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- Tasks: Lead and support children with additional needs in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join a caring charity dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days holiday, discounts on nursery fees, and wellbeing programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team focused on child development and making a difference.
- Qualifications: Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3 with relevant experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and training in safeguarding and first aid.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per annum)
- 50% discount on nursery fees
- Enhanced Maternity
- Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
- Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor: campsite, river hire, activities, day camps
- 30% discount on food in Cafes: Fairthorne, Eastleigh and Andover
- Wellbeing assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Good quality resources and a modern environment
- A welcoming, caring and supportive culture
Job Purpose:
The Lead Practitioner is a key member of our nursery leadership team, with a prime focus on supporting children across the setting who have any form of additional need or vulnerability.
The job holder will be expected to observe children and, alongside keypersons, identify children in need of additional support, develop individual education plans, make onward referrals, and support and coach nursery teams to embed high standards of care to meet identified needs.
As part of the leadership team, the Lead Practitioner will also contribute towards the wider nursery improvement plan, coach and develop staff and on occasions deputise in the absence of the Nursery Manager. This post is primarily supernumerary with an expectation that the majority of time will be spent working directly with staff and children, in rooms and the garden.
- Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3, relevant experience and willingness to train
- Experience of implementing improvements in an early years setting, including demonstrating best practice, coaching staff, setting objectives, and keeping records
- Experience and understanding of child development, behaviour management, SENCO and identified groups of children
- Good knowledge of matters relating to health and safety
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding good practice
- Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to train
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (level 3 or above) or willingness to train
Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.
We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.
Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continue to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.
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SENCo Lead Practitioner employer: YMCA England & Wales
Contact Detail:
YMCA England & Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCo Lead Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with additional needs or vulnerabilities. Research best practices in early years settings and be prepared to discuss how you can implement these strategies in your role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of early years education, especially those who have experience as a SENCo. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to gain insights and make connections that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your coaching and leadership skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully supported staff development or improved practices in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Be ready to discuss any training or qualifications you are pursuing, particularly in areas like safeguarding and child development, which are crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCo Lead Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that align with the SENCo Lead Practitioner role. Emphasise your Level 5 childcare qualification or Level 3, along with any specific experience in early years settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children with additional needs. Mention your experience in developing individual education plans and coaching staff, as these are key aspects of the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your understanding of child development, behaviour management, and safeguarding practices. These skills are crucial for the position and should be prominently featured.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA England & Wales
✨Showcase Your Experience with SEN
Make sure to highlight your experience working with children who have additional needs. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've supported these children and the strategies you've implemented to help them thrive.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Practitioner, you'll be expected to coach and develop staff. Share instances where you've taken on a leadership role, whether in a formal capacity or informally, and how you motivated your team to achieve high standards.
✨Understand Child Development
Familiarise yourself with key concepts of child development and behaviour management. Be ready to discuss how this knowledge informs your practice and how you would apply it in the nursery setting.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, prepare to answer questions about your understanding of safeguarding practices. Think of scenarios where you've had to act in the best interest of a child's safety and wellbeing.
