Deputy Manager SENCO

YMCA Fairthorne Group; Andover; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity based in Andover is looking for a Deputy Manager to lead nursery operations. The role includes observing and supporting children, developing educational plans, and coaching staff to maintain high standards. Applicants should be qualified in childcare, have at least 3 years of experience, and possess strong leadership skills. Additional benefits include a financial incentive scheme and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

£1000 payment for eligible staff

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Employer pension

Day camps discounts

Wellbeing assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a childcare setting.
• Strong understanding of child development needs.
• Experience leading a childcare team.

Responsibilities

• Critically appraise nursery practice and identify development areas.
• Create individual education plans for children in need.
• Contribute to the nursery improvement plan and coach staff.

Skills

Qualified to Level 3 Childcare or above

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a childcare setting

Strong understanding of the development needs of children

Experience of leading a team

Behaviour management and SENCO training

Knowledge of health and safety

Understanding of safeguarding good practice

Education

Level 3 Childcare qualification

Job description

• Early Years Financial Incentive Scheme, we can now offer a£1000 paymentto eligible new or returning staff, funded by the Department for Education
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per annum)
• Employer pension
• Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
• Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor: campsite, river hire, activities, day camps
• 30% discount on food in Cafes: Fairthorne, Eastleigh and Andover
• Wellbeing assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Good quality resources and a modern environment
• A welcoming, caring and supportive culture

Job Purpose

This is a pivotal lead role in the nursery focusing on quality, practice and installing our values through the YMCA Way. The job holder will be expected to critically appraise the everyday nursery practice, identify areas of development and work in co-operation with nursery staff to raise and embed high standards within their rooms.

The job holder will be expected to observe children and, alongside keypersons, identify children in need of additional support, develop individual education plans, make onward referrals, and support and coach nursery teams to embed high standards of care to meet identified needs.

As part of the leadership team, the Deputy Manager will also contribute towards the wider nursery improvement plan, coach and develop staff and on occasions deputise in the absence of the Nursery Manager. This post is primarily supernumerary with an expectation that the majority of time will be spent working directly with staff and children, in rooms and the garden.

Qualifications and Skills

• Qualified to Level 3 Childcare or above
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a childcare setting
• Have a strong understanding of the development needs of children
• Experience of leading a team
• Behaviour management and SENCO training (or willingness to undergo training).
• Knowledge of health and safety and ability to complete risk assessments
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding good practice

Personal Attributes

• A genuine enthusiasm for early years with a passion for raising the quality and standards of the provision for children
• Ability to motivate, inspire and lead others
• A desire to develop others and self
• The ability to communicate and engage with a wide range of people, including children, parents, outside agencies, nursery staff and management
• A genuine enthusiasm for the work of the charity
• An innovative and flexible approach to work

Additional Benefits

• Access to 26 online professional development modules.
• Inspiring opportunities to work in different settings and share practice.

Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.

Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continues to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.