At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND provision and support children with diverse needs across multiple settings.
- Company: A nurturing educational environment dedicated to inclusive practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on improving outcomes for children and families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and champion inclusive education.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, strong communication skills, and a passion for child development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Experience & Knowledge (Essential)
- Has experience working with children aged 2–5, particularly those with a range of SEND needs
- Understands early identification and intervention
- Has working knowledge of statutory SEND processes, including:
- Early Support Plans
- EHCPs
- Has experience making timely referrals to external services
- Demonstrates strong understanding of:
- Child development
- EYFS framework
- Inclusive practice
- Has experience working with:
- Parents/carers
- Multi-professional teams
- Knows effective strategies for inclusion and quality first teaching
Skills & Abilities (Essential)
- Lead and coordinate SEND provision across more than one setting
- Implement and manage the graduated approach (universal, targeted, specialist)
- Assess, monitor, and track progress of children with SEND
- Support and coach staff with practical strategies and adaptations
- Communicate effectively with:
- Staff
- Parents
- External professionals
- Demonstrate strong organisation, time management, and flexibility
Desirable Experience & Skills
- Stronger candidates may also:
- Hold the National SENCo Award
- Have training in:
- Early intervention
- Speech and language
- Inclusion strategies
- Have experience:
- Identifying complex SEND early
- Leading CPD or coaching staff
- Be able to:
- Analyse data to inform provision
- Contribute to whole-setting development and policy
- Warm, approachable and responsive
- Collaborative across teams and settings
- Reflective and proactive
- Resilient and adaptable
- High expectations of professionalism and practice
- Deep commitment to improving outcomes for children with SEND and families
Personal Qualities
We are looking for a SENCo who can move beyond coordination into system leadership — someone who can build adult capability, drive early intervention, and ensure consistently high-quality inclusive practice across multiple settings.
SENCO in City of Westminster employer: Dorothy Gardner Nursery School
Join a forward-thinking educational institution that prioritises inclusivity and professional development for its staff. As a SENCo, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, with ample opportunities for growth and leadership in shaping SEND provision across multiple settings. Located in a vibrant community, our organisation is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
Contact Details:
Dorothy Gardner Nursery School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCO in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to other SENCOs and professionals in the field. Join online forums or local meet-ups to share experiences and tips. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills in action! If you can, create a portfolio that highlights your experience with SEND needs, early intervention strategies, and successful collaborations with parents and professionals. This will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND provision and inclusive practices. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for passionate SENCOs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCO in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience working with children aged 2-5, especially those with SEND needs. We want to see how you've applied your knowledge of early identification and intervention in real-life situations.
Know Your Stuff:Demonstrate your understanding of statutory SEND processes like Early Support Plans and EHCPs. We’re looking for candidates who can confidently discuss these topics and show how they’ve used this knowledge in their previous roles.
Communicate Clearly:Effective communication is key! Make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate with staff, parents, and external professionals. We love seeing examples of how you’ve collaborated across teams.
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through! We value warmth, approachability, and a proactive attitude. Share your passion for improving outcomes for children with SEND and families, and don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorothy Gardner Nursery School
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND processes, including Early Support Plans and EHCPs. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in your previous roles and how they can benefit children aged 2-5.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've worked with parents, multi-professional teams, and staff to support children with SEND. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve fostered collaboration to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Think about times when you've led SEND provision or coached staff. Be ready to share specific strategies you've used to implement the graduated approach and how you've tracked progress effectively.
✨Be Reflective and Proactive
Show that you're not just reactive but also proactive in your approach. Discuss how you analyse data to inform your practice and contribute to whole-setting development. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
