Early Years SENDCo

Join our team as an early years SENCo at Oaks Nursery! Are you passionate about inclusive early years education? Do you have the experience and drive to lead and support SEND provision in a busy well-regarded nursery setting? If so, we’d love to welcome you to our team at Oaks Nursery.

Role summary

• Job title: Early Years SENDCo.
• Salary: £24,698.
• Hours: 35 hours per week.
• Leave entitlement: 34 days’ annual leave (full-time equivalent).

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated and qualified Early Years SENDCo to lead our inclusive practice and coordinate support for children with additional needs across the nursery. Working 35 hours per week, you will be the main point of contact for all matters related to SEND, working closely with children, families, staff, and external professionals to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

You’ll play a central role in identifying needs early, developing support plans, and guiding staff in adapting practice to meet individual learning and care needs. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is committed to removing barriers to learning and championing every child’s right to a quality early years experience.

Key responsibilities

1. Act as the designated SENDCo for the nursery in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
2. Identify, assess, and monitor children with SEND, ensuring appropriate support and interventions are in place.
3. Work in close partnership with parents, carers, and professionals such as speech and language therapists and early years advisors.
4. Support staff in developing inclusive learning strategies and differentiated planning.
5. Maintain accurate SEND records, support documentation, and contribute to EHCP applications when required.
6. Provide ongoing guidance and training for staff in inclusive practice.
7. Ensure that the nursery is meeting its statutory duties under the EYFS and SEND legislation.

About you

• Hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or higher).
• Hold, or be willing to work towards, a recognised SENDCo qualification (e.g., Level 3 SENDCo Award or equivalent).
• Have experience working with children with SEND in an early years setting.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with families and professionals.
• A collaborative team member who is proactive, organised, and compassionate.

Why work at Oaks Nursery?

Oaks Nursery is based on the University of Kent campus, caring for up to 90 children a day. We support children of university staff, students, and the wider community. At our last Ofsted inspection (October 2022), we were rated ‘Good’ and continue to pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

You will be joining a committed team of 30 staff members, including practitioners, support workers, and kitchen staff, led by an experienced management team.

Come and be part of a team where every child matters and inclusive practice is at the heart of what we do.

Duties and responsibilities

Operational duties – What you’ll be doing

1. SEND identification and support
   • Identify and monitor children with additional needs at the earliest opportunity.
   • Coordinate and implement targeted support plans, interventions, and appropriate differentiation.
   • Ensure all support strategies align with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
2. Collaborative working
   • Work in close partnership with families, ensuring they are involved and informed in their child’s development and support.
   • Liaise effectively with external professionals such as early years advisers, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and health visitors.
   • Participate in multi-agency meetings, including contributing to EHCP requests and reviews when necessary.
3. Supporting staff and inclusive practice
   • Advise and guide nursery practitioners on best practice for inclusion and differentiation.
   • Lead the development of inclusive environments and ensure reasonable adjustments are in place for children with SEND.
   • Contribute to the planning and delivery of staff training related to SEND and inclusion.
4. Administration and record keeping
   • Maintain accurate, up-to-date records for all children with identified SEND, including support plans, review notes, and communications with families and professionals.
   • Ensure documentation for funding, referrals, and EHCP processes is completed and submitted correctly and in a timely manner.
   • Monitor and report on the progress and outcomes of children with SEND to the Nursery Manager and senior team.
5. Policy and compliance
   • Ensure the nursery’s SEND policy is implemented effectively and kept up to date.
   • Support the nursery to meet statutory requirements for SEND and inclusion.
   • Contribute to self-evaluation, audits, and Ofsted readiness in relation to SEND provision.

See Recruitment Pack for full Person Specification.

Applications

To apply please go to our recruitment portal at ksu.co.uk/careers to complete your application and submit your CV. Please ensure that you pay particular attention in your application to detailing how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Further information and questions

• The Nursery website contains further background information about Oaks Nursery to help potential applicants. Potential applicants are encouraged to look at the website prior to applying; the website address is oaksnurserykent.co.uk.
• If you require further information, please contact:
  Heidi Firth, Nursery Manager
  Telephone: 01227 827676
  Email : oaksnursery@kent.ac.uk