Deputy SENCo

Deputy SENCo (Early Years)

Avon Valley Nursery and Preschool

38 or 40 hours over 4 days

Up to £14.30 per hour + bonuses + progression

ABOUT US

We don’t mean to brag... but we’re kind of a big deal!

Avon Valley Nursery and Preschool is part of the Attraction Nurseries family — a growing childcare group committed to delivering high-quality early years education and care.

At Avon Valley, we create nurturing, inspiring environments where children can explore, learn, develop and thrive every single day.

We believe that every child deserves to feel included, valued and supported, whatever their individual needs or circumstances.

Our ethos says it all:

Happy Children. Happy Parents. Happy Staff.

As we continue to grow, we’re investing in our people and strengthening our SEND provision — and that’s where you come in!

THE ROLE

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable Deputy SENCo to work alongside and support our SENCo in championing excellent SEND provision across the nursery.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who doesn't want to choose between leadership and being hands-on with children.

You’ll get the best of both worlds — spending time in the rooms, building relationships with children and practitioners, while also taking on responsibility for supporting children with SEND and helping to develop inclusive practice across the nursery.

You’ll be an important part of the SEND team, working closely with our SENCo and wider leadership team to make sure children receive the right support at the right time.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Supporting the SENCo with the day-to-day coordination of SEND provision
• Supporting children with additional needs to achieve, belong and thrive
• Remaining hands-on with children, providing high-quality care, learning and support
• Supporting and coaching practitioners to develop confident, inclusive practice
• Helping to identify children's individual needs and appropriate next steps
• Supporting with observations, individual support plans, SEND documentation and reviews
• Building positive and trusting relationships with children and their families
• Supporting communication with external professionals, including the Local Authority and specialist services
• Helping practitioners to adapt environments, routines and activities to meet individual children's needs
• Supporting the implementation of strategies and recommendations from professionals
• Helping to ensure SEND records and documentation are accurate, up to date and compliant
• Championing inclusion and equality throughout the nursery

WHY THIS ROLE IS AWESOME

Want a role where no two days are the same? This could be it!

This isn't a role where you'll spend your entire week behind a desk.

You'll be part of the action — supporting children, working alongside practitioners and making a difference on the nursery floor, while also developing your SEND leadership experience.

• Best of both worlds — hands-on childcare alongside SEND responsibility
• Real impact — help children overcome barriers and reach their potential
• Leadership experience — develop your SEND knowledge and leadership skills alongside our SENCo
• Supportive structure — you'll work closely with our SENCo and dedicated Area SENCo
• Team development — help practitioners become more confident in supporting children with SEND
• Family partnerships — build meaningful relationships with parents and carers
• Clear systems — established processes and dedicated time for SEND responsibilities
• Career progression — opportunities to develop within a growing nursery group

REASONS WHY WE'RE AN AMAZING PLACE TO WORK

• Flexible working — 4-day week
• Up to 34 days holiday + your birthday off
• Bonus scheme — earn up to an additional 30p per hour
• Clear pay progression — increase your hourly rate through WOW moments, planning and checklists
• Volunteer day — support a charity of your choice
• 50% childcare discount
• Free uniform & DBS
• Referral bonuses up to £750
• Access to company perks across Attraction Nurseries settings
• Wellbeing support through Health Assured and attendance rewards
• 100+ training courses and opportunities for SEND development

PLUS — you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to children and families who need additional support. And that’s pretty special.

THE PERFECT CANDIDATE

You don't have to be an experienced SENCo already.

We're looking for someone who is passionate about inclusion, adaptable, organised and ready to develop.

You’ll ideally have:

• Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification (Must have an early years qualification)
• Experience working with children with SEND or additional needs
• SENCo qualification or a willingness to undertake relevant training
• A strong understanding of the EYFS and SEND
• Knowledge of inclusive early years practice
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Confidence communicating with families and professionals

Most importantly, you are:

• Adaptable — happy working both on the nursery floor and on SEND responsibilities
• Passionate about inclusion and supporting every child to succeed
• Patient and empathetic — you understand that every child is different
• Proactive and solution-focused — you look for ways to overcome barriersOrganised — able to manage different priorities and keep accurate records
• A great communicator — confident working with children, families and professionals
• A team player — someone who supports and encourages those around them
• Hands-on — you're just as happy supporting a child through their day as you are reviewing a support plan

And if you're reading this thinking:

“I want to develop my SEND skills but I don't want to lose the part of the job I love — working with children.”

Then this could be the role for you!

THE DETAILS

Avon Valley Nursery and Preschool

38 or 40 hours across 4 days

Up to £14.30 per hour + bonuses + progression

We're looking for someone who is ready to step up, develop their SEND leadership skills and make a real difference, while continuing to enjoy the rewarding, hands-on side of working with children.

SALARY & PROGRESSION

We don't just talk about progression — we build it.

Your development matters to us, and you'll have opportunities to build your knowledge, skills and confidence in both Early Years practice and SEND leadership.

Pay increases linked to performance and impact

SEND and Early Years training opportunities

100+ training courses available

Opportunities to progress within Attraction Nurseries

If you're looking for your next step and want a role where you can support children, develop your career and make a genuine difference we would love to hear from you!

Come and be part of the Avon Valley team.

I’ve deliberately made the “best of both worlds” message much stronger and reduced the advert’s emphasis on paperwork, so it appeals to a practitioner who may be interested in SEND leadership but does not want a predominantly office-based SENCo position.

• Funded training and leadership development
• Opportunities to influence SEND across multiple settings

YOUR NEXT STEPS

If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful, supportive, and genuinely different…

We move quickly and keep things simple.

The process includes interviews and role-based discussions — nothing scary!