Job Description

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) - Early Years

Setting:

Top Tots Day Nursery, Portsmouth, PO1 3HN

Reports to:

Nursery Manager

Hours:

Full Time, Term Time Only Position

Salary:

14-15 per hour, dependent on experience and qualifications

Job Purpose

Top Tots Day Nursery is seeking a dedicated and experienced

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

to lead and coordinate SEND provision across the setting. The SENCO will ensure early identification of needs, promote inclusive practice, and work in close partnership with children, families, staff and external professionals. This role is vital in supporting every child to reach their full potential within an enabling, nurturing and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

SEND Leadership & Coordination

Lead and oversee all SEND procedures at Top Tots in the John Pounds Centre Implement and manage the graduated approach:

Assess, Plan, Do, Review

Develop, monitor and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and support plans Maintain clear, accurate and confidential SEND records and documentation Ensure children with SEND are included fully in nursery life and learning

Staff Support & Training

Support staff to adapt activities and environments to meet individual needs Provide practical strategies for supporting children with SEND Offer guidance and deliver training relating to inclusive practice and SEND awareness Model best practice in the rooms

Working with Children & Families

Build strong, trusting relationships with parents/carers Act as the main point of contact for families of children with SEND Work in partnership with families to create and review support plans Signpost families to additional support where needed

Multi-Agency Liaison

Work closely with health visitors, speech and language therapists, portage teams, educational psychologists and other professionals Support referrals to external agencies Attend and contribute to reviews and professional meetings Contribute towards EHCP applications where required

Inclusion & Environment

Support the creation of an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment Promote equality, inclusion and diversity throughout the nursery Advise on reasonable adjustments and resources needed

Monitoring, Safeguarding & Compliance

Ensure compliance with:

EYFS framework

SEND Code of Practice (2015)

Equality Act 2010

Support the nursery with Ofsted readiness relating to SEND Work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead and wider safeguarding team

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Minimum

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Recognised

SENCO qualification

or commitment to achieve this Secure knowledge of the

SEND Code of Practice

and EYFS requirements Experience supporting young children (0-5) with a range of additional needs Experience working in partnership with parents and outside professionals Strong organisation, communication and record-keeping skills

Desirable

Degree in Early Childhood Studies / SEN / Education Experience with EHCP processes Designated Safeguarding Lead training Knowledge of Portsmouth Local Authority SEND processes

Personal Qualities

Passionate about inclusion and early intervention Calm, patient and empathetic approach Confident communicator with families and professionals Highly organised and detail-focused Dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for all children

Safeguarding Statement

Top Tots Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to an

enhanced DBS check

, suitable references and safer recruitment procedures.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 14.00-15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person