Deputy Manager / SENCO – Nursery – Lewisham

Overview

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and proactive Deputy Nursery Manager / SENCO to join a welcoming and supportive nursery team within the London Borough of Lewisham.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated childcare professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for inclusive early years education. The successful candidate will support the Nursery Manager in the day-to-day running of the nursery while also leading on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the setting.

The ideal candidate will be confident in supporting staff development, monitoring quality practice, and ensuring children receive the highest standards of care, learning, and inclusion. You will play a key role in maintaining excellent operational standards, supporting staff performance, and building positive relationships with families and external professionals.

The nursery is looking for someone who has excellent people skills, a proactive mindset, and a genuine passion for supporting children and staff to thrive. If you are an experienced childcare professional with leadership experience and a passion for inclusive early years practice, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Deputy Leadership Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery. Act as Nursery Manager in the Manager’s absence. Oversee and monitor the quality of practice across the nursery. Set monthly targets for the Third in Charge. Carry out monthly room observations and quality checks. Review observations, next steps, and planning to ensure high-quality teaching and learning. Ensure planning is completed, reviewed, and published appropriately. Monitor staff-to-child ratios throughout the day. Conduct room audits and support continuous improvement. Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL). Support staff coaching, mentoring, and development. Conduct staff supervisions every three months and maintain accurate documentation. Carry out nursery showarounds for prospective families. Strategic Leadership Maintain and monitor the nursery SEN register. Lead the graduated approach for children with additional needs. Write and review SEN support plans. Monitor the impact and progress of SEN interventions. Lead meetings with parents and carers regarding children’s development and support. Liaise with external professionals and agencies. Attend multi-agency meetings when required. Support EHCP application processes. Manage SEN Inclusion Fund applications and related documentation. SEN Implementation Ensure staff consistently apply SEN strategies and support plans. Coach and support staff on differentiation and inclusive practice. Review children’s progress and monitor outcomes effectively. Promote an inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Safeguarding and Compliance Support safeguarding procedures and ensure compliance with nursery policies. Maintain high standards of health, safety, and wellbeing throughout the nursery. Support Ofsted readiness and quality assurance processes. Ensure accurate documentation and record keeping are maintained at all times. Teamwork and Communication Build strong and professional relationships with families, colleagues, and external professionals. Promote positive communication and teamwork across the nursery. Support a warm, inclusive, and collaborative working culture. Attend meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities as required. Personal Attributes Passionate about early years education and inclusion. Strong leadership and organisational skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Proactive, approachable, and solution-focused. Patient, caring, and supportive approach to working with children and families. Ability to motivate and support staff effectively. Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Skills and Experience

Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Deputy Manager.
Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and SEND processes.
Excellent understanding of safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
Experience supporting children with additional needs within an Early Years setting.
Knowledge of EHCP processes and SEN funding applications.
Proficient in basic computer applications (MS Office, email, etc.).
Patience, compassion, and a genuine love for working with babies and young children.
Ability to handle emergencies and stressful situations calmly.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to handle emergencies and stressful situations calmly.

Qualifications

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent (essential)
GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths (essential).
NCFE CACHE Level 4 / 5 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent (desirable)
Level 3 SEND qualification (essential)
Level 3 Leadership & management training (desirable)
Degree in appropriate subject including Early Years Care, Finance, Business, Marketing. (de

CPD

Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
Current Safeguarding certification.
Current COSHH certification.
Current Food and Hygiene certification.

Other Requirements

Commitment to continuous professional development.
Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.

*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.

Job URL: https://placingpeopledirect.co.uk/job/deputy-manager-senco-nursery-lewisham/