Co-Manager - SENCO and Operations Lead

Co\-Nursery Manager (SENCO \& Operations Lead) – Pine Rivers Kindergarten Reading RG30 · From £40,000 · Full\-time, 4\.5 or 5 days

Pine Rivers Kindergarten is building a new co\-leadership structure \- and this is one of two senior roles at the heart of it.

We're a family\-rooted nursery with over 55 years at the heart of Reading. With a large natural garden, a warm and experienced team, and a genuine commitment to high\-quality early education, we're entering an exciting new chapter \- and we're looking for an exceptional leader to help shape it.

This is a newly created Co\-Nursery Manager position, working in close partnership with our Co\-Nursery Manager (DSL \& Strategic Lead). It's a supernumerary leadership role *(meaning you lead across the nursery rather than being tied to one room)* with genuine autonomy, real influence, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference to children, families, and practitioners every day.

The flexibility You can work your 40 hours across 4\.5 or 5 days \- whichever suits your life best.

The role You'll take primary responsibility for the day\-to\-day operational leadership of the nursery, lead on SEND and inclusion as our SENCO, and act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL). You'll be a visible, hands\-on presence across the nursery \- coaching and supporting practitioners, keeping standards consistently high, and ensuring every child's needs are met.

Day to day you will:

• Lead the day\-to\-day operational running of the nursery, including staffing deployment and ratios


• Act as SENCO \- leading inclusive practice, supporting children with additional needs and their families, and liaising with external professionals


• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), providing cover for the DSL and maintaining up\-to\-date statutory training


• Coach and mentor practitioners and Room Leaders in their day\-to\-day practice and professional development


• Conduct practitioner supervisions and contribute to appraisals


• Act as a first point of contact for day\-to\-day staff wellbeing concerns


• Support Ofsted readiness and provide operational support during inspection


• Contribute to quality monitoring, improvement planning, and consistency of practice across all rooms


• Share out\-of\-hours emergency contact responsibility with the Co\-Nursery Manager (DSL \& Strategic Lead)

What we're looking for

Essential:

• Full and relevant Level 3 qualification (minimum)


• Proven experience in an early years leadership role


• Strong operational understanding of nursery environments


• Confident leading, coaching, and supporting teams


• Solid knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and inclusion


• Enhanced DBS (on the Update Service, or willingness to apply)

Desirable:

• SENCO experience or qualification


• DSL or DDSL training *(training can be provided for the right candidate)*


• Experience supporting Ofsted inspections


• Familiarity with online learning journal platforms

What you'll get

• Salary £40,000 (depending on experience)


• 4\.5 or 5 day working week \- your choice


• Your birthday off every year


• Discretionary bonus scheme


• Staff childcare discount


• Cycle to work scheme and company pension


• A genuine senior leadership position with real influence, not a stepping\-stone title


• A collaborative co\-leadership structure with an experienced partner alongside you


• A long\-established setting with a strong local reputation and loyal families


• Ongoing professional development and CPD opportunities

We're a short walk from Reading town centre, well connected by bus, and just 2 minutes from West Reading station.

Safeguarding Pine Rivers Kindergarten is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, provide suitable references, and complete all safer recruitment checks in line with statutory guidance. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 \- all convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings must be declared unless protected under current DBS filtering rules.

To apply Send us your CV \- we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: £40,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension


• Cycle to work scheme


• Employee discount


• Free parking


• On\-site parking


• Transport links

Application question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have in an early years leadership role (as a Deputy or Manager)?


• Do you have experience as a SENCO or supporting children with SEND in an early years setting? (Yes/No)

Licence/Certification:

• Level 3 childcare qualification recognised by Ofsted? (required)

Work Location: In person

This listing is from indeed. View original listing ↗