Early Years SENDCo

Kent Students' Union; Broad Oak; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Broad Oak is seeking a dedicated Early Years SENDCo to lead inclusive practices and ensure support for children with special educational needs. This role involves coordinating with families and professionals, guiding staff, and maintaining SEND records. Ideal candidates should have a Level 3 early years qualification and experience in early years settings. The position offers a salary of £24,698 and aims to foster an inclusive, nurturing environment.

Benefits

34 days annual leave

Flexible working policies

NEST Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEND in an early years setting.
• In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and EYFS.

Responsibilities

• Lead inclusive practice and coordinate support for children with additional needs.
• Identify and monitor children with SEND, ensuring supportive interventions.
• Advise and guide staff on best practices for inclusion.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Compassion

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher

SENDCo qualification (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Join our team as an early years SENCo at Oaks Nursery!

Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role? Find out below.

Are you passionate about inclusive early years education?

Do you have the experience and drive to lead and support SEND provision in a busy well‑regarded nursery setting?

If so, we’d love to welcome you to our team at Oaks Nursery.

Role summary

• Job title: Early Years SENDCo.
• Salary: £24,698.
• Hours: 35 hours per week.
• Leave entitlement: 34 days’ annual leave (full‑time equivalent).

About The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and qualified Early Years SENDCo to lead our inclusive practice and coordinate support for children with additional needs across the nursery. Working 35 hours per week, you will be the main point of contact for all matters related to SEND, working closely with children, families, staff and external professionals to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

You’ll play a central role in identifying needs early, developing support plans, and guiding staff in adapting practice to meet individual learning and care needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is committed to removing barriers to learning and championing every child’s right to a quality early years experience.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the designated SENDCo for the nursery in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
• Identify, assess and monitor children with SEND, ensuring appropriate support and interventions are in place.
• Work in close partnership with parents, carers and professionals such as speech and language therapists and early years advisors.
• Support staff in developing inclusive learning strategies and differentiated planning.
• Maintain accurate SEND records, support documentation and contribute to EHCP applications when required.
• Provide ongoing guidance and training for staff in inclusive practice.
• Ensure that the nursery is meeting its statutory duties under the EYFS and SEND legislation.

About You

• Hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or higher).
• Hold, or be willing to work towards, a recognised SENDCo qualification (e.g. Level 3 SENDCo Award or equivalent).
• Have experience working with children with SEND in an early years setting.
• In‑depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with families and professionals.
• A collaborative team member who is proactive, organised and compassionate.

Why work at Oaks Nursery?

Oaks Nursery is based on the University of Kent campus, caring for up to 90 children a day. We support children of university staff, students and the wider community. At our last Ofsted inspection (October 2022) we were rated ‘Good’ and continue to pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive and nurturing environment.

You will be joining a committed team of 30 staff members, including practitioners, support workers and kitchen staff, led by an experienced management team.

Come and be part of a team where every child matters and inclusive practice is at the heart of what we do.

Duties and responsibilities

• SEND identification and support
  • Identify and monitor children with additional needs at the earliest opportunity.
  • Coordinate and implement targeted support plans, interventions and appropriate differentiation.
  • Ensure all support strategies align with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Collaborative working
  • Work in close partnership with families, ensuring they are involved and informed in their child’s development and support.
  • Liaise effectively with external professionals such as early years advisers, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and health visitors.
  • Participate in multi‑agency meetings, including contributing to EHCP requests and reviews when necessary.
• Supporting staff and inclusive practice
  • Advise and guide nursery practitioners on best practice for inclusion and differentiation.
  • Lead the development of inclusive environments and ensure reasonable adjustments are in place for children with SEND.
  • Contribute to the planning and delivery of staff training related to SEND and inclusion.
• Administration and record keeping
  • Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records for all children with identified SEND, including support plans, review notes and communications with families and professionals.
  • Ensure documentation for funding, referrals and EHCP processes is completed and submitted correctly and in a timely manner.
  • Monitor and report on the progress and outcomes of children with SEND to the Nursery Manager and senior team.
• Policy and compliance
  • Ensure the nursery’s SEND policy is implemented effectively and kept up to date.
  • Support the nursery to meet statutory requirements for SEND and inclusion.
  • Contribute to self‑evaluation, audits and Ofsted readiness in relation to SEND provision.

