West Thames College is one of the most exciting and successful colleges of further and higher education in London and our vibrant campuses in Isleworth and Feltham have some of the best facilities in the country. We have a reputation for giving excellent support to our diverse student population. Staff are well supported within a culture of continuous professional development and are encouraged to take on new and more senior roles within the college. Facilities across our campuses in Isleworth and Feltham are state-of-the art with good public transport links and free staff parking. We are a values-based and highly inclusive college, serving a vibrant and diverse area, and making a positive contribution to wider social and economic agendas. We offer courses from pre-entry through to Higher Education, Apprenticeship and Traineeship programmes to meet the skills needs of our students aged 14 upwards. At West Thames College we are committed to safeguarding our students. The safety of students continues to be a primary focus. We practice safe staff recruitment and check the suitability of staff and volunteers that work with young students or vulnerable adults. Please note that it is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The purpose of the post is: The role of the Deputy Nursery Manager is to assist the Nursery Manager in providing professional leadership and management of the Nursery to ensure that all children (aged 3mths –5years) receive the highest standards of education and care in line with current legislation, EYFS framework, statutory guidance, and local safeguarding board procedures. The post holder will also be the SEN Co-ordinator and maintain such necessary documentation as required for the role. In the absence of the Nursery Manager, the Deputy will undertake the overall day-to-day management of the Nursery. Full details of the post can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification. Person Specification Please study the items in this person specification carefully and when completing your application form try to describe your knowledge, skills and experience in terms of those particular items: 1. Possess Foundation degree/Honours degree in Early years childcare & Education, or equivalent qualification. 2. Should have a minimum of five years’ experience as a key person (some managerial experience is essential) in day care settings or other childcare provision with children between the age range 3-months to 5-years. 3. Can demonstrate a proactive approach to the role, showing initiative and taking on new developments and ideas as appropriate. 4. Be able to demonstrate the ability to manage nursery staff in a cooperative and supportive way. 5. Be able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills including relating positively to parents, College staff, students, and outside agencies at all levels, 6. Excellent organisational and written communication skills. 7. Understand current childcare practices, development and training programmes. 8. Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of current Early Years framework, legislation and regulations. 9. A sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection issues within an early years setting. 10. A broad understanding of further education and practices of a nursery operating in a college setting, for example, types of financial support available to support students with children in the nursery. 11. Be willing to undertake training and development as required within the role. 12. Possess appropriate IT skills relevant to the post, or be willing to undertake training. 13. Have experience of supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. 14. Have an awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and inclusive practice, demonstrating a positive approach to these practices with children, parents and colleagues and other stakeholders.