Job Description

Join our team as an early years SENCo at Oaks Nursery!

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.

Duties and responsibilities

Operational duties - What you'll be doing

1. SEND identification and support

Identify and monitor children with additional needs at the earliest opportunity. Coordinate and implement targeted support plans, interventions, and appropriate differentiation. Ensure all support strategies align with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
2. Collaborative working

Work in close partnership with families, ensuring they are involved and informed in their child's development and support. Liaise effectively with external professionals such as early years advisers, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and health visitors. Participate in multi-agency meetings, including contributing to EHCP requests and reviews when necessary.
3. Supporting staff and inclusive practice

Advise and guide nursery practitioners on best practice for inclusion and differentiation. Lead the development of inclusive environments and ensure reasonable adjustments are in place for children with SEND. Contribute to the planning and delivery of staff training related to SEND and inclusion.
4. Administration and record keeping

Maintain accurate, up-to-date records for all children with identified SEND, including support plans, review notes, and communications with families and professionals. Ensure documentation for funding, referrals, and EHCP processes is completed and submitted correctly and in a timely manner. Monitor and report on the progress and outcomes of children with SEND to the Nursery Manager and senior team.
5. Policy and compliance

Ensure the nursery's SEND policy is implemented effectively and kept up to date. Support the nursery to meet statutory requirements for SEND and inclusion. Contribute to self-evaluation, audits, and Ofsted readiness in relation to SEND provision.
People responsibilities

1. Supporting children with SEND

Act as a key advocate for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring their voices are heard and their individual needs are understood and met. Build trusting and respectful relationships with children, promoting their confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Ensure that appropriate support and learning opportunities are in place to help every child reach their full potential.
2. Partnership with families

Work closely with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in decisions about their child's support and development. Provide regular updates, review meetings, and guidance to empower families to support their child at home and in partnership with external agencies. Offer a sensitive and supportive approach, recognising the challenges families may face.
3. Working with nursery staff

Support and mentor practitioners in identifying SEND, adapting activities, and delivering inclusive practice. Offer practical advice, modelling strategies, and guiding staff to improve outcomes for children with additional needs. Help build staff confidence and competence in supporting children with SEND through informal coaching and formal training sessions.
4. Liaising with external professionals

Build and maintain positive working relationships with external specialists (e.g., speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, early years SEND advisors). Coordinate and support visits, assessments, and interventions carried out by external agencies. Represent the nursery in multi-agency meetings and contribute to collaborative planning.
5. Team culture and leadership

Promote an inclusive, respectful, and reflective team culture where every child is valued. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusive practice across the setting. Work with the leadership team to embed SEND awareness and training into staff development plans.

Financial responsibilities

1. Resource management

Identify and recommend appropriate learning materials, sensory resources, and specialist equipment needed to support children with SEND. Ensure resources are used effectively to enhance inclusion, and that all equipment is cared for and maintained to avoid unnecessary cost or waste.
2. SEND funding support

Assist the Nursery Manager with applications for SEND-related funding (e.g., Early Years Inclusion Funding, Disability Access Fund, or EHCP-linked provision). Contribute evidence, documentation, and developmental reports required to secure or maintain funding.
3. Value for money

Promote cost-effective approaches to inclusive practice, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children using available resources. Work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to ensure SEND support is proportionate, impactful, and aligns with budgetary constraints.
4. External service procurement (if applicable)

Provide input or feedback on the use of external professionals (e.g. therapists, consultants) when services are being commissioned for children with complex needs.

Expected behaviours

As an Early Years Practitioner of Oaks Nursery, you are expected to model the values and behaviours that support a high-quality, inclusive, and professional early years setting. These include:

1. Child-centred approach

Always place the needs, rights, and wellbeing of the child at the heart of decision-making. Act as an advocate for children with SEND, ensuring their voice is heard and valued.
2. Professional conduct

Maintain confidentiality, discretion, and integrity in all matters relating to children, families, and colleagues. Uphold and promote nursery policies, including safeguarding, equal opportunities, and inclusion.
3. Collaborative working

Work positively and respectfully with colleagues, families, and external professionals. Share knowledge and provide support without judgment, encouraging open dialogue and teamwork.
4. Inclusive leadership

Lead by example, promoting a culture of acceptance, respect, and understanding. Champion inclusive practice, challenging any behaviour or language that undermines equality or diversity.
5. Reflective practice

Be open to feedback and continuously reflect on your own performance and practice. Actively seek opportunities for professional development and encourage others to do the same.
6. Effective communication

Communicate clearly, calmly, and with empathy--both in writing and verbally. Tailor communication to suit a range of audiences, including parents, professionals, and staff.
7. Accountability and initiative

Take ownership of responsibilities and follow through on commitments. Be proactive in identifying potential challenges and finding constructive solutions.
8. Emotional intelligence

Demonstrate patience, resilience, and compassion in interactions with others. Support families and colleagues through sensitive or emotionally complex situations with care and professionalism.

See Recruitment Pack for full Person Specification.

Summary of terms

Salary

The salary for this post is: 24,698 per annum.

Probationary arrangements

This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, with 1, 3 and 6-month reviews.
Notice Period

The notice period for this position is: 4 weeks

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.

Pre-employment checks

All job offers are conditional on the receipt of two satisfactory references. We are also obliged to check your identity and obtain proof of your right to work in the UK, which you will be asked to provide at interview if you are successfully shortlisted. 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.

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.

How to apply

Application and selection process

Position advertised: Thursday 9th October 2025 Application close: Thursday 23rd October 2025 at 12pm Shortlisting: Friday 24th October 2025 Interviews: TBC

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; the website address is oaksnurserykent.co.uk.

If you require further information, please contact:

Name: Heidi Firth

Job title: Nursery Manager

Contact number: 01227 827676

Email address: oaksnursery@kent.ac.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 24,698.00 per year

Work Location: In person