Deputy/SENCo Camden Sq. PACE Deadline: 31 Dec 2026

This is a part-time
position in Camden, London and will initially be offered as a fixed term contract for one year from appointment.

Job Description and Person Specification for Deputy/SENCo

Job Title: Deputy/SENCo

Reporting To: Service Manager

Hours: 20 hours per week term-time (41 weeks per annum) + 35 hours per week during school holidays (11 weeks per annum).

In accordance to your job role as deputy SENCo you will also be required to work some weekends as part of the extended play offer.

Job purpose and Context

The Deputy/SENCo will contribute to the management of the day-to-day operations of Out of School Childcare & Play services and ancillary play projects at a designated Playcentre, and to fulfil the role of named SENCo for the setting. Your responsibilities will be to work in partnership with the Playcentre Manager to create and retain a happy and committed staff team, lead them in delivering high quality play services that promote the children’s health and well-being, and assist in development of new play projects and services.

Main Responsibilities

• Help plan, set up and deliver high quality after-school, holiday and weekend play and EYFS services that meet the needs of all children and young people, including disabled children, and ensure provision is inclusive, engaging and well organised.
• Continuously observe, monitor and review services to ensure they are safe, effective, well run and of a consistently high standard.
• Ensure all services are planned and delivered in line with PACE policies and procedures, statutory obligations, legal frameworks and the contractual requirements of funders.
• Help to lead the play team to plan and deliver a fun, varied and inclusive programme of play activities, experiences and outings that are well resourced and appropriate to the needs and interests of children and young people.
• Ensure the meaningful participation of children and young people with a wide range of needs in the planning, delivery, evaluation and review of services.
• Work in partnership with other PACE teams and staff, and liaise effectively with parents, carers, professionals, external agencies and other relevant individuals as appropriate.
• Build, maintain and strengthen partnerships within the local community to promote understanding, improve access to resources and create a broad range of opportunities for children, young people and their families.
• Work with the PACE Safeguarding Lead to support robust safeguarding processes and ensure that all practice is in line with PACE safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Work with the Senior Centre Manager to ensure that the building, playground and resources are well maintained, safe, fit for purpose and suitable for the needs of the children and young people using the service.
• Ensure that staff and volunteers work respectfully and positively with children, young people and their families, and that practice consistently reflects PACE’s commitment to inclusion, dignity and diversity.
• Assist with the recruitment, induction, supervision and appraisal of play staff and volunteers, and help plan training and continuing professional development to ensure staff are equipped to meet the needs of the service, including medication administration and personal care where required.
• Challenge poor practice promptly and constructively, and make recommendations that support continuous improvement in the quality and effectiveness of the service.
• Develop, implement and maintain effective monitoring and evaluation systems to support high quality service delivery and ongoing improvement.
• Report regularly to the Centre Management Team on the performance, development and emerging needs of the service, and participate in meetings as required.
• Help manage the play centre budget, collect fees and charges, and ensure that income and expenditure are recorded accurately and in line with PACE financial procedures and policies.
• Collect, record and maintain accurate, up to date background information on individual children, particularly those with additional needs, in line with confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• Liaise closely with parents, carers and relevant professionals to identify children’s needs and plan appropriate intervention and support.
• Provide advice, guidance and practical support to colleagues within the setting to help ensure consistent and effective practice.
• Ensure that Individual Education Plans are prepared where needed, implemented consistently, and reviewed and evaluated regularly.
• Promote and publicise services effectively so that they are accessible to all sections of the community.
• Act at all times as a positive advocate for PACE and uphold the organisation’s values, standards and reputation.
• Undertake training and professional development as required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as required from time to time.

Person specification

Essential requirements of the post

Experience and qualifications

An appropriate early years, childcare, education or play work qualification at NVQ level 3 or above that meets the standards required by Ofsted & EYFS registration and inspection processes.

Experience of managing staff and leading teams in delivering high quality, inclusive play or childcare service.

Significant experience of working with disabled children, young people and parents/carers and of facilitating an inclusive child-centred service.

Experience of working in partnership with other agencies and organisations.

Knowledge and Understanding

A thorough knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted standards and relevant current legislation.

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures and experience of partnership working.

Thorough knowledge of child development.

Knowledge of the needs of children with SEN – gained through experience.

Awareness of effective strategies and techniques.

Knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice.

Awareness of the support and advice which may be offered by other agencies.

Skills and Abilities

Must be a team player with strong leadership skills and ability to work with others to achieve shared objectives.

Ability to maintain and develop mutually beneficial working relationships with key delivery partners.

Good observational skills and the experience to support staff in knowing when and how best to intervene to support children’s play and social interactions.

Ability to maintain the health, safety and security of others

Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with people in a form and manner that is consistent with their level of understanding, culture, background and preferred ways of communicating.

Excellent time and task management skills.

Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.

The ability to use observation to inform assessment and planning.

Ability to manage a budget

Flexibility, initiative and the ability to respond appropriately to child and family need

IT skills to fulfil administrative requirements of the post.

Personal Qualities

To have high expectations

Ability to relate well to children and adults.

Ability to lead, motivate and influence others.

To show commitment to sustain excellent attendance at work.

Approach to work

A commitment to child-centred practice

Initiative and enthusiasm

Self-awareness and able to acknowledge own limitations in terms of knowledge, skills and experience.

PACE

020 7183 5120 https://www.paceforall.com/ Mary Terrace Mary Terrace , London , NW1 7LR

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