing talents and interests.
• Deliver a play-based curriculum aimed at fostering independence and boosting self-esteem.
• Promote children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth.
• Assist in providing nutritious snacks, mindful of cultural and dietary needs.
• Support strategies that enhance parental involvement in children’s learning.
• Engage in service reviews and quality evaluations alongside staff and management.
• Offer ongoing guidance to staff regarding time management and training requirements.
• Attend team meetings when covering for the Manager and maintain regular communication with management.
• Accept and perform any additional duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile

• Strong communication and interpersonal capabilities.
• Leadership skills and the ability to motivate a team.
• Collaborative and able to work well with others.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
• Professional and enthusiastic attitude.
• Empathy and connection with children and families.
• Dedication to delivering excellent education and care.
• Adaptable and flexible in handling change.
• A commitment to continuous professional development.
• Skillful in managing change and possessing analytical abilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum qualification: FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education.
• Several years’ experience working within early years services.
• Essential to have at least two years in a supervisory position.

Terms & Salary

• Permanent position.
• 25 hours weekly (Monday to Friday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm).
• Hourly wage ranges from €18.45 to €22.65, with offers typically beginning in the lower to mid part of this range depending on skills and experience.

Application Information

Applications are encouraged from candidates who meet the criteria by the deadline of 14th August 2026.