Deputy Manager, SEND and Inclusion Lead
| Posting date: | 05 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £30,250 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 April 2026 |
| Location: | DH4 6LX |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Chilton Meadows Day Nursery limited |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | DM SEND |
Summary
Due to the continued growth and expansion of Chilton Meadows Day Nursery, we are delighted to be creating a new senior leadership role within our setting. For over 23 years, Chilton Meadows Day Nursery has proudly been a family-owned and family-run setting, deeply rooted in our community. To maintain the highest standards of care, education, and safeguarding, Chilton Meadows Day Nursery operates a distributed leadership model consisting of three Deputy Manager roles, each with a clear specialist focus.
Deputy Manager – SEND and Inclusion Lead, Deputy Manager – Curriculum and Quality Lead, Deputy Manager – Operations, Safeguarding and Compliance Each Deputy Manager holds strategic responsibility within their specialism while working collaboratively to ensure consistent, high-quality provision.
The Deputy Manager, SEND and Inclusion Lead is responsible for leading inclusive practice and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the nursery. The post holder will ensure that all children, including those with additional or emerging needs, receive appropriate, timely and effective support to enable them to thrive and achieve their best possible outcomes. This role ensures that inclusive practice is embedded across all rooms and that staff are supported to meet the diverse needs of children and families. The post holder will work in partnership with families, external agencies and professionals to promote early identification, intervention and positive outcomes.
The Deputy Manager – SEND and Inclusion Lead:
• Acts as Manager in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
• Has delegated responsibility for leading SEND and inclusion across the nursery.
• Provides professional guidance and direction to Room Leads and Educators regarding inclusive practice.
• Liaises with external agencies and professionals on behalf of the nursery.
• Contributes to operational and strategic decision-making with the leadership team.
• Is accountable to the Nursery Manager and Directors for SEND and inclusion outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
SEND Leadership and Coordination
• Lead the identification of children with emerging or additional needs.
• Oversee the graduated response to SEND in line with statutory guidance.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of support plans and documentation.
• Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and strategies.
• Maintain accurate SEND records and tracking systems.
• Support smooth transitions between rooms and to school or other provisions.
Inclusive Practice
• Promote a culture of inclusion, belonging and equality across the nursery.
• Ensure environments and experiences are accessible and inclusive.
• Support staff to adapt activities and teaching approaches.
• Ensure all children are supported to participate fully in nursery life.
• Monitor the progress and wellbeing of children with additional needs.
Partnership with Families
• Build strong, supportive relationships with families of children with SEND.
• Provide guidance and reassurance to parents and carers.
• Involve families in planning and reviewing support strategies.
• Ensure communication is clear, respectful and confidential.
Multi-Agency Working
• Liaise with external professionals including health visitors, therapists and local authority services.
• Attend and contribute to review meetings where required.
• Support applications for additional funding or EHCPs where appropriate.
• Ensure recommendations from professionals are implemented and reviewed.
Staff Support and Development
• Provide guidance and coaching to staff supporting children with additional needs.
• Deliver SEND-focused training and updates.
• Support staff confidence in inclusive practice.
• Promote reflective practice and solution-focused approaches.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the post holder must:
• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in managing safeguarding concerns.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture.
• Be particularly vigilant regarding vulnerable children.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed consistently.
• Act immediately on any safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a core responsibility of this role.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Ensure all children are cared for in a safe and inclusive environment.
• Support safe staff deployment when acting as Manager.
• Promote children’s emotional wellbeing and sense of security.
• Contribute to maintaining a calm and nurturing environment.
Leadership and Professional Conduct
The Deputy Manager will:
• Demonstrate professionalism and integrity at all times.
• Uphold nursery policies, procedures and values.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with GDPR.
• Promote positive working relationships.
• Work collaboratively with other Deputy Managers.
• Engage in continuous professional development.
Person Specification
Essential
• Full and relevant Level 3 qualification (higher qualification desirable).
• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Strong knowledge of inclusive early years practice.
• Understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
Desirable
• SENDCo or inclusion training.
