U5’s Registered Manager -SEND (Children’s Respite Trust)
East Sussex County Council · Uckfield
Salary: Available on request.
Contract type: Permanent.
Working pattern: Part time.
Closing date: Sunday 25 October, 2026.
Interview date:
How to apply:
To apply for this role, please contact Michelle, via email on: michelle@crtcharity.org.
Who to contact if you have a query:
For any queries, please contact Michelle, via email on: michelle@crtcharity.org or by phone: 01825 817417.
The Children’s Respite Trust is a small children's charity supporting families of children with disabilities and complex needs. We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Early Years Manager to join our specialist SEND Under 5s Provision, where children and families are at the heart of everything we do.
We take pride in the strong relationships we build with children and their families, and in the nurturing, child-centred approach that helps shape each child's unique journey with us. Working as part of a small and supportive team, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality early years experiences that promote learning, development, and wellbeing.
Through observation and assessment, you will help identify each child's strengths and areas of need, supporting them to thrive through personalised targets, sensory rich learning opportunities, and meaningful play experiences.
You will work closely with families, colleagues, and external professionals to ensure every child receives the support they need to reach their full potential.
Working within our Under 5s provision, supporting children aged 2-4 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and reporting to the Head of Care, the U5’s Manager will provide strong leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and child-centred care and education. You will:
Lead, motivate, and support the nursery team to deliver outstanding care, learning, and development opportunities for all children, while demonstrating a hands-on approach.
Ensure the provision offers a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where children can thrive.
Oversee planning and curriculum delivery, ensuring activities reflect each child's individual interests, abilities, developmental needs, and EHCP outcomes where applicable.
Maintain compliance with EYFS requirements, safeguarding procedures, health and safety regulations, and organisational policies.
Monitor the quality of teaching, learning, and interactions through observations, coaching, supervision, and reflective practice.
Build positive and professional relationships with children, families, staff, and wider professionals.
Contribute towards work with external agencies, including SEND services, health professionals, therapists, and local authority teams.
Oversee children's observations, assessments, learning journeys, developmental tracking, and personalised targets, ensuring accurate record keeping and effective use of the EYFS Framework and Birth to Five Matters.
Become a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, promoting children's welfare and ensuring concerns are identified, recorded, and acted upon appropriately.
Take responsibility for staff recruitment, induction, supervision, training, and continuous professional development. This includes ensuring that safer recruitment protocols are followed and mandatory training requirements are met.
Manage the day-to-day operations of the nursery, including staffing, occupancy, resources, and environment management.
Contribute towards funding applications and reporting requirements, including EYE, SENIF / SENELF and Pupil Premium.
Audit records to ensure that staff are keeping accurate and up to date logs, including care plans and risk assessments.
Work collaboratively with the Deputy Manager and wider staff team to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the provision, maintaining high standards of care, education, safeguarding, and inclusion.
Model excellent practice and positive interactions with children, supporting staff to deliver high-quality experiences through play and intensive interaction approaches.
Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives, including reporting and preparation for Ofsted inspections.
Manage the nursery budget.
As the Registered Manager, contribute towards compliance with EYFS requirements, Ofsted regulations, safeguarding responsibilities, and all relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks.
Essential Qualities:
Passionate about supporting children with SEND and their families.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
Sound knowledge of the EYFS Framework, and safeguarding requirements.
Ability to build effective partnerships with families, staff, and external professionals.
Committed to continuous improvement and delivering outstanding outcomes for children.
Requirements:
A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum (Level 5 or above desirable).
Experience working within an Early Years setting, including supporting children aged 2-4 years.
Previous leadership or management experience, with the ability to support, motivate, and develop a staff team.
Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Birth to Five Matters, and the SEND Code of Practice.
A thorough understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and safer recruitment practices.
Knowledge and experience of supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism.
Experience of completing and overseeing children's observations, assessments, developmental tracking, and individual planning.
Ability to build positive and supportive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
Experience working in partnership with multi-agency professionals, including therapists, health professionals, and local authority teams.
A commitment to providing inclusive, child-centred care that promotes positive outcomes for every child.
Ability to work effectively alongside the Deputy Manager and wider team to ensure the successful day-to-day operation of the provision.
A reliable, professional, and proactive individual with a positive and adaptable approach to leadership.
A sound understanding of Ofsted requirements and the responsibilities of a Registered Manager (previous Registered Manager experience desirable).
A commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining high standards of practice.
Desirable skills:
Previous experience as a Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, or similar leadership role.
Experience supporting children with complex needs and disabilities.
Paediatric First Aid qualification.
Experience of preparing for or participating in Ofsted inspections.
What we can offer:
We believe that when our team feels valued and supported, children and their families thrive, which is why we are deeply committed to looking after you.
Employee assistant programme.
Training on the role & continued development.
Company pension scheme.
Regular opportunities for wellbeing support and supervisions.
A nurturing and supportive working environment with a strong focus on staff wellbeing.
The chance to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.
Opportunities to participate in charity fundraising and community events.
Important Information:
At the Children’s Respite Trust, the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is our top priority. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references.
If you are ready to be part of a supportive team and help create a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for children with SEND, we’d love to hear from you!
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