Deputy Manager

At our 4 established Essex settings in Beaulieu, Bicknacre and Danbury, Jesters is here to help every baby and child flourish and reach their full potential through a holistic childcare service for 0-12 year olds. 

We are an exemplar place of learning- through play, fun, and unique experiences and ‘Ambitions’. Our Early Years Team enjoy variety and excitement in their teaching and learn from outstanding international pedagogy ensuring every day is fulfilling.

Our Hybrid Approach to childcare, education and playwork has been developed by our expert management core including qualified teachers, to encompass the very best practice from respected childcare methods across the world. It is fluid and innovative – supporting our vision.

As a Social Enterprise- Community Interest Company (CIC), Jesters puts children and families at the heart of our service, improving the quality of our local communities’ lives alongside running a healthy, sustainable business.

“There’s the whole world at your feet. And who gets to see it but the birds, the stars and the chimney sweeps.” Mary Poppins

We need highfliers! Talented, motivated, hard working individuals to join our exceptional ‘Jesters family’. Those who see the opportunities at their feet that a career with Jesters is able to offer.

We are looking to expand our brilliant team across all settings as our dynamic business continues to evolve and thrive.

Here at Jesters we know people don’t come fully formed no matter at what level you join us. Progressing your knowledge, skills and career is a marathon not a sprint and we want you to not only start but continue your journey with us.

Join Jesters and we will make sure you have access to high quality training and development opportunities while you are with us. Our comprehensive induction programme starts as we mean to go on by providing key knowledge and skills such as Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Infection Control and Healthy Food among many others and we will ensure you have all the initial tools to settle down into your role. Further down the line colleagues can access courses on Children’s Rights, Oral Health, Loose Play Parts and a myriad of other opportunities to develop and grow your learning. For managers and Leaders we provide Safer Recruitment courses, and Pathways into Leadership to take their careers to the next level. 

On the job mentoring

Learning is not just about courses though. A great deal of learning happens on a daily basis through working groups, supportive supervisions and sharing best practice. 

Staff wellbeing a high priority

We don’t just concentrate on your working skills either. Wellbeing is high on our agenda and in the past year staff have enjoyed yoga sessions and workshops on stress management, sleep, self care and emotional balance.

Valuable inset days

All of this is underpinned by three inset days every year when staff come together and do whole service learning, where they work with colleagues from across the service. These days are highly important and underpin Jesters’ Hygge ethos of providing a child centred, homely and warm environment and In The Moment planning for Jesters children.

Here at Jesters, we’re all about personal development and career progression. We are proud to be part of the Government’s Apprenticeships Scheme, and previously involved with and recruited under the Kickstart Scheme which has now ended.

Apprenticeships are for over 16’s whether you’re just starting your career, or you’d like to upskill your position. Each apprenticeship has a level and an equivalent education level from Intermediate level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Degree level 6 and 7 (Bachelor’s or master’s degree equivalent). Find out more here: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices

In partnership with Vocational Training Services Care Sector Limited (VTS), we are able to offer direct pathways through apprenticeships to attain City & Guilds (C&G) qualifications. Currently, our Early Years Assistant post can lead to a C&G Early Years Practitioner Level 2 qualification, or C&G Early Years Educator Level 3.

We’d be happy to discuss any opportunities you’d like to explore with us.

We admit; our expectations are sky high!

‘Here at Jesters we strive to offer the very best service, to be an exemplar place of learning through play, the ‘go to place’ for childcare. Therefore we only recruit people who excite us, have passion and stamina.’ Alison Doherty, Jesters Managing Director

For the lucky candidates however, the rewards match these expectations. We are an aspirational childcare service, ‘building futures’ not only for every child in our care, but for our dedicated employees too…

“There’s nowhere to go but up.” Mary Poppins

Careers soar at Jesters – spread your wings today!

At our 4 established Essex settings in Beaulieu, Bicknacre and Danbury, Jesters is here to help every baby and child flourish and reach their full potential through a holistic childcare service for 0-12 year olds. We are an exemplar place of learning- through play, fun, and unique experiences and ‘Ambitions’. Our Early Years Team enjoy variety and excitement in their teaching and learn from outstanding international pedagogy ensuring every day is fulfilling.

Our Hybrid Approach to childcare, education and playwork has been developed by our expert management core including qualified teachers, to encompass the very best practice from respected childcare methods across the world. It is fluid and innovative – supporting our vision.

As a Social Enterprise- Community Interest Company (CIC), Jesters puts children and families at the heart of our service, improving the quality of our local communities’ lives alongside running a healthy, sustainable business.