Job Description: Early Years Practitioner – SEND (EHCP Support)
Early Years Practitioner – SEND (EHCP Support)
Reports To
Nursery Manager / Deputy Manager / SENDCo
Purpose of the Role
To provide high-quality, nurturing, and inclusive support for a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in line with their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The practitioner will work as part of the nursery team to ensure the child is safe, happy, engaged, and able to reach their full potential within an inclusive early years environment.
The post holder will promote the child's learning and development through play-based experiences, positive relationships, and individualised support, working in partnership with parents, carers, colleagues, and external professionals.
Key ResponsibilitiesSupporting the Child
- Provide consistent one-to-one support, implementing the provision outlined in the child's EHCP.
- Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate activities that reflect the child's interests, strengths, and individual learning needs.
- Support the child to access all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through inclusive practice.
- Promote communication, language, social interaction, emotional wellbeing, independence, and self-help skills.
- Encourage the child to participate fully in nursery routines, indoor and outdoor play, mealtimes, and group activities.
- Use positive behaviour support strategies and co-regulation techniques to promote emotional security and engagement.
- Adapt the learning environment, resources, and routines to enable the child to access learning successfully.
- Provide personal care, feeding, toileting, or mobility support where required, ensuring the child's dignity and wellbeing are always maintained.
Observation, Assessment and Planning
- Observe, assess, and record the child's learning and development in line with EYFS requirements and nursery procedures.
- Monitor progress towards EHCP outcomes and contribute evidence for reviews.
- Work with the SENDCo to plan next steps that support the child's individual development.
- Maintain accurate, confidential records of observations, interventions, and significant achievements.
- Contribute to Individual Support Plans and other SEND documentation as required.
Partnership with Families and Professionals
- Develop positive, respectful relationships with parents, sharing information about the child's progress and wellbeing.
- Work closely with the nursery SENDCo and wider staff team to ensure consistent approaches are used throughout the day.
- Support the implementation of programmes and strategies recommended by external professionals.
- Attend review meetings, including EHCP Annual Reviews and professional consultations where appropriate.
Promoting High-Quality Early Years Practice
- Act as a positive role model and contribute to creating a welcoming, stimulating, and inclusive nursery environment.
- Ensure all activities are child-centred, play-based, and responsive to individual developmental needs.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring every child feels valued and respected.
- Support children's emotional wellbeing and help develop secure attachments through warm, responsive interactions.
Safeguarding, Health and Safety
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in accordance with nursery policies and statutory guidance.
- Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, infection control, and risk assessment procedures.
- Administer medication or carry out medical procedures only where trained, competent, and authorised.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately in line with GDPR and safeguarding requirements.
Professional Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively as part of the nursery team to provide high-quality care and education.
- Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, training, and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Keep up to date with the EYFS Statutory Framework, the SEND Code of Practice, and current best practice in early years inclusion.
- Contribute positively to the nursery's ethos, values, and commitment to providing outstanding care and education.
Person Specification
Essential
- Level 2 or 3 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (or equivalent recognised qualification).
- Level 2 or 3 qualification in Teaching Assistant (or equivalent recognised qualification)
- Experience working with young children in an early years setting.
- Experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and the role of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
- Patient, caring, flexible, and able to respond positively to children's individual needs.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
Desirable
- Knowledge of communication approaches such as Makaton, PECS, visual timetables, or intensive interaction.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Experience working alongside multi-agency professionals.
- Understanding of trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice.
Key Skills
- Strong understanding of child development from birth to five years.
- Ability to adapt learning experiences to meet individual needs.
- Effective observation, assessment, and record-keeping skills.
- Excellent communication with children, families, and professionals.
- Calm, patient, and nurturing approach.
- Strong organisational and teamwork skills.
- Commitment to inclusive practice and continuous professional development.
Safeguarding
The nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list check, provide satisfactory references, and comply with all safeguarding and safer recruitment procedures.
Working Relationships
The post holder will work closely with:
- Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager.
- Nursery SENDCo.
- Room Leader and Early Years Practitioners.
- Parents and carers.
- Health, education, and social care professionals involved in the child's EHCP.
Terms of Appointment
The post holder will be expected to carry out duties in accordance with the nursery's policies and procedures and undertake any reasonable additional responsibilities appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.
This is a temporary post for one year with the contract ending on 31st August 2027.
Pay: £18,252.00-£19,656.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you currently hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare/Teaching Assistant?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
