YMCA Essex
Deputy nursery manager / room leader
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Deputy Nursery Manager / Room Leader
Responsible to
Nursery Manager
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Deputy Nursery Manager / SENDCO / Room Leader to join our early years team. This is a key leadership role supporting the Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the nursery and taking responsibility for the setting in their absence. You will provide positive leadership to the team, promote high standards of care and education, and help ensure children are safe, happy, included and supported to reach their full potential. As the setting SENDCO, you will take a lead role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), working closely with children, families, practitioners and external professionals.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Nursery Manager with the daily management and operation of the nursery.
- Act as Manager in their absence, ensuring the setting remains safe, compliant and well organised.
- Lead, support, coach and mentor practitioners to maintain high standards of practice.
- Support staff deployment, rotas, inductions, supervisions and professional development.
- Promote a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion, wellbeing and continuous improvement.
- Support the delivery of a high-quality EYFS curriculum based on children's individual needs, interests and development.
- Monitor teaching, interactions, environments and children's learning and development.
- Lead SEND provision, including supporting One Plans, assessments, referrals and transitions.
- Work closely with parents and carers to support children's development and individual needs.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure nursery documentation meets statutory and organisational requirements.
- Support health and safety, risk assessments, medication, allergies, accident and emergency procedures.
- Help maintain safe, stimulating, inclusive and well-resourced indoor and outdoor environments.
- Support Ofsted readiness, self-evaluation and nursery improvement planning.
- Promote the values and ethos of YMCA and maintain professional standards at all times.
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Essential Requirements
The successful candidate will:
- Hold a relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification recognised for EYFS practice.
- Have substantial experience working in an early years setting.
- Have previous leadership experience, such as Deputy Manager, Room Leader, Third in Charge or similar.
- Have experience supporting or leading practitioners.
- Have strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child protection.
- Have experience or knowledge of supporting children with SEND.
- Demonstrate excellent communication, organisation, leadership and time-management skills.
- Be confident working with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.
- Be committed to providing high-quality care, education and positive outcomes for children.
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Desirable
- SENDCO experience or relevant SEND training.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Experience supporting an Ofsted inspection.
- Experience with staff supervisions, observations and quality improvement.
- Knowledge of child-centred early years approaches.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a confident, caring and highly organised early years professional who can lead by example, support their team and ensure children remain at the heart of everything we do. The successful candidate will be committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing and stimulating environment where children, families and staff feel valued, supported and able to thrive.
Benefits
- Company pension
- Employee discount
Work Location
In person
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