At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children with additional needs and enhance inclusive practices across early years settings.
- Company: Join Wirral Council, a supportive organisation dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive leave, and a strong focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values every voice and fosters a sense of belonging.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and shape the future of inclusive early years education.
- Qualifications: Experience with children under five and a solid understanding of SEND frameworks required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Wirral Council is a place where you can genuinely make a difference, guided by strong organisational values that shape everything we do. Our values, ambitious, professional, resident-focused and accountable, act as our organisational DNA, influencing how we work, lead and support one another every day. We take pride in delivering great services, acting with integrity, building positive relationships, and always putting residents first, creating a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone can “be the best we can be”. With our beautiful surroundings, ambitious future plans, and a commitment to empowering staff to #BeTheDifference, Wirral Council offers an inspiring environment to grow your career and make a lasting impact.
About the Role: Are you passionate about improving outcomes for young children, particularly those with additional needs? This is an exciting opportunity to join Wirral’s Early Years Area SENCO Team, playing a key role in strengthening inclusive practice across the borough. You will work in close partnership with early years settings, professionals and families to support children with SEND to thrive in their local communities. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will spend time in settings across Wirral, at home and within our office base. You will provide expert advice, support and challenge to settings, working closely with SENCOs and practitioners to build confidence, develop inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children. A key part of the role will involve coaching practitioners, modelling strategies in practice and ensuring guidance is embedded consistently across settings. You will also contribute to assessment and funding processes, undertake observations and support settings to respond effectively to a wide range of needs. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team, shaping the future of inclusive early years practice and ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.
About the Candidate: We are looking for a collaborative and proactive team player who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving service. The successful candidate will be open to change and innovation, bringing a positive approach to the SEND reform agenda and a clear commitment to inclusive early years provision. They will have experience of working with children under five and a strong understanding of SEND and Early Years frameworks. They will be confident in translating guidance into practical, meaningful support for practitioners, and will communicate with warmth, professionalism and sensitivity to build effective relationships.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. For this vacancy, candidates must have an existing right to work in the UK before commencing employment. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available for this post. Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process.
Working at Wirral: Our values are more than just pieces of paper on our walls! We’ve all played a role in developing these, so they reflect the immense pride we have in what we do, what matters to us, what inspires us and inform how we think, approach things and behave. We believe in ensuring staff are well looked after, staff wellbeing is a priority for us. We’re serious about recognising and rewarding people for the great things they do. You’ll benefit from our track record of developing, growing and investing in our people.
- Staff discounts
- Enrolment into the local government pension scheme (an excellent defined benefit scheme)
- Immediate life cover
- Ill-health protection
- Strong flexible working approach
- Hybrid working
- Family-friendly employment initiatives
- Annual leave package starting with 28 days leave plus public holidays
We have an inclusive, engaged culture, everyone has a voice, everyone is valued for their contribution and understands the role they play in delivering our strategic priorities. Each voice is heard, each contribution valued. We embrace diversity in our workforce and recognise it is critical to our success. We support an inclusive culture that champions differences and nurtures a sense of belonging. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds, who share our values and our commitment to inclusion to apply for roles with us.
If you’d like us to do anything differently during the recruitment process to make it barrier-free and as accessible as possible please contact recruitment@wirral.gov.uk. Applications will be accepted until midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. All applicants invited to interview must evidence their right to work in the UK. Details of required documents can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of the Jobs page.
Early Years Area SENCO employer: Wirral Council
Wirral Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. As an Educational Psychologist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from flexible hybrid working arrangements and ongoing professional development initiatives tailored to enhance your skills in inclusive practices.
