Job title: Deputy Manager and SENCO
Responsible to: The Manager and the Parochial Church Council
Location: St Leonard’s Centre, Oakley (primary place of work)
Purpose of the job
The Deputy will work together with the Manager and Management Team to support the day-to‑day running of the Pre‑School, to create a happy, stimulating and safe learning environment where children can maximise their physical, intellectual, emotional and social potential.
Safeguarding requirement
St Leonard’s Pre‑School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It is a requirement of all staff that they share this commitment and follow the prescribed policy and procedures to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding across the whole organisation.
Main Duties
* Assist the Manager with curriculum planning and ensure the Early Year Foundation Stage (EYFS) is promoted and delivered within the setting, with principles adhered to.
* In the absence of the Manager supervise and support staff, ensuring they are properly deployed and high standards of care and teaching are met.
* Ensure that each child is working towards learning outcomes, while monitoring the effectiveness of the pre‑school curriculum through regular observations and assessments.
* Take the lead role for children with special educational needs and disability (SEND), coordinating the provision and supporting the relevant Key Persons.
* Contribute towards implementing duties relating to relevant legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice 2014 and the Equality Act 2010.
* Annually review the local SEND offer.
* Monitor the observation, identification, assessment and support of children with SEN and apply a graduated approach to identifying and meeting children’s needs.
* Ensure all records on children with SEN are maintained and relevant information is passed to schools to enable a smooth transition.
* Liaise with other relevant agencies regarding the individual needs of children with SEN, ensuring that relevant referrals are made and bring children who are not progressing to the attention of the local authority.
* Be familiar with local practices for safeguarding children and instigate Early Help Assessments, holding information on local services and signposting parents who require additional support.
* Be the Key Person for a number of children, accurately assessing and recording their progress.
* Ensure children’s records are properly administered as well as other records such as register of attendance, fire records, and accident/incident book.
* Offer confidential support and advice to parents, including informal contact and regular reviews of their child’s progress.
* Maintain high standards of hygiene, consistently implement safety procedures, monitor safety of equipment and carry out and record fire drills.
* Support the setting to achieve and maintain a minimum good Ofsted rating at the next inspection.
* Attend training events or meetings, as identified by the Manager, and keep up to date with current good practice.
* Advise and support staff on issues relating to inclusive practice, which may include contributing towards relevant in‑house training.
* Attend and contribute to staff meetings.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager. The post holder is required to comply with all Pre‑School policies and procedures and to meet their responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work legislation. The post holder is also expected to be flexible and adaptable in their approach to fulfilling their duties.
Essential Criteria
* Minimum of level 3 early years education and childcare qualification or equivalent.
* Some experience of managing or supervising staff.
* Minimum of 3 years experience of working within a childcare setting and some experience of working with children with SEN and/or disabilities.
* Good knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation such as the SEND Code of Practice (2014) and the Equality Act 2010 as it relates to disability and early years settings.
* Ability to comply with the requirements of the EYFS.
* Good written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to foster relationships.
* Knowledge of differentiating the early years curriculum for all children and knowledge of the procedures for implementing a graduated approach.
* The ability to challenge and overcome negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviours from staff, parents and children.
* The ability to recognise what good practice ‘looks like’ and be able to confidently promote inclusive practice.
* A commitment to continuously promoting a culture of safeguarding.
* Good observation, identification, assessment and record keeping skills.
* The ability to work as part of the team.
* The ability to manage time and workload effectively.
* Willingness to undertake further training related to the role.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience of planning activities to fulfil the requirements of the EYFS.
* Awareness of current SEN and disability issues through relevant training and/or personal experience.
* Knowledge and experience of an alternative communication system such as Makaton.
* Previous experience of supervising and mentoring staff.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.
The Pre‑School is a pack‑away setting. All staff help set up and pack away the equipment and resources. It is also necessary to be involved in the practical and physical aspects of childcare.
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