Deputy Nursery Manager and SENDCO

The Methodist Church in Britain; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Induction and training programme

Professional development

Pension scheme

Staff discount

Flexible working

Job summary

Acorn Nursery, part of Brighton and Hove City Council, is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager and SENDCO for 23 hours a week on a one-year fixed-term secondment. The post deputises for the Nursery Manager and leads SEND support to enable inclusive access to the curriculum.

You will work with health visitors, Speech and Language Therapists and other specialists to identify and support individual needs, and develop partnerships to strengthen early education and safeguarding practices.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering the EYFS.
• Ability to work with diverse families and professionals.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager in daily operations.
• Act as Nursery Manager in their absence and take responsibilities.
• Lead SEND provision and coordinate support for children with additional needs.
• Collaborate with health visitors, therapists and external professionals.
• Mentor staff and coordinate bank/agency staff and volunteers.

Skills

Leadership

SENDCO

Multi-agency

Observation

Education

Level 3 EYFS qualification

Job description

The Deputy Nursery Manager and SENDCO post at Brighton and Hove City Council's Acorn Nursery, a Family Hub setting, is a one-year fixed-term cover for a secondment. The work centres on deputising for the Nursery Manager and leading SEND support, with a role in shaping inclusive access to the curriculum. The post is 23 hours a week and involves multi-agency working with health visitors, speech and language therapists and other specialist services. A level 3 early years qualification and experience of delivering the EYFS are essential.

What the job involves

• Support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the nursery
• Act as Nursery Manager in their absence, with all associated responsibilities
• Lead on SEND provision, ensuring children with additional needs receive appropriate support and intervention
• Work with SEND Lead Practitioners, families and external professionals to identify, assess and support individual needs
• Carry out observations, referrals and assessments, attend multi-agency meetings and contribute to support plans
• Develop partnerships with Health Visitors, Speech and Language Therapists, BHISS and EMAS
• Champion inclusive practice so all children can access and benefit from the curriculum
• Support implementation of the EYFS with a rich, engaging, child-centred learning environment
• Model outstanding pedagogy, including sustained shared thinking and high-quality interactions
• Support colleagues with observation, assessment, planning and tracking, and coordinate the key person system
• Mentor, coach and support staff development, and coordinate bank, agency staff, students and volunteers
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the setting and the development and review of policies and procedures

What’s required

Qualifications

• Minimum level 3 qualification in early years and childcare, or a full and relevant equivalent

Experience

• Experience of working with young children in an early years environment
• Experience of delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Experience and commitment to meeting the individual needs of young children and their families
• Experience of providing care and education to children from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with special educational needs
• Experience of working with other professionals

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of SEND legislation and guidance, including the EYFS
• Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding procedures
• Knowledge of health and safety and food hygiene procedures and legislation
• Excellent communication skills
• Passion to learn and develop own knowledge, and commitment to high-quality care and learning

Checks & eligibility

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

What’s offered

• Paid days holiday each year plus bank holidays
• Full induction and training programme
• Support for further education and continued professional development
• Generous pension scheme
• Loans for bus travel or a bike, and deposit loans for rental properties, repaid from salary
• Staff discount scheme with local and national retailers
• Regular supervisions and appraisals
• Flexible working arrangements, agreed with the manager