At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate SEND provision, ensuring high-quality inclusive practice across multiple settings.
- Company: A supportive educational environment dedicated to improving outcomes for children with SEND.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative team culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to early intervention and inclusive education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children aged 2-5, knowledge of SEND processes, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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 employer: Dorothy Gardner Nursery School
As a leading educational institution, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with SEND. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth, while our collaborative environment encourages innovative practices and shared learning across multiple settings. Join us in our mission to drive early intervention and enhance educational outcomes for all children, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions celebrated.
Contact Details:
Dorothy Gardner Nursery School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCO
✨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! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with SEND needs, early intervention strategies, and successful collaborations. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your expertise and commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your understanding of child development and inclusive practices clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who can drive high-quality inclusive practice. Your next opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace SENCO
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.
Communication is Key:We value effective communication, so make sure to mention your experience working with parents, staff, and external professionals. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with multi-professional teams to support children with SEND.
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone warm, approachable, and reflective. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for improving outcomes for children and families in your application. And remember, 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 create inclusive environments.
✨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 for children with SEND.
✨Be Reflective and Proactive
Show that you're not just reactive but also proactive in improving outcomes. Prepare to discuss how you've reflected on your practice and made adjustments based on data analysis or feedback from others.
