Early Years SENDCo

Suffolk County Council; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Training opportunities

Work across two settings

Job summary

Thurston Childcare is seeking an experienced Early Years SENDCo to lead SEND and inclusion across two preschool settings in Suffolk. The role focuses on implementing policies, observing and supporting children with SEND, and collaborating with families and external professionals.

You will manage IEPs, liaise with schools and centres, arrange funding, and mentor staff to ensure every child receives tailored support in a safe, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a SENDCo in an Early Years setting.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and best practice.
• Excellent understanding of child development and inclusive early years practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the implementation of the settings' SEND and Inclusion Policy.
• Observe, assess, and support children with SEND across both settings.
• Liaise with parents, carers, and external professionals regarding children's needs.
• Advise, support, and mentor practitioners in meeting SEND needs.
• Ensure IEPs and support plans are in place and reviewed regularly.
• Maintain SEND records and a current SEND register for children needing support.

Skills

SENDCo

Early Years

Inclusion

Safeguarding

Education

Early Years qualification or SEND qualification

Job description

• Thurston Childcare
• Address: Pond Field Road,Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 3FT
• Salary: £18,044.00 - £21,652.80 per annum (Actual Salary)
• Hours: 25 - 35 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 0908

Thurston Childcare are seeking a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Early Years SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) to join our team.

This is a flexible role, with hours ranging from 25–35 hours per week for the right candidate.

As the successful applicant, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the settings' Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Policy, ensuring that all children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) are fully supported and included in our provision.

The role will involve working across both Preschool sites, observing children, supporting staff, liaising with families and professionals, and ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Your responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the implementation of the settings' SEND and Inclusion Policy.
• Work across both settings to observe, assess, and support children with SEND.
• Liaise closely with parents, carers, and external professionals regarding children's individual needs.
• Advise, support, and mentor practitioners in meeting the needs of children with SEND.
• Ensure Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and support plans are in place, reviewed, and updated regularly.
• Maintain accurate records and relevant background information for children with SEND.
• Keep an up-to-date SEND register and profile of children requiring additional support.
• Make applications to the Early Years Inclusion Panel (EYIP) and other relevant funding streams for children with complex needs.
• Coordinate and review support arrangements for individual children.
• Support Key Persons in implementing strategies and interventions to meet children's needs.
• Liaise with schools, assessment centres, children's centres, and other settings to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of support.
• Work collaboratively with external agencies and professionals to secure the best outcomes for children.
• Arrange and apply for appropriate funding to support individual children's needs.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities that promote children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where every child can succeed.
• Foster positive relationships with children, supporting their confidence, independence, and resilience.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and all relevant policies and procedures are followed at all times.

You will need:

• Previous experience working as a SENDCo within an Early Years setting.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and best practice.
• Excellent understanding of child development and inclusive early years practice.

About us

Thurston Childcare is a community-centred, charity-led nursery in the heart of Suffolk. We are a well-established, busy setting with another expansion planned.

We’re proud of our:

• Strong, supportive leadership team.
• Knowledgeable SENDCo.
• Friendly, close-knit staff group.
• Passion for creating a safe, fun, and stimulating environment for children.

We will offer you:

• Flexible working hours (25–35 hours per week).
• Supportive and welcoming team.
• Opportunity to make a real difference to children's lives.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• The chance to work across two thriving Preschool settings committed to inclusion and high-quality early education.

To find out more

To find out more, please contact Kerrie Mewse by calling 01359 234993.

Closing date: 1.00 pm, 23 September 2026.

Thurston Childcare is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its children, families and staff. All staff, students and volunteers are required to have an enhanced DBS check to ensure their suitability and undertake safeguarding training. A full job description will be given before interview stage.