Deputy Manager in Devizes

Salary: £15.26 per hour

Hours of work: Hours to be confirmed, Mon – Fri (Term time only)

Contract type: Permanent

Devizes Opportunity Centre are seeking to appoint a Deputy Manager/SENCO to join our small team based in Devizes. The Centre is one of five Specialist Early Years Centres within Wiltshire providing pre-school education, therapeutic care and ongoing support for children who have a variety of disabilities/needs and their families.

Responsibilities

• The post holder will be required to carry out a range of functions in order to assist in the provision of high quality care and pre-school education for children with a wide variety of special needs.
• To co-ordinate and facilitate the SEND code of practice and Wiltshire’s Local Offer ensuring all member children receive appropriate support within the Centre, mainstream provisions and during transition into the primary education system.
• To promote positive working relationships with staff, parents and outside agencies in order for a highly effective team around the child.
• To act as manager in the absence of the Centre manager for any period of time.
• To act as deputy SENCO.
• To act as deputy designated safeguarding lead.
• To act as Playroom lead and work with the staff team members to ensure the individual development of children through the provision of high-quality early years education in accordance with the EYFS and SEND code of practice.
• To work alongside management and support supervision of the playroom staff team ensuring all processes, policies and procedures are adhered to.
• To liaise with parents on the progress of their children, provide support and information in order to further develop parent’s knowledge and understanding of the statutory assessment (EHCP) process, Local Offer website and other available support services.
• To support the Centre manager in financial administrative duties, grant applications, fundraising and promotional events.
• To manage, implement and monitor the health and safety processes and policies within the Centre in conjunction with the Centre Manager.
• Able to use a variety of communication aids such as Makaton, visuals, Communication boards, Attention Wiltshire strategy, TEACCH, intensive interactions.
• Act as a keyworker with responsibility for named children.
• Assisting in the provision of high-quality early years education including planning and implementation of small group / 1:1 activities.
• Ability to implement fun, engaging activities aimed at improving outcomes for children linked to EYFS guidelines.
• Able to implement and carry out SALT targets for specific children during each session.
• Building trusting relationships with children and their families including updating parents on the progress of their child.
• Maintaining records and information for each key child in accordance with our policies and procedures.
• Offer practical assistance to children in all aspects of their personal care.
• Work alongside other health professionals such as EYIA’s, visual and hearing impairment service, SALT, Physiotherapists, health visitors and paediatricians to facilitate/implement programs of work.
• Work in accordance to our Centre’s policies and procedures with Safeguarding being of paramount importance.

Qualifications

• All applicants must hold a relevant level 3 early years qualification or above.
• Have experience working within an early years setting for at least three years.
• Have Leadership and SENCO experience and a strong knowledge of safeguarding procedures and the EYFS.
• Candidates will also ideally have the following but full training will be available:
• Paediatric First Aid training
• Designated safeguarding training
• Knowledge and/or experience of working with children with additional needs
• Knowledge or experience of working with children on the autistic spectrum
• Knowledge or experience of Makaton signing (or be willing to learn)

Dates

• Closing date (and time): Friday 13th February 2026
• Interview date: To be arranged

How to apply

For an application pack please contact FAO: Amanda Crookes – office@devizesopportunity.com

For further information about the Centre you can look us up on: www.devizesopportunitycentre.co.uk

Safeguarding and requirements

Devizes Opportunity Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check before employment is confirmed. All staff will be enrolled onto the Disclosure and barring update service.

Important

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW. Applications must be made via the instructions provided above. Applications or CVs submitted via the apply button will not be considered.