Early Years SENDCo

Join our team as an early years SENCo at Oaks Nursery based at the University of Kent!

Are you passionate about inclusive early years education?

Do you have the experience and drive to lead and support SEND provision in a busy well-regarded nursery setting?

If so, we'd love to welcome you to our team at Oaks Nursery.

Role summary

Job title: Early Years SENDco.

Salary: £24,698.

Hours: 35 hours per week.

Leave entitlement: 34 days' annual leave (full-time equivalent).

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated and qualified Early Years SENDCo to lead our inclusive practice and coordinate support for children with additional needs across the nursery. Working 35 hours per week, you will be the main point of contact for all matters related to SEND, working closely with children, families, staff, and external professionals to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

You'll play a central role in identifying needs early, developing support plans, and guiding staff in adapting practice to meet individual learning and care needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is committed to removing barriers to learning and championing every child's right to a quality early years experience.

Key responsibilities

1. Act as the designated SENDCo for the nursery in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015).

2. Identify, assess, and monitor children with SEND, ensuring appropriate support and interventions are in place.

3. Work in close partnership with parents, carers, and professionals such as speech and language therapists and early years advisors.

4. Support staff in developing inclusive learning strategies and differentiated planning.

5. Maintain accurate SEND records, support documentation, and contribute to EHCP applications when required.

6. Provide ongoing guidance and training for staff in inclusive practice.

7. Ensure that the nursery is meeting its statutory duties under the EYFS and SEND legislation.

About you

• Hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or higher).
• Hold, or be willing to work towards, a recognised SENDCo qualification (e.g., Level 3 SENDCo Award or equivalent).
• Have experience working with children with SEND in an early years setting.
• In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with families and professionals.
• A collaborative team member who is proactive, organised, and compassionate.

Why work at Oaks Nursery?

Oaks Nursery is based on the University of Kent campus, caring for up to 90 children a day. We support children of university staff, students, and the wider community. At our last Ofsted inspection (October 2022), we were rated 'Good' and continue to pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

You will be joining a committed team of 30 staff members, including practitioners, support workers, and kitchen staff, led by an experienced management team.

Come and be part of a team where every child matters and inclusive practice is at the heart of what we do.

See Recruitment Pack for a full Job and Person Specification.

Email us for a copy of the recruitment pack.

Annual leave entitlement

The post holder is entitled to 34 days' leave; this is inclusive of 6 'customary' days', normally taken over Christmas, and the 8 statutory leave days for England. (full-time equivalent).

Pension

Staff who are 'eligible jobholders' (subject to the eligibility criteria as determined by the government from time to time) are automatically enrolled into the NEST Pension Scheme. NEST is a workplace pension scheme set up by the government but run independently as a trust. Your contribution to the scheme is 5% of the pensionable salary you receive each month, which is based upon your annual salary, and KUTL's contribution is 3% of this pensionable salary.

Hours of work

The contracted hours are 35 hours a week. The nursery is open Monday - Friday 8-6pm, your working hours will be within these times. Ad hoc weekends maybe required.

Work-life balance

Kent Students' Union is committed to facilitating a healthy work-life balance and has cutting edge flexible working policies.

Equity, diversity & inclusion

• We have recently implemented our new EDI strategy 2023-28 the Strategy is here to ensure equity and inclusion are a priority for Kent Students' Union. Please see the full document here.

• Annually we review racial diversity within our workforce, and it is a key priority for us to improve racial and ethnic diversity amongst our workforce, and as such we particularly welcome applications from Racially and Ethnically Marginalised People (REMP) and have introduced a REMP Priority Interview Scheme.

Induction and training

All new staff benefit from an induction from the HR Team and their own team, as well as ongoing support and personal development.

Applications

To apply please go to our recruitment portal at ksu.co.uk/careers to complete your application and submit your CV. Please ensure that you pay particular attention in your application to detailing how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Further information and questions

The Nursery website contains further background information about Oaks Nursery to help potential applicants. Potential applicants are encouraged to look at the website prior to applying.

If you require further information, please contact:

Heidi Firth, Nursery Manager

See Recruitment Pack for full Job and Person Specification.

Email for a copy of the recruitment pack.