At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the nursery's daily operations and lead SEND provision for children.
- Company: Join a warm and friendly nursery team at Cricklade Manor Nursery.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on inclusive education and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while fostering a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience leading a team.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 32500 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Manager and SENd Lead to join our friendly Nursery team.
Hours, Salary & Benefits:
- Hours: 40 hours between 7:30am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday. Permanent role, year-round.
- Salary: £31,000.00 - £32,500.00 pa
- Benefits:
- 5% Employer Pension
- Means tested discount for staff children
- Discretionary Christmas closure
- Additional day off for wellbeing
- Paid CPD training
- Free meals whilst on duty
- Career Growth: Excellent opportunities for career development, including access to fully funded apprenticeships
- Shopping discount card
- Personal accident at work cover
- Wellbeing & counselling scheme
- Free staff uniform
- Free on-site parking
About Our Nursery:
Cricklade Manor Nursery is a warm, friendly, and kind place where children from 3 months to 5 years flourish. Our classrooms offer a world of opportunity that are a home away from home. We provide affordable, high quality learning and adventures through year round care from 7:30am to 6:00pm. The children's favourite part of our nursery is our walled garden. They love exploring the wide open greenery, watching our chickens and exploring our dedicated Forest School, which we use come rain or shine. Located conveniently near Swindon and Cirencester, we offer excellent teaching and care for our children. As a member of our team, you are essential to our daily life. You'll be helping us create a warm and caring environment full of curiosity and exploration across the whole nursery including our newest additions in the baby room.
Main Responsibilities:
- Supporting day-to-day running of our busy, friendly nursery
- Supporting nursery manager and confidently managing the nursery in their absence
- Leading SEND provision in the Nursery and working closely with families and professionals alongside the SENDCo.
- Assist with maintaining and critically assessing all policies, procedures and practice
- Take a lead role in training and mentoring apprentices
- Provide ongoing training and support to nursery staff to ensure high-quality teaching practices
- Assist in personnel and staffing procedures and issues, including carrying out interviews for new staff, return to work interviews, one-to-one meetings, disciplinaries etc
- Ensure all practitioners in the setting understand their responsibilities to children with SEN and the setting's approach to identifying and meeting SEN.
- Advise and support colleagues.
- Ensure parents are closely involved throughout and that their insights inform action taken by the setting.
- Adapt learning activities to suit the child’s unique needs, ensuring inclusion within the nursery setting.
- Implement strategies from professionals such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists.
- Support with staff rotas and rooming
- Cover lunchtimes and sickness/holidays where needed
Person Specification:
- A completed Early Years Level 3 qualification.
- Experience leading a team, either as a room lead, or Deputy Manager
- A relevant qualification in Early Years or Special Educational Needs, desirable not essential
- Experience working with children with additional needs, ideally in an early years setting
- A strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and EYFS framework.
- Patience, empathy, and a nurturing approach to working with children
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with staff, families, and external specialists
- A passion for inclusive education and supporting children to reach their full potential
- The ability to create a stimulating environment that motivates children to learn independently.
- The ability to plan, assess and carry out children’s observations.
To read the full job description, see the attached candidate pack.
Safeguarding Statement: Cricklade Manor Prep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Assistant Manager & SENd Lead in Swindon employer: Cricklade Manor Prep Ltd
Cricklade Manor Nursery is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and nurturing work environment, offering competitive salaries and a range of benefits including paid CPD training, a wellbeing scheme, and opportunities for career growth through fully funded apprenticeships. Located conveniently near Swindon, our nursery fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in creating a warm and engaging atmosphere for both children and staff alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager & SENd Lead in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Cricklade Manor Nursery if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and its vibe will help you connect better during your chat with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for SEND! When you're in the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children with additional needs in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions that matter! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to SEND and team dynamics. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our site. It helps us keep track of candidates and ensures you get the best chance at landing that dream role with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager & SENd Lead in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Manager & SENd Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting those with additional needs shine through in your application. We want to see your genuine interest in creating a nurturing environment for all kids!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cricklade Manor Prep Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the SEND Code of Practice and the EYFS framework. Brush up on your knowledge about inclusive education and how to support children with additional needs. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully led a team or supported children with special educational needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about the nursery’s approach to SEND provision and how they involve parents in the process. This shows your genuine interest in their practices and values.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As an Assistant Manager, teamwork is key. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with colleagues in the past, especially in training and mentoring roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster a supportive environment for both staff and children.
