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- Tasks: Lead inclusive early years education and support children with additional needs.
- Company: Join Oaks Nursery, a well-regarded nursery on the University of Kent campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and champion their right to quality education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience with SEND required.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment.
The predicted salary is between 24698 - 24698 £ per year.
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 would love to welcome you to our team at Oaks Nursery.
Role summary
- 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 will 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
- Act as the designated SENDCo for the nursery in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
- Identify, assess, and monitor children with SEND, ensuring appropriate support and interventions are in place.
- Work in close partnership with parents, carers, and professionals such as speech and language therapists and early years advisors.
- Support staff in developing inclusive learning strategies and differentiated planning.
- Maintain accurate SEND records, support documentation, and contribute to EHCP applications when required.
- Provide ongoing guidance and training for staff in inclusive practice.
- 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.
- In-depth 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 will be doing
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
People responsibilities
Supporting children with SEND
- Act as a key advocate for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring their voices are heard and their individual needs are understood and met.
- Build trusting and respectful relationships with children, promoting their confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing.
- Ensure that appropriate support and learning opportunities are in place to help every child reach their full potential.
- Work closely with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in decisions about their child's support and development.
- Provide regular updates, review meetings, and guidance to empower families to support their child at home and in partnership with external agencies.
- Offer a sensitive and supportive approach, recognising the challenges families may face.
- Support and mentor practitioners in identifying SEND, adapting activities, and delivering inclusive practice.
- Offer practical advice, modelling strategies, and guiding staff to improve outcomes for children with additional needs.
- Help build staff confidence and competence in supporting children with SEND through informal coaching and formal training sessions.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with external specialists (e.g., speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, early years SEND advisors).
- Coordinate and support visits, assessments, and interventions carried out by external agencies.
- Represent the nursery in multi-agency meetings and contribute to collaborative planning.
- Promote an inclusive, respectful, and reflective team culture where every child is valued.
- Champion equality, diversity, and inclusive practice across the setting.
- Work with the leadership team to embed SEND awareness and training into staff development plans.
Financial responsibilities
Resource management
- Identify and recommend appropriate learning materials, sensory resources, and specialist equipment needed to support children with SEND.
- Ensure resources are used effectively to enhance inclusion, and that all equipment is cared for and maintained to avoid unnecessary cost or waste.
- Assist the Nursery Manager with applications for SEND-related funding (e.g., Early Years Inclusion Funding, Disability Access Fund, or EHCP-linked provision).
- Contribute evidence, documentation, and developmental reports required to secure or maintain funding.
- Promote cost-effective approaches to inclusive practice, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children using available resources.
- Work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to ensure SEND support is proportionate, impactful, and aligns with budgetary constraints.
- Provide input or feedback on the use of external professionals (e.g., therapists, consultants) when services are being commissioned for children with complex needs.
Expected behaviours
Child-centred approach
- Always place the needs, rights, and wellbeing of the child at the heart of decision-making.
- Act as an advocate for children with SEND, ensuring their voice is heard and valued.
- Maintain confidentiality, discretion, and integrity in all matters relating to children, families, and colleagues.
- Uphold and promote nursery policies, including safeguarding, equal opportunities, and inclusion.
- Work positively and respectfully with colleagues, families, and external professionals.
- Share knowledge and provide support without judgment, encouraging open dialogue and teamwork.
- Lead by example, promoting a culture of acceptance, respect, and understanding.
- Champion inclusive practice.
Early Years SENDCo. Job in Kent Education & Training Jobs employer: Kent Students' Union
Contact Detail:
Kent Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years SENDCo. Job in Kent Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to early years education. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to inclusive practice. Plus, you never know who you might meet!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Oaks Nursery and its approach to SEND. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Oaks Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years SENDCo. Job in Kent Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and passion for inclusive early years education. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for in a SENDCo.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of how you've supported children with SEND in previous roles. We want to see how you've made a difference in their learning and development!
Be Personable: Remember, we’re not just looking for qualifications; we want to know who you are! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for working with children and your commitment to inclusive practice.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Students' Union
✨Know Your SEND Code of Practice
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice (2015) before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles and how it can guide your practice at Oaks Nursery.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've worked with families, external professionals, and staff to support children with SEND. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster partnerships to create inclusive environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Inclusion
Be ready to share your vision for inclusive early years education. Talk about specific strategies you've implemented to remove barriers to learning and how you plan to champion every child's right to a quality experience.
✨Bring Evidence of Your Experience
Gather documentation or examples of your work with children with SEND, including support plans or training materials you've developed. This will show your practical experience and commitment to inclusive practice.
