Deputy Manager, SEND and Inclusion Lead

Overview

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.