Deputy Manager - Senco (Dual role)

Shorefields; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed working days

Secure position

Supportive manager

Make a difference for children

Uniform provided

Free refreshments

Birthday day off

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Caterpillar Clubhouse in Basildon is seeking a Deputy Headteacher and SENCo to lead daily operations and champion inclusive practices. You will mentor a small staff team and oversee the graduated approach for children on the SEND register.

The role combines management duties with hands-on practice on the floor, offering a stable, family–like setting and opportunities to influence early years development.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Experience identifying additional needs and implementing Assess-Plan-Do-Review cycle.
• Knowledge of the Essex SEND local offer or willingness to complete SENCo induction.

Responsibilities

• Leadership: run the setting in the Manager's absence.
• Inclusion & SEND: manage One Plans and coordinate with Inclusion Partner.
• Partnerships: build relationships with parents and coordinate transitions to local primary schools.

Skills

Leadership

Inclusion & SEND

Partnerships

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC562652-1L Position Type: Deputy Headteacher Pay Range: £13.60-£14.70 per hour depending on experience

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 25/09/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 29th September 2026

• We are a unique, fully inclusive, mixed age, one room setting. Due to our micro size, we pride ourselves on a warm, family feel where every child receives deeply individualised attention.


• We plan in the moment and are spontaneous in our approach to delivering the EYFS curriculum. We have a straightforward recording system without a heavy admin workload.


• We go out into the community every day, whatever the weather depending on where our little ones current interests or developmental needs take us.


• No two days are ever the same, they are active, full of fun and variety and there is no time for clock watching!


• We work effectively as a great close team and all chores are shared fairly and respectfully to all regardless of age, experience or qualification.

We are seeking a passionate early years leader to step into a dual role as our Deputy Manager and designated SENCo.

The Role:

This is a brilliant \"best of both worlds\" position. You will work closely alongside the Nursery Manager to oversee daily operations, mentor our small staff team, and lead high-quality practice on the floor. Simultaneously, you will champion our inclusive culture, managing the graduated approach for the small number of children currently on our SEND register.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership: Stepping up to run the setting in the Manager's absence.

Inclusion & SEND: Maintain and update Essex \"One Plans\", coordinate with our local Inclusion Partner, and work closely with the finance manager to manage submissions to the Essex Early Years Resource Panel for SENIF top-up funding.

Partnerships: Build close, trusting relationships with our small community of parents and coordinate transitions to local primary schools.

What We Are Looking For:

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.


• Proven experience identifying additional needs and implementing the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle.


• Knowledge of the Essex SEND local offer or a willingness to complete the Education Essex Online SENCo Induction.

Whats in it for you?

• Fixed working days & hours


• A secure position as a valued team member.


• Supportive, fair & accommodating manager who appreciates her team.


• The reward of making a difference to children with varied abilities and levels of need. Being a part of their journey and seeing them achieve.


• Uniform provided, including boots and coat for all terrain adventures.


• Free refreshments


• An extra day off for your birthday.


• Employee assistance programme

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Joy Taylor

50a Presidents Court

Hoover Drive, Basildon

Essex, SS15 6LF

Telephone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]