Specialist Pre School Centre Manager

£26,832 per year, pro rata, NEST Pension

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

No

Closing Date:

12/03/2026

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Centre Manager Based: Phoenix Centre Specialist Preschool Responsible to: Board of Trustees Responsible for: All staff employed at the Centre Job Purpose As the operational lead at The Centre, provide outstanding SEN practice, advice, care and development for all children attending The Centre on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Job Summary

• To provide outstanding SEN practice and advice for children placed at the centre
• To line manage and support staff working in the centre
• To develop and deliver learning and development programmes that are coherent, viable, accessible and responsive, meeting statutory requirements and are cost effective
• To lead in disseminating best practice in the use of assessments, observation and planning to meet the children's needs and extend their holistic development
• Promote, demonstrate and facilitate a clear understanding of diversity and equality to support all children placed in the setting
• To lead in assessing children's complex needs to meet their individual development
• To manage the Annual Review process for children in our specialist setting
• In conjunction with the Trustees of the Phoenix Centre to be responsible for the centre's day to day budget management Key Responsibilities
• Leadership & Strategic Development
• Work closely with the Trustees to develop and implement The Centres SEND strategy including our Admissions Policy
• Contribute to the evaluation of SEND provision and the creation of development plans
• Support with maintaining accurate SEND records and monitoring child progress
• Promote a culture of inclusion and ensure the SEND policy is embedded in daily practice
• Teaching, Coaching & Practice

Model outstanding practice for colleagues through demonstration and team learning

Provide coaching, mentoring, and support for all staff.

Offer practical guidance on adaptive teaching, differentiation, behaviour support, and room organisation for children with diverse needs.

• Child Support & Outcomes
• Oversee targeted interventions and support staff delivering them
• Monitor child progress against personalised targets, using assessment data to adjust provision
• Support with Early Help processes, referrals, and gathering evidence for EHCP Applications
• Work directly with children who have complex needs, developing personalised strategies.
• Working With Families & Professionals
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers, offering guidance and support
• Attend or lead meetings such as Annual Reviews, and multi-agency consultations
• Liaise with external agencies-EPs, SALT, CAMHS, OT, specialist teachers
• Compliance & Safeguarding
• Ensure practice aligns with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and Equality Act (2010)
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding and follow all settings policies
• To undertake the statutory duties of The Centres Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Support the staff team and Trustees with statutory paperwork and deadlines where required.
• Level 4 or degree related to early years/childcare - 2 years post qualification experience in running a similar service
• Strong knowledge of SEND Code of Practice and inclusive teaching strategies
• Proven record of improving outcomes for children with SEND
• Ability to coach and develop other staff
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with external agencies
• Understanding of specialist approaches (e.g., ASD strategies, SEMH support, dyslexia/SpLD interventions) This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and requires an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service record check.

Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.

Applicants will also be required to disclose at interview and medical/healthcare issues that may affect the position I could hold at the setting.

Phoenix Centre is equal opportunities and is committed to the Equality Act 2010.