Deputy Manager & Inclusion Lead (Maternity Cover), Portslade

Bee in the Woods Kindergarten; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor nursery in the UK is seeking an experienced Deputy Manager and Inclusion Lead to champion inclusive practices for children aged 3-5. You will work closely with the Kindergarten Manager to ensure that all children can flourish in a woodland environment. Responsibilities include leading the team, supporting children with additional needs, and planning high-quality outdoor sessions. This role requires strong leadership, knowledge of early years education, and a passion for inclusion.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare.
• Experience leading in an educational setting is required.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework is essential.
• Passion for inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead the award-winning Portslade setting.
• Champion inclusion and SEND provision across the kindergarten.
• Support staff in implementing Individual Support Plans.
• Track children's development as their key person.
• Plan and deliver high-quality outdoor Early Years sessions.

Skills

Leadership in education

Knowledge of EYFS framework

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Understanding of safeguarding

Education

Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare

Job description

Do you believe every child deserves to thrive in nature?

Bee in the Woods is seeking an experienced Deputy Manager and Inclusion Lead to champion inclusive practice at our Foredown Woods kindergarten in Portslade.

As Brighton’s first and only year-round outdoor nursery and Ofsted Outstanding setting, we’re looking for someone who understands that the woodland is the perfect environment for ALL children to flourish - and has the expertise to make that vision a reality.

What makes this role special

This is a chance to shape inclusive outdoor education for children aged 3-5 in one of Brighton & Hove’s most beautiful woodland settings. You’ll be working alongside our Kindergarten Manager and our award‑winning team to ensure every child, regardless of their needs, can access the magic of Forest School learning.

Your role will include:

• Co‑leading our award‑winning Portslade setting with the Kindergarten Manager
• Championing inclusion and SEND provision across the kindergarten
• Ensuring early identification and intervention through strong parent partnerships
• Supporting staff to implement Individual Support Plans effectively
• Acting as key person for a group of children, tracking their development and progress
• Planning and delivering high‑quality outdoor Early Years sessions
• Reviewing and developing SEND and inclusion policies and practices
• Building relationships with parents, staff, and external professionals
• Supervising and mentoring the staff team

You’ll have a dedicated non‑contact time each week to focus on inclusion leadership, planning and staff support.

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Hold a Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (or equivalent)
• Have experience leading in an education setting
• Bring deep knowledge of the EYFS framework
• Are passionate about inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs
• Are passionate about pioneering quality early years education based on research
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and can build trust with children, families, and colleagues
• Possess strong organisational and time‑management abilities
• Work collaboratively and support others to grow
• Understand safeguarding and child protection procedures thoroughly

Desirable

• Forest School Leader qualification (or willingness to train)
• Experience supervising and supporting staff teams
• Proven track record working with children with additional needs
• Paediatric First Aid qualification