SEND Advisor
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire United Kingdom Dorset
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £14.28 Hour
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?
At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future.
With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.
Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.
About the role
The SEND Advisor is responsible for driving high-quality inclusive practice across their region by coaching, mentoring and supporting Nursery INCos, Deputy INCos and leadership teams.
Working alongside the Curriculum & Assurance Manager, the SEND Advisor will promote consistent implementation of the SEND Code of Practice, EYFS and Tops' inclusive approach, ensuring children with SEND, children facing educational disadvantage and their families receive high-quality, timely and effective support.
The SEND Advisor will build the confidence and capability of colleagues through coaching, quality assurance, professional development and strategic guidance, helping every nursery to create truly inclusive environments where all children can thrive.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate for inclusion with the ability to inspire, coach and influence others to deliver high-quality SEND practice. They will demonstrate strong leadership, excellent communication and the confidence to build positive relationships with colleagues, families and external professionals. They will be organised, analytical and solution-focused, using data and quality assurance to identify priorities and drive continuous improvement. They will have a sound understanding of SEND legislation, inclusive practice and early years pedagogy, alongside the ability to deliver training, mentor colleagues and support reflective practice. Above all, they will be proactive, resilient and committed to ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.
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.
- 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!
The role requires someone who can demonstrate:
- Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- A thorough understanding of SEND legislation, the EYFS and inclusive practice.
- The ability to influence practice and support continuous improvement.
- Confidence in delivering training and facilitating professional development.
- Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent record keeping, attention to detail and the ability to interpret data.
- Professional integrity, resilience and a commitment to collaborative working and continuous professional development.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)
- Level 3 Early Years SENDCo qualification (or working towards)
- Significant experience supporting children with SEND
- Experience leading inclusive practice
- Experience working alongside external professionals
- Strong understanding of SEND legislation
- Experience coaching colleagues
Desirable
- Degree in Early Childhood or related subject
- Leadership qualification
- Coaching or mentoring qualification
- Experience supporting multiple settings
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.
Apply Now
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries
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