Trainee SEN Centre Manager

Job Purpose

The Trainee SEN Centre Manager will support the day\-to\-day management and operation of the SEN centre, ensuring high\-quality care, education, safeguarding, and inclusive support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

This role is designed to develop the successful candidate into a future Centre Manager through structured training, practical leadership experience, and ongoing professional development. The role includes supporting staff, children, families, operational procedures, safeguarding, and compliance within the setting.

The Trainee SEN Centre Manager will work closely with management to ensure the centre maintains a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and professional environment that promotes positive outcomes for all children.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1\. Operational Support

• Support the daily running and organisation of the SEN centre


• Assist in creating a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment


• Support staff deployment and ensure staff\-to\-child ratios are maintained at all times


• Help ensure rooms and learning environments remain clean, organised, stimulating, and appropriately resourced


• Assist management in implementing nursery/centre policies and procedures


• Support with opening and closing procedures where required


• Monitor daily routines to ensure smooth operation of the setting


• Promote high standards of professionalism and practice throughout the centre

• Promote and uphold safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times


• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with safeguarding concerns and reporting processes


• Ensure children’s wellbeing, safety, and welfare remain a priority


• Support health and safety checks, risk assessments, and accident reporting procedures


• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR regulations


• Ensure policies, procedures, and statutory requirements are followed consistently


• Support preparation for inspections, audits, and compliance checks

• Support children with a range of additional needs, including:


• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)


• ADHD


• Speech and language difficulties


• Learning disabilities


• Behavioural and emotional needs


• Assist in implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and EHCP targets


• Promote inclusive practice and equal opportunities for all children


• Support children’s emotional wellbeing, communication, and development


• Use positive behaviour management strategies in line with centre policies


• Carry out observations and contribute towards progress reports and assessments


• Work collaboratively with staff to meet individual children’s needs effectively

• Support staff in maintaining high\-quality standards of care and education


• Model positive and professional practice within the setting


• Assist with staff inductions, mentoring, and training support


• Encourage teamwork, professionalism, and positive communication


• Contribute to staff meetings, supervision sessions, and reflective practice discussions


• Support management with monitoring staff performance and identifying development needs

• Build positive and professional relationships with parents and carers


• Support communication regarding children’s progress, wellbeing, and development


• Work closely with external professionals including:


• Speech and language therapists


• Social workers


• SENCOs


• Local authority professionals


• Health visitors


• Ensure concerns and information are communicated professionally and appropriately


• Promote a welcoming and supportive environment for families

• Maintain accurate records, registers, and confidential documentation


• Support with staff rotas, scheduling, and general administration tasks


• Assist with maintaining children’s files and developmental records


• Support quality assurance processes and internal audits


• Ensure documentation is completed accurately and within required timescales


• Assist management with reporting and compliance administration

• Participate fully in leadership and management training programmes


• Work towards relevant qualifications where required


• Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development


• Attend mandatory training including safeguarding, behaviour management, SEN support, and health and safety


• Develop leadership, communication, and operational management skills


• Seek feedback and actively engage in reflective practice

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at all times


• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality


• Adhere to all centre policies, procedures, and safeguarding requirements


• Represent the centre in a professional and positive manner


• Undertake any other reasonable duties required by management in line with the role

Essential Criteria

• Experience working with children, ideally within SEN, childcare, education, or early years settings


• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills


• Willingness to learn and develop into a leadership role


• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team


• Positive attitude and professional approach


• Organised and able to manage responsibilities effectively


• Passion for supporting children with additional needs

• Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Education, Health \& Social Care, or similar


• Knowledge of SEN including autism, ADHD, and behavioural support strategies


• Experience supporting children with additional needs


• Understanding of EYFS or relevant educational frameworks


• Previous experience within a leadership or supervisory role


• Paediatric First Aid qualification

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS checks


• Suitable references


• Right to work checks


• Safeguarding and suitability checks

This role is designed as a development pathway into a future SEN Centre Manager position. Ongoing support, mentoring, and leadership training will be provided to support career progression within the organisation.

Pay: From £13\.50 per hour

Work Location: In person

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