Nursery SENCo in Portsmouth

To build excellent relationships with children, families, colleagues and managers across the business to provide consistent and robust support, guidance and coaching in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring high standards of inclusive practice across Tops Day Nurseries. This role will be primarily based at Tops Portsmouth, whilst also supporting other Tops Day Nurseries settings as required. The Nursery SENCo will support nursery teams to ensure children with additional needs receive high quality care, education and support that is in line with legislation, framework, internal policies and organisational approach.

About the Nursery: Tops Portsmouth Nursery is a 115-place eco-friendly day nursery and preschool based at Queen Alexandra Hospital, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. Our open-plan nursery offers beautiful, purposefully designed learning spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity, and independent exploration, including dedicated preschool rooms with performance stages and calming environments tailored to each age group. Children enjoy a wide range of activities including Forest School, cooking, yoga, meditation, and Boogie Mites, helping them develop confidence and a love of learning through play.

What does the role involve?

• Leadership and Supervision: Coach and support nursery teams to deliver high-quality inclusive practice and implement effective SEND strategies. Work alongside Nursery Managers, Room Managers and Key Workers to identify children requiring additional support and ensure appropriate interventions are in place. Provide guidance on SEND support plans, referrals, graduated response processes and EHCP applications while role‑modeling best practice. Support teams across settings to maintain consistently high standards of SEND provision, safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Curriculum planning and Child Development: Support practitioners to adapt environments, routines and learning opportunities to meet the individual needs of children with SEND. Guide teams in planning differentiated next steps and implementing targeted interventions that promote children's independence, communication and emotional wellbeing. Ensure SEND support is embedded within everyday practice through child‑centred and inclusive approaches.
• Partnership Working and Family Support: Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and external professionals to ensure children receive consistent support and successful outcomes. Attend professional meetings, including TAC meetings and EHCP reviews, and support families through referral and external agency processes. Maintain accurate records, support plans and progress tracking documentation.
• Safeguarding and Compliance: Ensure risk assessments, care plans and medical plans are implemented where required to support the health, safety and wellbeing of children. Maintain a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures, nursery policies and legislative requirements relating to childcare and SEND practice. Work collaboratively with Nursery Managers, Regional Managers and the wider Operations Team on projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications: Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above. Recognised Early Years SENCo qualification (essential). Previous experience supporting children with SEND within early years settings. Strong knowledge of EYFS and SEND Code of Practice. Experience working alongside external professionals and agencies. Strong understanding of inclusive practice and child development. Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills. Ability to coach and support colleagues professionally and positively. Ability to work independently across multiple settings. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between nursery settings.

Benefits: Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries. Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more). Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment. A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day.

Important Safeguarding Information: Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don't yet have one, you'll need to cover the cost. Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children's Barred List. Successfully complete background and reference checks. We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.