Early Years Setting Lead

Job Opportunity

The Early Years Setting Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the early years setting in accordance with all relevant legislation and national quality frameworks.

This includes ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of children, supporting high standards of care and education, supervising staff, and fostering a warm, welcoming, and professional environment.

As the most senior person on site, the Leader plays a vital role in setting the ethos, tone, and culture of the service.

They lead by example, cultivating an atmosphere where children feel safe, nurtured, and curious; where staff feel respected, supported, and motivated; and where families feel welcomed, heard, and valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the service, ensuring compliance with all Tusla requirements and national standards as well as company policies and procedures.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and child-led learning environment, aligned with Aistear and Síolta and Montessori frameworks.
• Support and oversee curriculum planning, observations, and documentation of children's learning and development.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate staff performance through regular one-to-ones, mentoring, and training.
• Manage rosters, leave, and staffing levels to ensure regulatory ratios are always maintained.
• Serve as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for child protection and ensure full adherence to Children First guidelines.
• Oversee all inspections and compliance matters, including Tusla, Pobal, and Department of Education requirements.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with parents and guardians; maintain open, respectful communication at all times.
• Promote a culture of reflective practice, continuous quality improvement, and collaborative teamworking.

Working Conditions

• The Leader is based on-site and is expected to be available during the core operational hours of the service, Monday to Friday.
• This is a hands-on leadership role which includes time in the rooms supporting practice, mentoring staff, and responding to operational needs.
• The role may occasionally require flexibility outside of regular hours, for example to accommodate inspections, training, or staff meetings.
• The Leader is expected to lead with professionalism, compassion, and calm particularly during challenging situations or times of change.
• The position involves administrative responsibilities including compliance documentation, financial oversight, and engagement with external agencies.
• Ongoing CPD is strongly encouraged, and opportunities for leadership development and sector training will be supported.
• The Early Years Setting Lead works closely and collaboratively with the Deputy Leader both must be aligned in their knowledge, decision-making, and approach. The Lead ensures the Deputy is fully informed and included in all relevant aspects of the services operations. They are expected to cover for one another as needed, maintain consistent standards, and uphold complete confidentiality in all matters relating to staff, children, and families.
• The Early Years Setting Lead keeps the management team fully informed of all key operational matters, including planned or unplanned absences, inspection notifications or outcomes, staffing changes, and any significant decisions affecting the running of the service.
• The Early Years Setting Lead and Deputy Lead should work opposing shifts and be the primary individuals covering for each other during absences. The Assistant Leader should be fully informed and included in leadership communications and provide additional support to ensure consistency, continuity, and leadership presence throughout the operational day.