Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Nursery Manager with the effective day-to-day operation of the nursery.
Take responsibility for the nursery in the absence of the Nursery Manager and Deputy Nursery Manager, as delegated.
Provide visible, confident and supportive leadership to practitioners across the nursery.
Support the organisation of staffing, deployment and daily routines to ensure children's needs are consistently met.
Support the implementation and monitoring of nursery policies, procedures and quality standards.
Act as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, reliability, accountability and a commitment to the nursery's ARCH values.
Support colleagues through coaching, guidance and constructive feedback.
Contribute to staff meetings, supervision, training and professional development.
Support the Nursery Manager with identifying and addressing areas for improvement.
Help maintain a positive, collaborative and inclusive team culture.
Provide high-quality care, learning and play experiences for children aged 0–5.
Support practitioners to plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate experiences in line with the EYFS.
Ensure learning environments are safe, stimulating, inclusive and responsive to children's individual needs.
Observe, assess and monitor children's development, contributing to appropriate next steps and planning.
Support effective transitions, including settling-in, room moves and transitions to school.
Promote children's independence, confidence, wellbeing and emotional development.
Ensure children's individual interests, strengths and needs are reflected within their learning experiences.
Take the lead responsibility for SEND provision within the nursery.
Act as the main point of contact for SEND-related matters for practitioners, families and relevant professionals.
Support the early identification of children who may have additional needs.
Ensure the nursery follows the graduated approach of Assess, Plan, Do and Review.
Work closely with practitioners to develop appropriate SEND Support Plans and targeted strategies.
Support the implementation of reasonable adjustments and adaptations to activities, environments and teaching approaches.
Monitor children's progress and evaluate the effectiveness of SEND support.
Work collaboratively with parents and carers to understand children's individual needs and agree appropriate support.
Support families through SEND-related processes and provide clear, sensitive and professional communication.
Liaise with external professionals and agencies where appropriate, including Local Authority Inclusion Teams, Health Visitors, Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Portage and other specialists.
Support applications and processes relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), where appropriate.
Ensure relevant SEND records, plans and documentation are maintained accurately and confidentially.
Support smooth transitions for children with additional needs, including transition to school.
Keep up to date with changes to SEND legislation, guidance and best practice.
Promote a culture where children with SEND are fully included in all aspects of nursery life.
Maintain a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection at all times.
Follow all safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and welfare procedures.
Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with safeguarding responsibilities as required.
Act promptly on any concerns regarding a child's safety, welfare or wellbeing and follow the nursery's safeguarding procedures.
Support practitioners to understand and follow safeguarding procedures.
Maintain confidentiality and ensure records are accurate and handled appropriately.
Support children with personal care routines, hygiene, meals and rest in line with nursery policies.
Promote a safe environment for children, families and colleagues.
Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Early Years or equivalent.
Experience working within an early years or nursery setting.
Experience supporting children with SEND or additional needs.
Good understanding of the EYFS.
Understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and graduated approach.
Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and professionals.
Ability to work confidently as part of a leadership team.
Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively.
A caring, positive, professional and inclusive approach.
Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Enhanced DBS check or willingness to undertake one.
Confident Leadership: Able to lead by example and provide clear, supportive direction to colleagues.
Inclusive Practice: Passionate about ensuring every child can participate, learn and thrive.
Communication: Able to communicate clearly, professionally and sensitively with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.
Emotional Intelligence: Able to remain calm, empathetic and professional when dealing with challenging or sensitive situations.
Organisation: Able to manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards.
Teamwork: Collaborative and committed to developing positive working relationships.
Safeguarding: Strong commitment to protecting children's safety and wellbeing.
Professional Development: Willingness to learn, develop and keep knowledge and practice up to date.
