SEND Advisor

Tops Day Nurseries; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 60% childcare discount

Discounts via Blue Light Card & Each|s

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance including a

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is seeking a SEND Advisor to drive high-quality inclusive practice across the region by coaching Nursery INCos, Deputy INCos and leadership teams. Working with the Curriculum & Assurance Manager, you will promote SEND Code of Practice, EYFS and Tops' inclusive approach to ensure children with SEND receive timely and effective support.

You will build confidence and capability through coaching, quality assurance and professional development, helping every nursery create truly

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Level 3 Early Years SENDCo qualification (or working towards)
• Significant experience supporting children with SEND
• Experience leading inclusive practice
• Experience working alongside external professionals
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation
• Experience coaching colleagues

Responsibilities

• Coach and mentor Nursery INCos and leadership teams to deliver inclusive SEND practice
• Promote the SEND Code of Practice and Tops' inclusive approach
• Use data and quality assurance to identify priorities and drive improvements

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Analytical thinking

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 3 Early Years SENDCo qualification

Job description

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £14.28 Hour

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future. With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care. Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.

About The Role

The SEND Advisor is responsible for driving high-quality inclusive practice across their region by coaching, mentoring and supporting Nursery INCos, Deputy INCos and leadership teams.

Working alongside the Curriculum & Assurance Manager, the SEND Advisor will promote consistent implementation of the SEND Code of Practice, EYFS and Tops' inclusive approach, ensuring children with SEND, children facing educational disadvantage and their families receive high-quality, timely and effective support.

The SEND Advisor will build the confidence and capability of colleagues through coaching, quality assurance, professional development and strategic guidance, helping every nursery to create truly inclusive environments where all children can thrive.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate for inclusion with the ability to inspire, coach and influence others to deliver high-quality SEND practice. They will demonstrate strong leadership, excellent communication and the confidence to build positive relationships with colleagues, families and external professionals. They will be organised, analytical and solution-focused, using data and quality assurance to identify priorities and drive continuous improvement. They will have a sound understanding of SEND legislation, inclusive practice and early years pedagogy, alongside the ability to deliver training, mentor colleagues and support reflective practice. Above all, they will be proactive, resilient and committed to ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication.

• 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 & a wellbeing day!

The role requires someone who can demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• A thorough understanding of SEND legislation, the EYFS and inclusive practice.
• The ability to influence practice and support continuous improvement.
• Confidence in delivering training and facilitating professional development.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent record keeping, attention to detail and the ability to interpret data.
• Professional integrity, resilience and a commitment to collaborative working and continuous professional development.

Essential

Qualifications and Experience

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (minimum)
• Level 3 Early Years SENDCo qualification (or working towards)
• Significant experience supporting children with SEND
• Experience leading inclusive practice
• Experience working alongside external professionals
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation
• Experience coaching colleagues

Desirable

• Degree in Early Childhood or related subject
• Leadership qualification
• Coaching or mentoring qualification
• Experience supporting multiple settings

Important Safeguarding Information

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• 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.