Job Description

Swindon Borough Council are on an exciting journey to transform service delivery. We want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that's who we're doing it for - the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you'll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It's all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.
Are you looking for an opportunity to play a significant part in making a difference to the lives of children under 5 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you.

Your next role

The Swindon Early Years Centre (SEYC) supports children under 5 with SEND, providing high quality Early Years Education and Family support. This is a great opportunity to be involved in the expansion and future development of a successful and very highly regarded service. You will be joining at an exciting time where your valued contribution will be vital in shaping the service as we grow.


The Swindon Early Years Centre is looking for a permanent SENCO and Practice Lead. Although potential applicants will have experience of supporting young children's learning and development in a group setting, and specialist knowledge around supporting children with additional needs and their families. The service is constantly reviewing and developing practice, therefore the desire to learn and develop is essential. The successful applicant will have experience of leading teams and supporting others to develop as reflective practitioners.


The successful candidate will have an Early Years Foundation degree/relevant recognised degree level qualification or substantial relevant equivalent experience.


You will have GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent).


You will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate equally effectively with children, parents and colleagues.


You will recognise the value of a team approach to meeting challenges and have the ability to work using your own initiative, lead other practitioners as well as follow direction when needed.


Flexibility and a sense of humour are essential in an environment which can change rapidly and in which no two days are ever the same!


You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act "for the effective performance of a customer-facing role").

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.


As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.


For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It's why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you'll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We'll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we'll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon by 2030 together. And you'll be proud to say it was made better with you.


Please see our Vision and Values page for more details.


Please see our new Swindon Plan

Your next steps

Read the role profile and select the Apply button where you will be redirected to the Swindon Borough Council website to complete our online application process. Clicking the 'Apply' button on this job website is not an application, you must register on the Swindon Borough Council website in order to be considered for the role.


Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don't meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we'd love to hear from you.


For further information about the role, please contact Emma O'Neill, EY Quality Development and Inclusion Lead, email eoneill@swindon.gov.uk or call 07766 368228.


As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion


If you are experiencing technical issues submitting your application please email resourcing@swindon.gov.uk