The role
About the Role
As an Early Years Area SENDCo, you will lead the way in promoting inclusive practices across PVI early years settings, focusing on improving outcomes for children with additional needs, including those with SEND. You will work collaboratively to close attainment gaps and support practitioners to meet statutory duties under the EYFS Statutory Framework, Children and Families Act 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide guidance to SENCOs and practitioners to deliver tailored support for children with additional needs and SEND as part of high-quality early intervention.
- Facilitate professional development through training, mentoring, and the dissemination of inclusive practices.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including health and education professionals, to streamline transitions and enhance outcomes.
- Support the effective use and monitoring of the Early Years Inclusion Fund to ensure measurable impact.
- Offer practical advice on curriculum planning, teaching strategies, and focused assessment to meet the diverse needs of children.
This role offers an opportunity to shape and drive inclusion initiatives while working independently within a supportive matrix management structure.
About You
We are seeking a dynamic professional who embodies a commitment to equity and excellence in early years education.
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
- Level 3 qualification or higher, with extensive experience as a SENCo in early years settings or schools.
- Deep understanding of the EYFS Statutory Framework, SEND Code of Practice, and Ofsted inspection frameworks.
- Proven experience supporting children with a diverse range of needs, across the Early Years Foundation Stage and delivering within inclusive frameworks.
- Exceptional communication skills, particularly when engaging with early years professionals , and multidisciplinary teams.
- Resilient and solution-focused, with a proactive approach to fostering collaboration and innovation.
About the Service
At Southwark Council, we are committed to creating inclusive, nurturing, and supportive environments for every child to thrive. Our Early Years and Childcare Service collaborates with private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) settings to ensure that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the high-quality early years education they deserve. Joining our team means being part of a passionate community making a tangible difference to children and families across Southwark's diverse communities.
If you are a passionate advocate for inclusive education, eager to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join Southwark Council?
Southwark Council is an inspiring workplace where innovation, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance are prioritised. As part of our team, you will contribute to shaping the future of inclusive early years education, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
How to Apply
Ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference in children’s lives? Apply today to become part of a team dedicated to excellence and inclusion.
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Enhanced level.
Benefits and more information:
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.
Recruitment timetable
Advert close: 12th March
Shortlisting date: 14th March
Interview date: 25th March
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
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