Deputy Centre Manager – Dorchester

Job summary

Support the Centre Manager with daily centre operations, staff and resource management, quality assurance, safeguarding, and performance targets, deputising when required. Lead learner pastoral support and interventions, provide teaching cover, monitor learner progress, and deliver staff induction, training, and mentoring.

Job details

At SWRAC, we empower individuals to thrive through practical and relevant educational programs. Our goal is to equip people with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to become resilient, confident, and independent. We aim for them to grow in education, secure employment, or engage in meaningful activities, live healthily, be active and responsible citizens, and ensure their safety. Location: Dorchester, DT2 9SL Job Type: Full-time Salary: £36,000 – £38,000 a year Purpose of the Role The Deputy Centre Manager plays a key role in supporting the effective day-to-day management of the centre, ensuring high-quality education, learner support, safeguarding and operational compliance. The postholder will also deputise for the Centre Manager during periods of absence, support teaching and learning, lead pastoral interventions for learners and contribute to workforce development through the delivery of staff training, mentoring and quality improvement activities. The role combines leadership responsibilities with direct involvement in teaching, learner support and staff development, helping to ensure excellent outcomes for learners and a positive, inclusive culture across the centre. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Centre Management Deputise for the Centre Manager during periods of absence, ensuring the smooth operation of the centre. Support the management of staff, learners and resources to maintain a positive, safe and productive learning environment. Assist in monitoring the quality of teaching, learning and assessment across programmes. Support achievement of centre performance targets, learner outcomes and attendance expectations. Assist with timetabling, staff deployment and cover arrangements. Support implementation of safeguarding, Prevent, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Health and Safety procedures. Contribute to quality assurance activities, audits, inspections and self-assessment processes. Work collaboratively with the Centre Manager and IQA team to share best practice and maintain consistency across provision. Assist with maintaining learner records, reports and data systems in a timely and accurate manner. Participate in management meetings and provide reports when required. Support recruitment, enrolment and transition processes for learners. Pastoral Support and Student Welfare Act as a key pastoral lead within the centre. Build positive relationships with learners, parents, carers and professionals. Support learners who experience barriers to attendance, engagement, wellbeing or behaviour. Lead and coordinate individual support plans and targeted interventions. Attend and contribute to annual reviews, professional meetings and multi-agency discussions. Promote learner independence, resilience and preparation for adulthood outcomes. Support attendance monitoring and implement strategies to improve learner engagement. Assist the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy DSL with safeguarding responsibilities where required. Teaching and Learning Provide teaching cover for tutor absence due to sickness, annual leave or vacancies. Prepare and deliver engaging learning sessions that meet individual learner needs. Deliver embedded English and mathematics within programmes where appropriate. Complete learner documentation, reviews, assessments and progress records in a timely manner. Monitor learner progress against Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), EHCP outcomes and RARPA targets. Support the quality of teaching, learning and assessment to meet internal and external quality standards. Work closely with learning support staff and external professionals to promote positive learner outcomes. Staff Development and Training Deliver induction training for new staff. Coordinate and facilitate centre-based staff development activities. Mentor tutors and support staff to promote effective practice. Support implementation of organisational policies, procedures and quality standards. Maintain training records and identify development opportunities within the centre. Share best practice relating to SEND, behaviour support, safeguarding and learner engagement. Stakeholder Engagement Develop positive relationships with parents/carers, commissioners and external agencies. Represent SWRAC at meetings, reviews and networking events as required. Support partnership working with employers, work experience providers and community organisations. General Responsibilities Promote a culture of inclusion, aspiration and high expectations. Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements. Uphold all organisational policies and procedures. Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the nature and level of the post. Person Specification Essential Qualifications Level 2 English and Mathematics (or equivalent). Recognised Teaching Qualification (or willingness to work towards). Safeguarding training appropriate to the role. Full UK Driving Licence. Knowledge, Skills And Experience Experience teaching young people with SEND. Experience supporting learners with social, emotional, behavioural or mental health needs. Experience working within an educational setting. Experience of multi-agency working with professionals and families. Understanding of SEND, EHCP processes and preparation for adulthood outcomes. Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and procedures. Understanding of behaviour support and positive intervention strategies. Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion requirements. Understanding of curriculum delivery and assessment processes. Understanding of Health and Safety and risk management responsibilities. Excellent organisational and time management skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Effective leadership and team-working skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and respond flexibly to operational needs. Ability to supervise learners effectively and safely. Competent IT skills and experience using management information systems. Ability to manage challenging situations professionally. Ability to analyse data and identify actions to improve learner outcomes. Ability to deliver staff training and provide constructive feedback. Positive and solution-focused approach. Resilient and calm under pressure. Commitment to continuous improvement. Professional integrity and accountability. Ability to motivate and inspire learners and staff. Commitment to inclusion and learner-centred practice. Excellent problem-solving skills. Flexible and adaptable approach to work. Desirable Qualifications Level 5 Teaching Qualification. SEND qualification. Behaviour Management qualification. Leadership or Management qualification (Level 3 or above). Mental Health First Aid qualification. Knowledge And Experience Experience of line management or supervisory responsibilities. Experience of staff training delivery. Experience of quality assurance and performance improvement activities. Experience of managing learner attendance, behaviour or pastoral interventions. Experience of coaching or mentoring staff. Experience of quality assurance activities. Experience of timetabling and resource management. Knowledge of Ofsted Education Inspection Framework requirements. Understanding of RARPA and accredited qualifications. Knowledge of supported internships and employability programmes. Special Requirements Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Commitment to equality of opportunity and inclusive practice. Willingness to work flexibly to meet operational requirements. Commitment to supporting learners to achieve independence and positive preparation for adulthood outcomes. Ability to travel between centres as required. Benefits Casual dress Company events Cycle to work scheme Health & wellbeing programme Private dental insurance Private medical insurance Ability To Commute/relocate Dorchester DT2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred) Education GCSE or equivalent (preferred) Experience teaching young people with SEND: 2 years (preferred) line management or supervisory responsibilities: 1 year (preferred) working within an educational setting: 1 year (preferred) Work Location: In person SWRAC is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection practices will reflect this dedication. All successful candidates will undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, along with other relevant employment screening. We are also committed to ensuring genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and educational provider. Please find our full Safeguarding Policy here. View Full Job Description Closing date: 16/09/2026 Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. How to apply After completing your Application Form, please submit it alongside your CV using the contact form below. Full name (required) Your email (required) Your phone number (required) Job Vacancy you're applying for (required) Select Centre (required) —Please choose an option—BoscombeBootleDorchesterMerley House (Head Office)SeftonSouthportWidnesWinton  Your message (optional) Application Form (required) CV (required)

