We are looking for a passionate, caring and experienced Early Years Practitioner & SEN Lead to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic early years professional who is committed to providing high-quality care and education while championing inclusive practice and ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.
The successful candidate will combine the responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner with leadership of our provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will work closely with children, families, colleagues and external professionals to identify individual needs, coordinate appropriate support and create an inclusive environment where every child is valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide a safe, stimulating, nurturing and inclusive learning environment for all children.
- Plan, deliver and evaluate engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Observe, assess and monitor children's learning, development and wellbeing, using observations to inform future planning and next steps.
- Build warm, positive and professional relationships with children and their families.
- Act as a positive role model and promote children's independence, confidence, communication and emotional wellbeing.
- Take a lead role in supporting children with SEND and promoting high-quality inclusive practice across the setting.
- Support the early identification of additional needs and ensure appropriate strategies and interventions are implemented promptly.
- Develop, implement and regularly review individual support plans and targeted interventions, ensuring children's progress is carefully monitored.
- Work in partnership with parents and carers, ensuring they are fully involved in decisions regarding their child's support and development.
- Liaise effectively with external professionals and agencies, including local authority services, health professionals, therapists and other specialist services where appropriate.
- Support practitioners in adapting activities, environments and teaching approaches to meet individual children's needs.
- Provide guidance, coaching and practical support to colleagues to strengthen SEND knowledge and inclusive practice across the team.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date SEND records and documentation.
- Ensure SEND practice reflects the SEND Code of Practice, EYFS requirements and relevant legislation and guidance.
- Contribute to staff meetings, training, reviews and the continuous improvement of the setting.
- Maintain high standards of health, safety, hygiene and professional conduct at all times.
- Follow all setting policies and procedures, including safeguarding, behaviour, confidentiality, equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Remain committed to professional development and keep knowledge of early years and SEND practice current.
About You
We are looking for someone who is compassionate, proactive and highly organised, with a genuine commitment to helping every child succeed. You will have strong knowledge of child development and the EYFS, alongside a sound understanding of SEND and inclusive early years practice.
You will be an effective communicator who can build trusting relationships with children and families while confidently supporting and guiding colleagues. Previous experience supporting children with additional needs is highly desirable, as is experience undertaking SENCO/SEND leadership responsibilities within an early years setting.
Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. We operate robust safer recruitment procedures in line with statutory guidance. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate pre-employment and safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and relevant barred-list check where applicable, verification of identity and qualifications, employment history and satisfactory references. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of all required safer recruitment checks.
LEVEL 3 NVQ CHILD CARE NEEDED
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £12.71-£13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
