Job title and organisation: Deputy Early Years Manager/SENCO - Shantona Women and Family Service – Shantona Nursery
Salary: £28,890.41 - £31,299.31 (pro rata) based on experience + 6% pension
Hours: 19.5
Contract: Fixed-term, to cover maternity leave from September 2026 to July 2027
Location: Shantona Nursery, Shepherds Lane, Leeds LS8 5AW
Closing Date: Friday 5 June 2026
Shantona Nursery is a thriving and highly successful early years setting, supported by a dynamic, dedicated, and bilingual staff team who are passionate about providing the highest standard of care and education. We pride ourselves on delivering a rich, stimulating, and inclusive learning curriculum that nurtures each child’s development, curiosity, and confidence in a warm and welcoming environment. Our commitment to excellence has been recognised by Ofsted, awarding us an Outstanding rating in March 2024.
We are now pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced Deputy Early Years Manager/SENCO to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a experience working with children in an Early Years Educator role, demonstrating strong leadership skills, a sound understanding of the EYFS framework, and a genuine passion for supporting both children and staff. This position is a maternity cover role, commencing in September 2026. We offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to the continued success and high standards of our nursery.
What we are looking for in an applicant:
- A highly motivated and hard-working individual, a team player who has a flexible and adaptable approach
- Has the ability to develop positive relationships with children, families and colleagues and other professionals.
- Hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare.
- Work collaboratively under the direction of the Early Years Manager. Support the Early Years Manager in the effective day-to-day running of the setting, and assume responsibility in their absence.
- Plan, deliver, and evaluate high-quality teaching and learning activities, including the preparation of engaging provisions. Take responsibility for children’s observations, assessments, and planning, and produce accurate reports for both children and the management team.
- Fulfil SENCo responsibilities, including carrying out assessments, making referrals, and providing appropriate support to children and their families.
- Ensure full compliance with the nursery’s policies and procedures, as well as all local and national safeguarding requirements, responding to incidents in line with established guidelines.
- Manage time and workload effectively, prioritising tasks and delegating responsibilities appropriately within the team.
- Lead and manage holiday club provision during term-time breaks, including coordinating home visits and outreach activities.
- Demonstrate strong communication, organisational, and IT skills.
Closing date for application: Friday 5th June 2026
Apply now to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation.
As the post holder will be working alongside and potentially with vulnerable women children and their families; the post is open to women only under The Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 Part 1.
Shantona is fully committed to safeguarding adults, children, and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
If you require further information or an informal chat, please contact sabuj@shantona.co.uk
Contact: 0113 249 7120 or email Finance@shantona.co.uk or Sadia@shantona.co.uk for an application pack.
The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.
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