ABOUT US
Little Bells Pre-school and Nursery is part of the Coastal Childcare Group - a growing family of nurseries across Devon. Being part of a wider group means you’re never on your own and career progression is real, supported and encouraged.
We pride ourselves on high standards, nurturing relationships and a calm, consistent approach to early years practice — and at our setting in Withycombe Exmouth we are looking for an enthusiastic deputy manager and SENDCO to help drive this forward.
We believe the best settings are built by the right people. That’s why we recruit on personality, values and potential, not just experience.
Across Coastal, our expectations are simple and shared by everyone in the team. We work to just three clear principles:
- Do great work – not “OK” work. Children deserve the best of us, every day.
- Show you care – we talk about the GAS factor (Google it): in every situation, choose the option that shows care, even when it’s not the easiest one.
- Bring the right attitude – we believe attitude is a choice, and we choose behaviours that are right for children, families and each other.
These expectations shape our culture, our practice and how we support one another - and they matter just as much as qualifications and experience.
The Role (In Plain English):
We’re looking for an enthusiastic Deputy Manager and SENDCO to give children the absolute best start to life.
This isn’t your average role, working alongside the manager you’ll have real influence over practice, culture and daily magic in your room. You will also take the lead on all things SENDCO whilst having the ear of our Group Sendco for extra support and ideas.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Helping to lead the setting with confidence, care and creativity
- Implementing high-quality EYFS practice
- Guiding and supporting practitioners
- Creating a warm, inclusive and stimulating environment for children with additional needs
- Building strong relationships with families
- Safeguarding children and ensuring compliance
Why This Role Is Awesome:
- A supportive management team who genuinely want you to thrive
- Career progression into senior roles within the Coastal Group
- A team culture that celebrates everyone
PERFORMANCE, APPRAISALS & PAY PROGRESSION
We offer termly appraisals linked to pay reviews, meaning exceptional practice is recognised and rewarded. If your practice is exceptional, you are in control of your earnings - progression is based on quality and consistency, not just time served.
WHY WE’RE AN AMAZING PLACE TO WORK:
- A supportive, family‑feel culture - we’re a team, not “staff”
- Referral scheme - £200 if you recommend someone who joins us
- Random acts of kindness
- £250 Driving Lesson Support - one of our most-loved perks
- CPD through Noodle Now with TOIL given when completed
- Early Years Conference tickets
- 31 days holiday per year (including national bank holidays and closure over Christmas)
- Annual awards, Christmas countdown treats & more
THIS ROLE COULD BE PERFECT IF YOU…
- Are 3 qualified or above with SEND experience
- Currently a room leader looking for the next step on the ladder
- Are warm, playful and deeply caring
- Love supporting children to learn and grow
- Bring a positive attitude and communicate well
- Want to develop your career over time in a supportive setting
A Day in the Life at Little Bells
Your day starts with setting up the room for the children, yes we are a pack away setting but we have mastered the art now and whilst it’s a challenge, it’s all made worth while when the children arrive and the room has new wonder every single day. Once this is complete, and sometimes which still finishing the children start arriving - some bounding in with stories to tell, others needing a cuddle, reassurance, or a familiar face. You’re present. You notice. You greet every child like they matter - because they do.
There’s laughter early on. There’s also a shoe missing, a tear that needs soothing, and a parent who needs a moment at the door. You handle all of it calmly, kindly, and with care. At Little Bells, we talk about the GAS factor - every situation is a chance to Show You Care. You choose that option, even when it’s not the easiest one.
Throughout the morning you’re fully involved. We have children from 6 months to 4 years old so it will be varied for sure, you could be on the floor, in the garden or making bottles for our younger ones. Reading stories, building towers, answering endless “why?” questions. Lunchtime is about building independence so self-serving our home cooked lunches is part of our children’s day. We get out in the community a lot, when we say a lot we mean twice a day, walking children and pushing buggies, come rain or shine we are out and about. There could also be singing - maybe beautifully, maybe not - but you’re singing anyway, because connection matters more than perfection.
With setting up and packing away, plus daily walks allowing the children to experience the local community, you won’t be needing the Gym membership you never use anyway, you get to work out and work at the same time.
You work as part of a team that genuinely has each other’s backs. There’s support when you need it, encouragement when something’s gone well, and honest conversations when things need to improve. High standards matter here - not in a pressured way, but because we believe children deserve great work, not “OK work”.
No two days look the same. One moment you’re supporting a child to take their first brave step, the next you’re helping a colleague, updating learning, or sharing a proud moment with a parent at pick‑up. You’re trusted to use your judgement. You’re encouraged to reflect, learn and grow.
At Little Bells, you’re never just “staff”. You’re part of a wider family. You know that if you want to progress, there’s a pathway. If you want to learn, there’s support. If you care deeply about doing things properly, you’re in the right place.
You leave tired - but in a good way. The kind of tired that comes from knowing you showed up, made a difference, and helped create a day where children felt safe, valued and important.
And tomorrow?
It’ll be different.
But the values stay the same.
The nitty gritty:
- Based at Little Bells Pre-school and Nursery, Withycombe Village Road, Exmouth
- Full-time role, all-year round
- £14.90 per hour for Level 3 qualified with SEND experience plus termly review opportunities
- Start date ASAP
The important part:
Due to the nature of the work, this employment is exempt from the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendments) Order 1986. All applicants must disclose details of any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings which for other purposes may be considered as ‘spent’.
An Enhanced DBS check will be carried out for applicants selected for appointment. Information received will be kept confidential and only used in relation to the position. Two, suitable references will be required.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £14.90 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
