SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner

Tops Day Nurseries; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 19,286 - 23,419; Full time

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is seeking a compassionate SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner to provide tailored one-to-one support for a child with Special Educational Needs at our Taunton setting. You will work closely with the room team to implement the IEP and monitor progress daily.

This Full Time Permanent role offers 18-20 hours per week (Mon, Thu, Fri) with a salary of £14.60/hour (dependent on qualification). Experience with SEN and safeguarding are desirable, and you will join the UK's largest

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEN, ideally in an early years setting.
• Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification (or equivalent) desirable, but not essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy and a positive approach to supporting children's needs.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Experience with creating and implementing IEPs desirable.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the 1:1 care of the individual child to support their IEP and to liaise with the Room manager daily.
• Work with the behaviour management, equal opportunities and SEN representative to ensure the child’s needs are met.
• Write and update the IEP and liaise with relevant representatives and Nursery Manager.
• Keep colleagues informed and disclose relevant updates regarding continual progress of children on a 1:1 support programme.
• Work closely with external professionals or agencies involved with the family support of the child you are providing 1:1 care for.

Skills

SEN experience

IEP writing

Communication skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 2/3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner

Location: Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom Somerset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £14.60/hour (depend on qualification)

Contracted Hours: 18-20 hours per week, working on Monday, Thursday and Friday

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we value people. When you join, you become more than an employee – you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success. With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. We offer apprenticeship, nursery practitioner, manager and casual staff opportunities.

About The Role

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner to provide tailored support to children with special educational needs (SEN), ensuring they have the best start to their learning journey.

About The Nursery

Tops Musgrove Nursery is a 122‑place eco‑friendly day nursery and preschool based at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. Our open‑plan, natural learning environment supports children to explore, play, and grow through a rich balance of child‑led and structured experiences. Enrichment includes Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, football fun and tooth‑brushing routines. Children also benefit from regular outings to local parks, the town centre, community spaces, and intergenerational experiences through our Joining Generations programme with local care homes.

Benefits

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off and a wellbeing day!

What does the role involve?

• Responsible for the 1:1 care of the individual child to support their IEP and to liaise with the Room manager daily.
• Work with the behaviour management, equal opportunities and SEN representative to ensure the child’s needs are met.
• Write and update the IEP and liaise with relevant representatives and Nursery Manager.
• Keep colleagues informed and disclose relevant updates regarding continual progress of children on a 1:1 support programme.
• Work closely with external professionals or agencies involved with the family support of the child you are providing 1:1 care for.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working with children with SEN, ideally in an early years setting.
• Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification (or equivalent) desirable, but not essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with the nursery team, parents, and external professionals.
• Patience, empathy and a positive approach to supporting children’s individual needs.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Experience with creating and implementing IEPs desirable.

Important Safeguarding Information

• Hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.