Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Practitioner
Responsible to:
Setting Manager / SENCo
Location:
Winston's Place Day Nursery & Preschool
Purpose of the Role
To provide high-quality, inclusive support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), enabling them to access all aspects of nursery life, make progress in their learning and development, and reach their full potential. The SEN Support Practitioner will work closely with the nursery SENCo, room teams, parents, and external professionals to implement personalised support strategies while promoting an inclusive environment for all children.
Monday - Friday 9am- 3pm
Key ResponsibilitiesSupporting Children
- Provide one-to-one and small group support for children with identified SEND where appropriate.
- Implement individual support plans, SEN Support Plans, Provision Maps and EHCP targets.
- Adapt activities and learning opportunities to meet each child's individual needs.
- Support children's communication, language, emotional regulation, sensory needs and independence.
- Promote children's confidence, self-esteem and positive relationships with peers.
- Use a range of communication strategies including visual timetables, Makaton, PECs or other agreed methods where appropriate.
- Support children during routines including mealtimes, toileting, transitions and outdoor play.
Observation, Assessment and Planning
- Observe children's learning and development.
- Record observations that demonstrate progress towards individual targets.
- Contribute to planning personalised next steps alongside room staff and the SENCo.
- Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and adjust support where necessary.
- Maintain accurate records in line with nursery procedures.
Working with Families
- Develop positive, professional relationships with parents and carers.
- Share information regarding children's progress sensitively and confidentially.
- Support parents in implementing consistent strategies between home and nursery where appropriate.
- Attend review meetings alongside the SENCo when required.
Multi-Agency Working
- Work collaboratively with external professionals including Speech and Language Therapists, Portage, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Local Authority advisors.
- Follow recommendations provided by professionals and support their implementation within the nursery.
- Contribute to reports and reviews where requested.
Inclusion
- Promote an inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and respected.
- Ensure children with SEND have equal access to all activities and experiences.
- Advocate for children's individual needs while encouraging independence.
- Support colleagues in adapting activities to meet differing needs.
Safeguarding and Welfare
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children at all times.
- Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection procedures.
- Report concerns immediately in accordance with nursery policy.
Team Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with room staff and management.
- Share good practice and strategies with colleagues.
- Attend staff meetings, training and supervision sessions.
- Maintain professional development through ongoing SEND training.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
- Good understanding of the EYFS.
- Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice.
- Experience supporting children with additional needs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patient, caring and empathetic approach.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good written and verbal communication.
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
Desirable
- Experience supporting children with Autism, ADHD, speech and language delay or sensory processing differences.
- Knowledge of Makaton, PECs or visual communication systems.
- Experience working alongside external professionals.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- SEND-specific training.
Skills and Qualities
- Compassionate and nurturing.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Calm under pressure.
- Excellent observation skills.
- Organised with good record-keeping abilities.
- Positive role model.
- Commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with children and families.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Adhere to all nursery policies and procedures.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Setting Manager.
- Promote the nursery's values and ethos at all times.
Pay: From £13.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
