Nursery SENDCO (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Coordinator)
The Willow Tree Nursery – Wakefield
Are you passionate about making a real difference in children's lives?
At The Willow Tree Nursery, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We are looking for an exceptional, experienced and passionate Nursery SENDCO to join our leadership team. This is not a desk-based role – we're looking for someone who leads by example, works alongside our children and practitioners every day, and inspires others to deliver outstanding inclusive practice.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has the knowledge, confidence and drive to shape our SEND provision while remaining hands-on in the nursery rooms, building meaningful relationships with children, families and staff.
About the Role
As our SENDCO, you will be the driving force behind our inclusive practice. You will support children with additional needs to reach their full potential while coaching and developing our team to provide the highest quality care and education.
You will work directly with children, modelling outstanding practice, supporting staff in real time, and ensuring every child receives the individual support they deserve.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and develop high-quality SEND provision throughout the nursery.
- Be a positive role model, coaching and mentoring staff to build confidence and understanding of inclusive practice.
- Work directly in the nursery rooms, supporting children with SEND and modelling effective strategies for practitioners.
- Identify children's individual needs early and work with key persons to create meaningful, child-centred support plans.
- Build strong relationships with parents, ensuring they feel listened to, supported and involved throughout their child's journey.
- Work closely with external professionals, including speech and language therapists, health visitors, educational psychologists and local authority SEND teams.
- Ensure accurate documentation and SEND records are maintained to a high standard.
- Champion inclusion across the nursery so every child feels valued, supported and able to flourish.
- Help create engaging, enabling environments where all children can succeed.
- Keep up to date with current SEND legislation and best practice, sharing knowledge with the wider team.
We're Looking For Someone Who...
- Has previous experience working as a Nursery SENDCO or has significant experience supporting children with SEND within an early years setting.
- Has an excellent understanding of the EYFS and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Is confident leading and developing others through coaching, mentoring and modelling best practice.
- Is passionate about inclusion and believes every child deserves the very best start in life.
- Is approachable, organised and an excellent communicator.
- Can build strong relationships with families and professionals.
- Is proactive, reflective and committed to continually improving practice.
- Enjoys working directly with children and understands that the best leadership happens alongside the team.
What We Offer
At The Willow Tree Nursery, you'll be joining a supportive, caring and ambitious team that truly values its staff. We are committed to providing an environment where both children and practitioners can flourish.
We offer:
- A supportive leadership team who value your ideas and expertise.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and SEND-specific training.
- A warm, welcoming nursery with a strong family ethos.
- The opportunity to shape and lead SEND provision across the setting.
- A role where you can genuinely make a lasting difference to children's lives.
Join Our Team
If you are an inspiring early years professional who is passionate about inclusion, enjoys leading by example and wants to make a real impact every single day, we'd love to hear from you.
Come and help us create a place where every child is celebrated, every family feels supported, and every practitioner is empowered to provide exceptional care and education.
Pay: £31,590.00-£37,440.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
