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- Tasks: Lead and support children with SEND in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Family-run nursery group dedicated to child-led learning and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, career progression, and team-building events.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help every child thrive!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a Level 3 childcare qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Lime Tree Nursery is a family-run business with eight nurseries across Rotherham, Barnsley, North Notts and Sheffield, providing care for children from birth to five years. We create a home‑from‑home environment, fostering curiosity and child‑led learning using The Curiosity Approach. We encourage children to think independently, nurture their enthusiasm for learning and prepare them for school and beyond.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Level 3 SENCO practitioner to join us as a SENCO, working up to 40 hours per week.
Responsibilities- Lead and manage the provision of support and day‑to‑day operations for children with SEND in the nursery setting.
- Liaise with and advise fellow members of staff.
- Maintain a SEND register and oversee the records of all children with special educational needs.
- Ensure that all children with SEND have an up‑to‑date support plan, individualized Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) in place, and that these are reviewed regularly.
- Ensure that all ISG paperwork and claims for funding are submitted in a timely manner, ensuring all deadlines are adhered to.
- Work with the nursery team to provide appropriate accommodations and support so that all children with SEND can succeed.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for identifying and assessing children with SEND, and for providing support and accommodations in line with UK legislation and best practices.
- Act as a point of contact for parents and carers of children with SEND, providing information, advice and support.
- Liaise with external agencies such as Portage, the local authority, health services, educational psychology and speech and language therapists to ensure children receive the appropriate support and accommodations.
- Keep up-to-date with current research, legislation and best practices in SEND, and use this knowledge to inform practice.
- Ensure existing and new members of staff are aware of SEND policies and procedures.
- Work with the nursery manager to ensure that the nursery’s SEND provision is of a high quality and meets the needs of all children with SEND.
- Attend and participate in annual reviews and other meetings relating to children with SEND.
- Experience working with children with SEND in an early years setting.
- A Level 3 recognised childcare qualification.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
- Knowledge of current SEND legislation and best practices (desirable).
- Opportunity to lead a brand‑new nursery setting.
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities.
- Career progression within a growing company.
- Staff events and team‑building opportunities.
- Work where your expertise will help every child thrive and reach their full potential.
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience and qualifications).
Early Years SENCO employer: The Lime Trees
Contact Detail:
The Lime Trees Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years SENCO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the early years 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
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at events or interviews, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've supported children with SEND. This will help them see you in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on SEND practices! Make sure you're aware of the latest legislation and best practices in the field. This knowledge not only boosts your confidence but also shows employers that you're committed to continuous learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about making a difference in children's lives. It shows initiative and gives us a better sense of who you are right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years SENCO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about fostering curiosity and supporting children with SEND in their learning journey.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in early years settings, especially with SEND. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how you've made a difference in children's lives.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Lime Tree Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Lime Trees
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current SEND legislation and best practices. Familiarise yourself with The Curiosity Approach and how it applies to supporting children with special educational needs. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully supported children with SEND. Highlight your organisational skills by discussing how you've managed support plans or liaised with external agencies. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with staff. Discuss how you would advise and support your colleagues in implementing SEND policies. This shows that you’re a team player who values communication and collaboration.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery's approach to SEND and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the nursery's values align with yours. Plus, it makes for a great conversation starter!