Early Years Practitioner | SEND Lead

Bright Horizons; Colchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organization in Colchester is seeking an Early Years Practitioner / SEND lead to deliver high-quality, inclusive education tailored to children’s needs. The ideal candidate will create engaging environments, promote British Values, and ensure children’s wellbeing. A relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years is essential. This position offers competitive salary, professional development, and benefits including enhanced parental leave and financial support for wellbeing.

Benefits

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced parental leave

Pension

24/7 virtual GP appointments

Professional development programme access

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, inclusive early years education and care tailored to each child’s needs.
• Use the key person approach to make accurate assessments and collaborate with families.
• Create stimulating environments and promote inclusion, independence, and British Values.
• Safeguard children’s wellbeing and follow internal and external regulations.

Skills

Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments

Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection

Ability to develop trust and strong partnerships with colleagues and parents

Education

Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification

Job description

Overview

Nursery – Bright Horizons Colchester Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – From £26,916 per annum

Location – Colchester CO4 6BT

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say : “I did that.”

The Role

We’re looking for an Early Years Practitioner / SEND lead to join our nursery. We are looking for a candidate who will deliver high-quality, inclusive early years education and care tailored to each child’s needs. Use the key person approach to make accurate assessments, contribute to SEND support plans and EHCPs, and collaborate with families and professionals. Create stimulating indoor and outdoor environments with appropriate resources to support all children, including those with SEND. Promote inclusion, independence, and British Values through engaging learning experiences. Safeguard children’s wellbeing, follow internal policies and external regulations, and support positive behaviour. Engage in ongoing professional development and work collaboratively to maintain high standards across the nursery.

Bright Horizons Colchester accommodates up to 108 children in a beautifully purpose-built setting, featuring spacious rooms and garden areas ideal for outdoor teaching and learning. The nursery boasts excellent public transport links.

Benefits

20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave

Enhanced parental leave

Salary range: From £26,915.20 - £31,720.00 per annum

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more

Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

• Subject to T&Cs

Requirements

Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification

Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments

Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection

Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents / carers

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application!