Enter a job title or keyword

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator

Muddy Boots Nursery

Job Location:

York - UK

Hourly Salary: £ 13 - 14

Posted: 27 May 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 24 August 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

Job Title:
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator
Location: Muddy Boots Acomb
Salary: Up to 14.05 per hour

Join Our Award-Winning Team!

Join our award-winning outdoor nursery in a brand-new role that combines safeguarding leadership with hands-on practice - working a 4-day week paid in the top 10% locally and supported to grow your career within our nurseries across York and Leeds.

At Muddy Boots Acomb were proud to be an award-winning nursery recognised for delivering exceptional early years education through meaningful outdoor learning.

Everything we do is guided by our core values - Heart Excellence Growth Teamwork and Responsibility - and they shape how we care for children support families and look after each other as a team.

Weve created this role because we believe safeguarding deserves real time attention and expertise - not squeezed in around everything else. The right person will be an experienced Level 3 educator ready to step into safeguarding leadership while keeping their feet (muddy!) firmly in the rooms with the children.

About the Role

This is a hybrid position. Two days each week are protected non-contact time dedicated to safeguarding leadership casework multi-agency liaison and supporting families with active concerns. The other two days youll be in the room as part of the educator team working directly with children and modelling great practice.

Your safeguarding days will include:

Leading day-to-day case management for safeguarding concerns at Acomb maintaining accurate records and clear chronologies
Acting as a key liaison with Childrens Social Care the LADO MASH health visitors family support workers and Early Help teams
Attending and contributing to multi-agency meetings (TAF CIN child protection conferences)
Leading on Early Help assessments and the drafting and review of individual support plans
Running safeguarding supervision with room leads holding active cases
Being a consistent point of contact for parents engaging with services alongside the Nursery Manager
Managing the early stages of allegations against staff escalating in line with policy
Coordinating online safety Prevent duty and Operation Encompass at site level
Maintaining the staff safeguarding training matrix and delivering in-house refreshers
Conducting quarterly safeguarding file audits and reporting to group leadership
Staying current on legislation guidance and local safeguarding partnership procedures

Your room days will include:

Planning and delivering engaging learning activities with a strong focus on outdoor play and exploration
Observing assessing and supporting childrens individual learning journeys
Acting as a key person and building strong trusting relationships with families
Creating a safe stimulating and inclusive environment
Working collaboratively as part of a positive supportive team
Being responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in your care

Whats required

Were looking for someone who:

Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent)
Has substantial early years experience ideally with exposure to safeguarding cases Early Help or supporting vulnerable families
Communicates clearly in writing - case notes referrals and support plans need to be accurate and concise
Has the calm and confidence to handle difficult conversations with parents and staff
Is resilient - safeguarding work carries emotional weight and youll be well supported but the role suits people who can carry that thoughtfully
Is organised methodical and discreet with confidential information
Is a reflective practitioner who actively seeks supervision and feedback
Shares our values and commitment to high-quality childcare
Has a genuine passion for outdoor learning and child-led play

Desirable (or willing to obtain within three months of starting):

Level 3/Advanced DSL training (well fund this if needed)
Experience chairing or contributing to multi-agency meetings
Working knowledge of local safeguarding partnership procedures

Direct safeguarding lead experience is welcomed but a willingness to grow into the role with strong support and training is just as important.

What we offer

What We Offer:

Be part of an award-winning nursery that values excellence and innovation
Top 10% pay in the area up to 14.05 per hour
4-day work week for full-time staff more time for you!
Extra holiday days for long-standing team members
Enhanced maternity paternity & adoption pay
Lifestyle discounts on groceries travel entertainment & more
Employee Assistance Programme mental health support & coaching
Staff treats events & parties because we value YOU!
Free lunches tea & snacks to keep you fuelled
Free uniform & on-site parking

Ready to Join the Muddy Boots Family

If you love the idea of working in an award-winning nursery where the great outdoors is at the heart of everything we do wed love to hear from you!

Apply Now and start your adventure with us!

Muddy Boots is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment for staff and selection processes for potential employees are equitable and non-discriminatory.

All positions offered by Muddy Boots are subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check as part of our safeguarding duties.

Required Experience:

Apply Now