Early Years Deputy Manager and SENCo

Camden, London
Camden PACE

Early Years Deputy Manager and SENCo

The Deputy Manager and SENCo will be a compassionate, kind, and caring leader who seeks to motivate and inspire practitioners to work with children and parents to the best of their ability. The Deputy Manager with work in partnership with the Early Years Manager to create a warm and friendly environment for both the staff and the children and families with who we are working. A focus will be on delivering high quality, inclusive and engaging learning opportunities for children aged 1-4 and to fulfil the role of named SENCo for the setting. As a key member of the management team at the setting, you will work effectively with stakeholders and develop positive relationships with parents/carers.

The role involves working with and supporting the Early Years Manager and fulfilling managerial responsibilities in the manager’s absence.

The Deputy Early Years Manager will:

• Support the management of the pre-school in accordance with PACE’s ethos and policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant current legislation as well as Local Authority and Ofsted requirements, seeking advice and accepting guidance from the management team as needed.
• Action and monitor all child protection and health and safety issues to ensure that any remedial action is taken immediately, and advice is sort from the management team.
• Support the requirements of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities via specialist programs so that the Company’s admission policy may be as inclusive as possible.
• Collect and record all relevant background information about individual children with additional needs, and make sure that this is kept up to date.
• To work in partnership with the Early Years Manager to support and lead a team that will work in partnership with parents and professionals to create a welcoming, stimulating and safe environment in which children are supported to learn and develop.
• To follow PACE’s safer recruitment, making sure that those appointed are qualified and have the skills required to work in the pre-school; references and DBS clearances are obtained, and contracts issued before employment begins.
• Conduct regular inductions with all newly appointed staff, including changes in position, and set action plans for improvement with members of the team who may require extra support.
• Supervise and provide advice, guidance and training to students, trainees and others on work placements or work experience in order that they receive the appropriate support.
• Ensure that all staff receive relevant training and guidance to allow them to carry out their jobs in accordance with the existing processes and through annual performance reviews.
• Support the Early Years Manager in dealing with disciplinary and grievance matters within the nursery, seeking advice and support from the management team, and where necessary, from HR.
• Ensure that Health & Safety policies are fully implemented within the nursery with support from Management team.
• Ensure the required standards of cleanliness and hygiene are achieved, risk assessments are in place, the environments and equipment are appropriately maintained, and that best practice is communicated and promoted throughout the nursery.
• Work with the Early Years Manager and management team, to make the best possible effort to ensure the pre-school places are allocated and carry out any duties involved in this process.
• To deliver excellent practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and to respond to the learning and developmental needs of children in our care.
• To develop positive relationships with parents, cares and other partners to ensure that the needs of children are met, and to support children’s learning, development and well-being.
• Ensure that staff and volunteers work respectfully with the children and their families and respond positively to diversity and work in a non-discriminatory, culturally sensitive manner which encourages all families to access the service.
• To fulfil the role of the named Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) for the setting.
• Liaise with outside agencies, including Children’s Services, health providers, local primary schools, advisory teachers, the local authority and SEN/inclusion agencies.
• Planning, setting up and delivery of high quality, inclusive childcare and early education, which is responsive to the needs of children and their families.
• To contribute to the establishment of a safe, welcoming environment, including a range of child-led and adult initiated experiences, activities and play opportunities in indoor, and outdoor environments which enable children to develop and learn.
• Develop and maintain an ethos of reflective practice across the nursery and use information to develop and support development plans designed to address areas identified for development across the nursery and for individuals.
• Adhere to the guidance issued within PACE’s Policies and Procedures, and Staff Handbook, and ensure this is implemented throughout the pre-school.
• Work with the management team to ensure the smooth running of the nursery.
• Attend meetings and training as necessary to ensure own professional development and the smooth running of the service.
• Make sure that Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are written, followed and evaluated.
• Undertake any other duties as may be appropriate and required from time to time. Person specification

Essential requirements of the post

1. Experience and qualifications

• An appropriate early years, childcare or education qualification at NVQ level 3 or above that meets the standards required by Ofsted registration and inspection processes.
• Experience of managing staff and leading teams in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
• Maths and English Level 2 or equivalent
• Paediatric First Aid
• Experience of working with children and young people with complex needs and their families
• Experience of facilitating an inclusive child-centred service.
• Proven practical experience of implementing good quality learning opportunities Completion of Safeguarding training (minimum Level 2)

Knowledge and Understanding

• A good knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted standards and relevant current legislation.
• A good knowledge of Birth to 5 matters
• Experience of behaviour management
• Thorough knowledge of the developmental needs of young children.
• A commitment to inclusive and non-discriminatory working practice with children, families, colleagues and the community.
• Knowledge of the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, the SEND Code of Practice and awareness of effective strategies and techniques and the support and advice which may be offered by other agencies.
• Experience of partnership working.

Skills and Abilities

• Empathy and understanding of children under five.
• Able to sensitively balance child-initiated activities, knowing when to intervene to extend children’s learning and development
• A team player with strong leadership skills and ability to work with others to achieve shared objectives.
• Ability to maintain and develop mutually beneficial working relationships with key delivery partners.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills with children and parents. Ability to write reports and keep clear and accurate records.
• Excellent organisational skills
• Proficient administrative and IT skills
• The ability to support staff to provide and develop play and learning opportunities to meet the play and developmental needs of children in your care.
• Confident to deal with potential new parents
• Excellent time and task management skills.
• Excellent observation skills which inform assessment and planning.
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to respond appropriately to child and family need
• Excellent active listening skills.
• The ability to problem-solve and use initiative

Personal Qualities

• Ability to relate well to children and adults
• Ability to lead, motivate and influence others in a positive and inspiring way
• To show a commitment to the pre-school and organisation as a whole
• A positive approach