Early Years SENDCo

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Buttons and Bows Nursery in Ipswich is looking for a SENDCo to join The Bows and Arrows Group. You will support early identification and intervention for children with additional needs and build strong relationships with parents and carers.

The role reports to the Nursery Manager; you will develop and oversee support plans, EHCP requests, and DAF funding while helping staff implement effective SEN practice.

Qualifications

• A relevant level 3 qualification in Early Years is required.
• A SENDCo qualification (or working towards) is required.

Responsibilities

• In the role, you will understand effective SEN practice and model it to the team.
• You will communicate changes in the early years sector to the team, especially SEND.
• You will write paperwork for children with additional needs such as support plans, EHCP requests and DAF funding.

Education

A relevant level 3 qualification in Early Years

SENDCo qualification (or working towards)

Job description

• Buttons and Bows Nursery, The Bows and Arrows Group
• Address: 80 Aster Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0NR
• Salary: £14.14 per hour
• Hours: 38 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 0909

The Bows and Arrows Group, have an exciting opportunity for an exceptional SENDCo(Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) to join our Buttons and Bows Nursery.
We are one of seven nurseries under the Bows and Arrows umbrella. We are a not-for-profit company and therefore, all funds are put back into the nurseries to ensure the best outcomes for our children that attend.

Reporting to the Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for supporting early identification and intervention for children with additional educational needs. You will need to be able to build positive relationships with parent/carers who have any concerns about their child’s development and ongoing progress.

Your responsibilities

In the role, you will need a good understanding of:

• effective SEN (Special Educational Needs) practice and be able to competently demonstrate and share with the team.
• relevant changes to the early years sector and communicate this to the team, particularly with SEND.
• how to write and create paperwork for children with additional needs such as support plans, EHCP (Educational, Health and Care Plan) requests and DAF (Disability Access Fund) funding.

As part of the role, you will:

• ensure support plans and subsequent activities for SEN children are effective, stimulating and support sequenced progress.
• Support others in carrying out effective practice with SEN children by modelling, coaching, observing and mentoring.
• Plan stimulating and rich activities daily for SEN children that supports their stage of development and monitor that these are happening.
• Communicate with parents on a regular basis, with regards to their child's progress and know where to signpost parents/carers to receive the correct support.
• Work well with other professionals.

What you will need

• A relevant level 3 qualification in Early Years (not health & social care)
• A SENDCo qualification (or working towards)

About us

Bows and Arrows are a not-for-profit charity, operating 7 nurseries across Ipswich, all of which are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Buttons and Bows Nursery on Aster Road forms part of the Bows and Arrows group, operating its 3 rooms (baby, toddler and preschool) all year round. The nursery and its team have a huge passion for open ended natural learning that includes access to outdoors and the natural world at all times, so bring your wellies!

To find out more

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Steph by calling 01473 599298.

Closing date: 1.00 pm, 21 September 2026.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and require all staff to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are compulsory.