People responsibilities

• Supporting children with SEND
  • Act as a key advocate for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring their voices are heard and their individual needs are understood and met.
  • Build trusting and respectful relationships with children, promoting their confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing.
  • Ensure that appropriate support and learning opportunities are in place to help every child reach their full potential.
• Partnership with families
  • Work closely with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in decisions about their child’s support and development.
  • Provide regular updates, review meetings and guidance to empower families to support their child at home and in partnership with external agencies.
  • Offer a sensitive and supportive approach, recognising the challenges families may face.
• Working with nursery staff
  • Support and mentor practitioners in identifying SEND, adapting activities and delivering inclusive practice.
  • Offer practical advice, modelling strategies and guiding staff to improve outcomes for children with additional needs.
  • Help build staff confidence and competence in supporting children with SEND through informal coaching and formal training sessions.
• Liaising with external professionals
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with external specialists (e.g. speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, early years SEND advisors).
  • Coordinate and support visits, assessments and interventions carried out by external agencies.
  • Represent the nursery in multi‑agency meetings and contribute to collaborative planning.
• Team culture and leadership
  • Promote an inclusive, respectful and reflective team culture where every child is valued.
  • Champion equality, diversity and inclusive practice across the setting.
  • Work with the leadership team to embed SEND awareness and training into staff development plans.

Financial responsibilities

• Resource management
  • Identify and recommend appropriate learning materials, sensory resources and specialist equipment needed to support children with SEND.
  • Ensure resources are used effectively to enhance inclusion, and that all equipment is cared for and maintained to avoid unnecessary cost or waste.
• SEND funding support
  • Assist the Nursery Manager with applications for SEND‑related funding (e.g. Early Years Inclusion Funding, Disability Access Fund or EHCP‑linked provision).
  • Contribute evidence, documentation and developmental reports required to secure or maintain funding.
• Value for money
  • Promote cost‑effective approaches to inclusive practice, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children using available resources.
  • Work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to ensure SEND support is proportionate, impactful and aligns with budgetary constraints.
• External service procurement (if applicable)
  • Provide input or feedback on the use of external professionals (e.g. therapists, consultants) when services are being commissioned for children with complex needs.

Expected behaviours

• Child‑centred approach
  • Always place the needs, rights and wellbeing of the child at the heart of decision‑making.
  • Act as an advocate for children with SEND, ensuring their voice is heard and valued.
• Professional conduct
  • Maintain confidentiality, discretion and integrity in all matters relating to children, families and colleagues.
  • Uphold and promote nursery policies, including safeguarding, equal opportunities and inclusion.
• Collaborative working
  • Work positively and respectfully with colleagues, families and external professionals.
  • Share knowledge and provide support without judgement, encouraging open dialogue and teamwork.
• Inclusive leadership
  • Lead by example, promoting a culture of acceptance, respect and understanding.
  • Champion inclusive practice, challenging any behaviour or language that undermines equality or diversity.
• Reflective practice
  • Be open to feedback and continuously reflect on your own performance and practice.
  • Actively seek opportunities for professional development and encourage others to do the same.
• Effective communication
  • Communicate clearly, calmly and with empathy—both in writing and verbally.
  • Tailor communication to suit a range of audiences, including parents, professionals and staff.
• Accountability and initiative
  • Take ownership of responsibilities and follow through on commitments.
  • Be proactive in identifying potential challenges and finding constructive solutions.
• Emotional intelligence
  • Demonstrate patience, resilience and compassion in interactions with others.
  • Support families and colleagues through sensitive or emotionally complex situations with care and professionalism.

Summary of terms

Salary: £24,698 per annum.

Probationary arrangements: This post is subject to a 6‑month probationary period, with 1‑, 3‑ and 6‑month reviews.

Notice period: 4 weeks.

Annual leave entitlement: 34 days’ leave (inclusive of 6 customary days, normally taken over Christmas, and the 8 statutory leave days for England).

Pension: Staff who are ‘eligible jobholders’ (subject to eligibility criteria as determined by the government) are automatically enrolled into the NEST Pension Scheme. Your contribution is 5% of your pensionable salary, with the organisation contributing 3%.

Hours of work: 35 hours per week (Monday‑Friday 8–6 pm, with occasional weekends).

Work‑life balance: Kent Students’ Union is committed to facilitating a healthy work‑life balance and has cutting‑edge flexible working policies.

Equity, diversity & inclusion

• We have recently implemented our new EDI strategy 2023‑28 to ensure equity and inclusion are a priority for Kent Students’ Union. The strategy is available here.
• Annually we review racial diversity within our workforce, and it is a key priority for us to improve racial and ethnic diversity. We particularly welcome applications from Racially and Ethnically Marginalised People (REMP) and have introduced a REMP Priority Interview Scheme.

Pre‑employment checks

• All job offers are conditional on the receipt of two satisfactory references.
• We are also obliged to check your identity and obtain proof of your right to work in the UK, to be provided at interview if shortlisted.
• Induction and training: All new staff benefit from an induction from the HR Team and their own team, as well as ongoing support and personal development.

Applications

To apply please go to our recruitment portal on our website to complete your application and submit your CV. Please ensure that you pay particular attention in your application to detailing how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Applications will close when enough applications have been received.

Further information and questions

The Nursery website contains further background information about Oaks Nursery to help potential applicants. Potential applicants are encouraged to look at the website prior to applying; the website address is .

Contact

Heidi Firth, Nursery Manager