Deputy Head

Reports to: Head of Babyzone Croydon
Salary: £30,000 pro-rata
Hours: 1.5 days per week (term‑time only) to include delivery day on Tuesdays (8:15am – 3:15pm)
Location: West Youth Zone (CR0 2LG
) for delivery day + remote working

Babyzone Croydon is a thriving early‑years initiative supporting families with children aged 0–5 years. We are looking for an experienced, hands‑on and collaborative Deputy Head to help lead the growth and day‑to‑day delivery of the programme.

Working at the heart of our community offer, you will support the Head of Babyzone Croydon in shaping high‑quality sessions, strengthening family engagement, and ensuring that our work consistently reflects Babyzone’s inclusive, evidence‑informed approach.

You will play a key role in:

• Supporting strategic planning and operational oversight
• Coordinating and motivating a small, high‑performing team
• Building strong partnerships with local organisations and stakeholders
• Contributing to clear, impactful reporting for funders and leadership

This is an exciting opportunity to step into a leadership role that makes a tangible difference for families, helping ensure every parent and carer has access to the warm, responsive, and supportive environment they need to help their child thrive.

• Recruit and manage a high calibre and motivated Babyzone team, ensuring they consistently demonstrate the high standards of service, conscientiousness and transparency you set;
• Act as the main point of contact for operational problem‑solving risk management and safeguarding;
• Work collaboratively with all Babyzone staff, trustees and partners
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders such as the council, other charities, and the local WOW World Group delivery team.

• Develop and refine the Croydon Babyzone offer so that it meets national standards while reflecting the specific needs of local families.
• Coordinate set‑up, free‑play, classes and close‑down alongside class leaders to ensure:
  • Timely opening and closing of sessions
  • Adequate staffing levels in all areas
  • Safe, welcoming and high‑quality delivery across all spaces
• Oversee external contractors and manage Babyzone equipment to ensure safe and high‑quality use.
• Ensure the Youth Zone is returned to its original layout in time for the afternoon session, with all rooms cleared of any evidence of Babyzone activities.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection, monitoring and reporting in line with Babyzone and funder requirements.

• Lead local marketing and outreach initiatives to ensure Babyzone reaches as many target families as possible.
• Build strong relationships with early years organisations and networks in the area, positioning Babyzone as a hub for early years thought, practice and collaboration.
• Plan and coordinate special events to:
  • Widen Babyzone’s offer
  • Create variety and richness in activities
  • Generate content and interest that supports strong attendance and engagement

• Supervise and guide additional volunteers, apprentices, or support staff as necessary;
• Respond to and action reasonable requests from the Head of Babyzone Croydon, national management team or Board of Trustees.
• Invoice and payroll management

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to manage and motivate a diverse team;
• Set clear performance targets for your team and support them in achieving them in a timely fashion;
• Effective coaching skills to facilitate professional development within your team.

• Flexible approach with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a growing team.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with project management.
• A passion for the Babyzone mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.