Mill Hill Nursery School & Houghton Community Nursery School - Early Years Practitioner

The Mill; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

An Outstanding Nursery School in Sunderland is seeking an Early Years Practitioner to support children with additional needs. The role requires a minimum Early Years Level 3 qualification and experience with Special Education Needs. The successful candidate will be a caring team player committed to enhancing children's development. This is a full-time term time position with a salary ranging from £24,796 to £25,185 pro rata.

Qualifications

• Minimum relevant qualification and experience in Early Years.
• Understanding of how to support children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support children with additional needs either 1:1 or in small groups.
• Enhance social skills and communication across the school day.
• Contribute fully to the life of the schools.

Skills

Understanding of child development

Communication skills

Teamwork

Experience with children with special educational needs

Education

DfE validated Early Years Level 3 qualification

Job description

Mill Hill Nursery School & Houghton Community Nursery School - Early Years Practitioner

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full time - term time

Advert Start Date: 30/09/2025

Advert End Date: 13/10/2025 12:00

Salary: £24,796 - £25,185 pro rata

Job Category: Schools - Support

Vacancy ID: 286683

Employment Location: Mill Hill Nursery School & Houghton Community Nursery School

Number of posts: 1

Closing date: 13 Oct

Overview

The Governors and Head teacher of these Outstanding Nursery Schools wish to appoint an experienced Early Years Practitioner to support a child/children with additional needs. A minimum relevant (DfE validated) Early Years Level 3 qualification is required, with a thorough understanding of child development, to work as part of the schools team working with children aged 0-5 years. An enthusiasm for working with children, a caring nature and willingness to "go the extra mile" are essential for this post.

The successful applicant will be expected to support a child/children with additional needs, either 1:1 or within a small group, support their social skills, communication and learning across the school day. They will have experience in Early Years and of working with pupils with Special Education Needs and Disabilities, including Autism and associated difficulties. It will be necessary to be a team player, able to work independently, be an effective communicator, and willing to participate fully in whole school life.

Further Information

The Federation of Houghton Community Nursery School and Mill Hill Nursery School

• Address: Houghton Community Nursery, Nesham Place, Houghton-le-Spring. DH5 8AE
• Tel: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]
• Headteacher: Mrs Sarah Dixon-Jones
• Number on Roll: 120

• Address: Mill Hill Nursery, Torphin Hill Drive, Doxford Park, Sunderland SR3 2PJ
• Tel: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]
• Headteacher: Sarah Dixon-Jones
• Number on Roll: 120

Position: Early Years Practitioner SEN Support Full Time Term Time Only Grade 1 £24,796- £25,185 pro rata

The school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As part of our due diligence and to comply with our obligations in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search of publicly available information will be undertaken for all shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Application packs and further information are available by email from the Office Manager, Emma Willis. Completed forms should be returned to this email address. Candidates are invited to visit the schools by prior arrangement.

Applications and Timetable

Closing date: 13/10/2025

Shortlisting: 15/10/2025

Interviews: 20/10/2025

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Federation of Houghton Community Nursery School and Mill Hill Nursery School safeguards and protects its students and staff by being committed to respond in accordance with Sunderland Local Safeguarding Board Procedures.

Supporting documents

• Job Description - SEN Support.docx (75.75 KB)
• Person Spec - SEN Support-.docx (76.12 KB)

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The Governors and Head teacher of these Outstanding Nursery Schools wish to appoint an experienced Early Years Practitioner to support a child/children with additional needs, a minimum relevant (DfE validated) Early Years Level 3 qualification is required, with a thorough understanding of child development, to work as part of the schools team working with children 0-5yrs and continue to develop and build on effective practice. An enthusiasm for working with children, a caring nature and willingness to 'go the extra mile' are essential for this post.

The successful applicant will be expected to support a child/children with additional needs, either 1:1 or within a small group, support their social skills, communication and learning across the school day. They will have experience in Early Years and of working with pupils with Special Education Needs and Disabilities, including Autism and associated difficulties. It will be necessary to be a team player, be able to work independently, be an effective communicator, who is willing to participate fully in whole school life.