Nursery SEND Practitioner

Thrive Childcare; Stoke-on-Trent; Remote; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral scheme up to £400 per month

Birthday holiday + wellbeing day

Christmas week closure + vouchers

Up to 85% childcare discount

Cash health plans including dental

High street and gym discounts

Free counselling sessions

Career progression and professional PD

DBS registration paid for

Long service awards

Job summary

Thrive Childcare and Education in Alsager, near Stoke‑on‑Trent, is seeking a SEND Practitioner (Level 3). You will support children with SEND to develop communication, confidence and learning in a nurturing, inclusive nursery setting.

The role offers both full‑time and part‑time hours at £13.75 per hour, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, EYFS knowledge and person‑centred care. We value belonging and inclusive practice.

Qualifications

• Recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification (Health and Social Care qualifications not accepted).
• Previous experience supporting children with SEND.
• A genuine passion for inclusive early years practice.
• Caring, patient and child‑centred approach.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of the EYFS framework.

Responsibilities

• Provide warm, responsive, individualised support to children with SEND.
• Understand and celebrate each child’s strengths, interests and needs.
• Adapt activities and materials to support participation and development.
• Support communication, interaction, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Observe progress and contribute to individual support plans.
• Collaborate with nursery SENCO, parents/carers and professionals.
• Support children through transitions and changes in routine.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every child belongs.

Skills

Level 3 Early Years qualification

SEND experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

EYFS understanding

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

SEND Practitioner – Level 3

Location: Corner House Lawton Road, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent
Job Type: Full Time & Part Time Available
Salary: £13.75 per hour

Join Our Inclusive Early Years Team

At Thrive Childcare and Education, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, understood and included.

We are looking for a passionate and caring SEND Practitioner to join our team at Corner House Lawton Road, Alsager.

As a SEND Practitioner, you will provide individualised support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them develop their communication, confidence, independence and learning in a nurturing and inclusive nursery environment.

Your Role

You will:

• Provide warm, responsive and individualised support to children with SEND.
• Understand and celebrate each child's strengths, interests and needs.
• Adapt activities, resources and routines to support children's participation and development.
• Support children's communication, interaction, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Observe and record children's progress and contribute to individual support plans.
• Work closely with colleagues, the nursery SENCO, parents/carers and other professionals.
• Support children through transitions and changes in routine.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every child feels they belong.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification. Please note: Health and Social Care qualifications cannot be accepted.
• Previous experience supporting children with SEND.
• A genuine passion for inclusive early years practice.
• A caring, patient and child-centred approach.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of the EYFS framework.

Desirable:

• Experience as an Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Nurse or SEND Practitioner.
• Knowledge of communication strategies, neurodiversity or individual support plans/EHCPs.
• Experience working alongside a SENCO or other professionals.

We value transferable skills, lived experience and different ways of thinking, alongside formal qualifications and employment experience.

What We Offer

• £13.75 per hour.
• Full-time and part-time opportunities.
• Up to £400 per month through our referral scheme.
• Birthday holiday + wellbeing day.
• Christmas week closure + Christmas shopping vouchers.
• Up to 85% childcare discount (T&Cs apply).
• Cash health plans, including dental cashback.
• High street and gym membership discounts.
• Free face-to-face counselling sessions.
• Career progression and ongoing professional development.
• DBS registration paid for.
• Long service awards and colleague recognition rewards.

Inclusive Recruitment

We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. This could include additional time, written information, a quieter interview environment, breaks or alternative ways of communicating.

You do not need to disclose a diagnosis or personal information that you are not comfortable sharing. Please let us know what support would help you.

Every child deserves to belong. Every child deserves to be understood. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.