• Experience working with external agencies.
• Leadership or mentoring experience.
Performance will be assessed against:
• Early identification and support for children with SEND.
• Progress and wellbeing of children with additional needs.
• Effectiveness of support plans and interventions.
• Quality of inclusive practice across the nursery.
• Staff confidence and understanding of SEND.
Deputy Manager – SEND and Inclusion Lead, Deputy Manager – Curriculum and Quality Lead, Deputy Manager – Operations, Safeguarding and Compliance Each Deputy Manager holds strategic responsibility within their specialism while working collaboratively to ensure consistent, high-quality provision.
The Deputy Manager, SEND and Inclusion Lead is responsible for leading inclusive practice and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the nursery. The post holder will ensure that all children, including those with additional or emerging needs, receive appropriate, timely and effective support to enable them to thrive and achieve their best possible outcomes. This role ensures that inclusive practice is embedded across all rooms and that staff are supported to meet the diverse needs of children and families. The post holder will work in partnership with families, external agencies and professionals to promote early identification, intervention and positive outcomes.
The Deputy Manager – SEND and Inclusion Lead:
• Acts as Manager in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
• Has delegated responsibility for leading SEND and inclusion across the nursery.
• Provides professional guidance and direction to Room Leads and Educators regarding inclusive practice.
• Liaises with external agencies and professionals on behalf of the nursery.
• Contributes to operational and strategic decision-making with the leadership team.
• Is accountable to the Nursery Manager and Directors for SEND and inclusion outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
SEND Leadership and Coordination
• Lead the identification of children with emerging or additional needs.
• Oversee the graduated response to SEND in line with statutory guidance.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of support plans and documentation.
• Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and strategies.
• Maintain accurate SEND records and tracking systems.
• Support smooth transitions between rooms and to school or other provisions.
Inclusive Practice
• Promote a culture of inclusion, belonging and equality across the nursery.
• Ensure environments and experiences are accessible and inclusive.
• Support staff to adapt activities and teaching approaches.
• Ensure all children are supported to participate fully in nursery life.
• Monitor the progress and wellbeing of children with additional needs.
Partnership with Families
• Build strong, supportive relationships with families of children with SEND.
• Provide guidance and reassurance to parents and carers.
• Involve families in planning and reviewing support strategies.
• Ensure communication is clear, respectful and confidential.
Multi-Agency Working
• Liaise with external professionals including health visitors, therapists and local authority services.
• Attend and contribute to review meetings where required.
• Support applications for additional funding or EHCPs where appropriate.
• Ensure recommendations from professionals are implemented and reviewed.
Staff Support and Development
• Provide guidance and coaching to staff supporting children with additional needs.
• Deliver SEND-focused training and updates.
• Support staff confidence in inclusive practice.
• Promote reflective practice and solution-focused approaches.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the post holder must:
• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in managing safeguarding concerns.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture.
• Be particularly vigilant regarding vulnerable children.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed consistently.
• Act immediately on any safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a core responsibility of this role.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Ensure all children are cared for in a safe and inclusive environment.
• Support safe staff deployment when acting as Manager.
• Promote children’s emotional wellbeing and sense of security.
• Contribute to maintaining a calm and nurturing environment.
Leadership and Professional Conduct
The Deputy Manager will:
• Demonstrate professionalism and integrity at all times.
• Uphold nursery policies, procedures and values.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with GDPR.
• Promote positive working relationships.
• Work collaboratively with other Deputy Managers.
• Engage in continuous professional development.
Person Specification
Essential
• Full and relevant Level 3 qualification (higher qualification desirable).
• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Strong knowledge of inclusive early years practice.
• Understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
Desirable
• SENDCo or inclusion training.
• Experience working with external agencies.
• Leadership or mentoring experience.
Performance will be assessed against:
• Early identification and support for children with SEND.
• Progress and wellbeing of children with additional needs.
• Effectiveness of support plans and interventions.
• Quality of inclusive practice across the nursery.
• Staff confidence and understanding of SEND.