Deputy Manager & Inclusion Lead (Maternity Cover), Portslade in Brighton

Maternity cover (1 year minimum) Full‑time: 38 hours per week across 4 days (Monday‑Friday)

Do you believe every child deserves to thrive in nature? Bee in the Woods is seeking an experienced Deputy Manager and Inclusion Lead to champion inclusive practice at our Foredown Woods kindergarten in Portslade. As Brighton’s first and only year‑round outdoor nursery and Ofsted Outstanding setting, we’re looking for someone who understands that the woodland is the perfect environment for ALL children to flourish – and has the expertise to make that vision a reality.

Responsibilities

• Co‑lead our award‑winning Portslade setting with the Kindergarten Manager.
• Champion inclusion and SEND provision across the kindergarten.
• Ensure early identification and intervention through strong parent partnerships.
• Support staff to implement Individual Support Plans effectively.
• Act as key person for a group of children, tracking their development and progress.
• Plan and deliver high‑quality outdoor Early Years sessions.
• Review and develop SEND and inclusion policies and practices.
• Build relationships with parents, staff, and external professionals.
• Supervise and mentor the staff team.
• Have dedicated non‑contact time each week to focus on inclusion leadership, planning and staff support.

What we’re looking for

• Hold a Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (or equivalent).
• Have experience leading in an education setting.
• Bring deep knowledge of the EYFS framework.
• Be passionate about inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.
• Be passionate about pioneering quality early years education based on research.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to build trust with children, families, and colleagues.
• Possess strong organisational and time‑management abilities.
• Work collaboratively and support others to grow.
• Understand safeguarding and child protection procedures thoroughly.
• Hold a Forest School Leader qualification (or willingness to train).
• Have experience supervising and supporting staff teams.
• Have a proven track record working with children with additional needs.
• Have Paediatric First Aid qualification.

What we offer

• Hours & Pay: Full‑time: 38 hours per week across 4 days (Monday‑Friday); one dedicated non‑contact day per week; salaries £30,628 – £32,604 per annum (ft/pro rata); part‑time considered for the right candidate (salary depends on experience and skills).
• Benefits: 28 days annual leave (pro rata); your birthday off; exceptional CPD opportunities; caring and reflective staff team who prioritise wellbeing; regular staff socials and team building; discounted childcare if needed; flexible working hours where possible; Bike to Work Scheme; career progression opportunities; a working day in a beautiful space, surrounded by nature and lovely people.

Why Bee in the Woods?

We’re not your typical nursery. Since 2018, we’ve been pioneering exclusively outdoor provision and were named UK Nursery of the Year 2022. Our Portslade site at Foredown Woods offers two woodland play areas and a large allotment garden. Woodland shelters, mud kitchens, woodwork areas, swings and dens. Space for children to lead their own learning adventures. A 1:5 staff‑to‑child ratio (compared to 1:8 or 1:13 in typical settings).

Our approach is inspired by Froebel, Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian Forest Schools. We believe that:

• Every child can thrive outdoors, regardless of their needs.
• Nature is the best teacher.
• Inclusion means removing barriers, not lowering expectations.
• Staff wellbeing and professional development are essential.
• Children are independent thinkers, rich in potential.

Most of our team stay 5+ years because we genuinely value expertise, support growth, and celebrate the incredible work our educators do every day.

About our Portslade setting

Foredown Woods is our larger site, featuring two woodland play areas and a spacious allotment garden. We support children aged 3‑7, including nursery, reception and home‑education groups. The woodland provides endless opportunities for exploration, play, creativity and connection with nature – from campfire cooking and tool use to den building, nature art and gardening. Our outdoor environment naturally supports sensory regulation, gross motor development and child‑led learning. As Deputy Manager and Inclusion Lead, you’ll ensure that every child can access these experiences in ways that work for them, working closely with families and external professionals to create truly inclusive provision.

Your Impact

• Shape how children with additional needs experience outdoor learning.
• Support families to see their children thrive in nature.
• Mentor staff to develop inclusive practices.
• Demonstrate that Forest School is for everyone.
• Create systems that identify needs early and respond effectively.
• Build a culture where difference is celebrated and barriers are removed.

Key responsibilities snapshot

• Leadership & Management: Assist the Manager in day‑to‑day running of the Portslade setting; support staff supervision, guidance and training; help manage resources effectively; ensure policies and procedures are followed.
• Inclusion & SEND: Lead on SEND and inclusion policy and practice; implement early identification and intervention; support staff to follow Individual Support Plans; build partnerships with parents and external professionals.
• Quality & Safeguarding: Ensure the setting meets EYFS statutory requirements; maintain effective systems for tracking children’s progress; uphold safeguarding procedures and keep children safe; maintain high standards of safety, hygiene and cleanliness.

Ready to make a difference? If you’re passionate about inclusive outdoor education, ready to lead with compassion and expertise, and excited to be part of an Outstanding team that’s redefining early years provision – we’d love to hear from you.

Contract: Maternity cover (temporary contract 1 year minimum) Location: Foredown Woods, Portslade Part‑time also considered for the right candidate. Deadline to apply: 30th January 2026

We are an inclusive, supportive and friendly team, who love to learn and grow together. To learn more about what we do at Bee in the Woods, find us on Facebook or Instagram. Should you have any questions about the role, we’d love to hear from you!