What you’ll do

Support the Centre Manager with daily centre operations, staff and resource management, quality assurance, safeguarding, and performance targets, deputising when required. Lead learner pastoral support and interventions, provide teaching cover, monitor learner progress, and deliver staff induction, training, and mentoring.

Requirements

Essential requirements include Level 2 English and Mathematics, a recognised teaching qualification or willingness to work toward one, appropriate safeguarding training, and a full UK driving licence. Candidates should have experience teaching young people with SEND and supporting learners with additional needs, alongside knowledge of safeguarding, EHCP processes, behaviour support, and educational assessment; leadership, staff development, and quality assurance experience are desirable.

Benefits

• Casual Dress
• Company Events
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Health And Wellbeing Programme
• Private Dental Insurance
• Private Medical Insurance

Listed skills

• assessment · Preferred
• Attendance Management · Preferred
• Quality assurance · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• SEND Teaching
• Learner Pastoral Support
• Safeguarding
• Leadership
• Staff Training
• Mentoring
• Quality Assurance
• Behaviour Support
• Multi-Agency Collaboration
• Curriculum Delivery
• Assessment
• Attendance Management
• Timetabling
• Data Analysis
• Health And Safety
• Equality, Diversity And Inclusion

Job areas

• Education
• Management & Leadership
• Social Services
• Human Resources
• Security & Safety