At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to children with special educational needs in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, shaping futures since 1990.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £700 welcome bonus, up to 60% childcare discount, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN children is preferred; Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26550 - 32450 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £14.10 Hour
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries? At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee; you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success. With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children.
About the Role: We are currently looking for a compassionate and dedicated SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner to provide tailored support to children with special educational needs (SEN), ensuring they have the best start to their learning journey.
About the Nursery: Tops Copnor Nursery is a 35-place day nursery and preschool based within Pompey Health and Fitness in Copnor, Portsmouth, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 12 weeks to preschool. We offer a warm, nurturing environment where children are supported to learn, play, and grow through a broad, play‑based curriculum that builds confidence, independence, and social skills. Children enjoy a range of activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, Boogie Mites, meditation, and more, alongside regular opportunities for active, hands‑on learning. The nursery features an open‑plan, single‑level layout, a large wraparound garden with a dedicated area for younger children, and easy access for families, supporting a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us: At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family:
- £700 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey with us
- Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply)
- 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!
What does the role involve? Responsible for the 1:1 care of the individual child to support their individual educational plan (IEP) and to liaise with the Room manager on a daily basis. Responsible to work with the behaviour management, equal opportunities and SEN representative to ensure the child’s needs are met. Writing and updating the IEP and liaising with the relevant representatives and Nursery Manager. Keep colleagues informed and disclose relevant updates with regards to continual progress of children on a 1:1 support programme. Work closely with external professionals or agencies involved with the family support of the child you are providing 1:1 care for.
What are we looking for? Experience working with children with SEN, ideally in an early years setting. Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification (or equivalent) is desirable, but not essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with the nursery team, parents, and external professionals. Patience, empathy, and a positive approach to supporting children's individual needs. Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies. Experience with creating and implementing IEPs (desirable).
Important Safeguarding Information: Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
- 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.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner in Portsmouth employer: Tops Day Nursery Ltd
Tops Day Nursery Ltd is an attractive employer due to its unique employee ownership model, which empowers staff and fosters a collaborative work culture. The company is committed to professional development, offering various career paths and apprenticeship opportunities. Recognized as one of the happiest workplaces, it prioritizes employee satisfaction and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner in Portsmouth
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Tops Day Nursery Ltd often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nursery Ltd
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Tops Day Nursery Ltd. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Tops Day Nursery Ltd.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Tops Day Nursery Ltd.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Tops Day Nursery Ltd.
