Early Years SENCO

Summary

The Early Years SENCO will ensure the best possible educational outcomes are achieved for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at the Pre-School. They will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of YMCA East Surrey’s SEND policy, coordinating provision across the setting and supporting children and their families with SEND.

Key Responsibilities/Duties

• Be aware of the settings responsibilities according to the SEND Code of Practice and ensure these are incorporated in daily practice.
• Early identification and support of children with SEND.
• Following the Graduated Approach and implementing advice and strategies to improve children’s outcomes.
• Ensure all practitioners in the setting understand their responsibilities to children with SEND and the setting’s approach to identifying and meeting SEND.
• Advise and support colleagues, showing an awareness of the Key Worker System, as outlined in the EYFS.
• Ensure parent/carers are closely involved throughout and that their insights inform action taken by the setting.
• Liaise with professionals or agencies beyond the setting, and ensure advice given by professionals is incorporated into the setting planning.
• Complete all necessary paperwork to the highest standard, in a timely and effective way, following Surrey Local Authority procedures.
• Organise and/or attend professional/parental meetings, including SEND Support plan meetings, transition meetings etc.
• Continue continuous professional development through training and encourage staff to attend appropriate training.
• Ensure awareness of any changes to legislation regarding SEND.
• Work with the manager of the setting to regularly review current SEND and disability policies, guidelines and practice within the setting.
• Draw on a range of sources, including the views of the child, supported by reliable evidence of effectiveness, to inform advice and support to colleagues on different approaches to improving children’s progress.
• To provide high standards of customer service to children, parent/carers, and other stakeholders.
• To work in cooperation with other team members and to provide a caring supportive environment in which children can thrive.
• Comply with the YMCA East Surrey’s policies and procedures.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with parent/carers, staff and other agencies.
• Contribute towards the sharing of best practice across all YMCAES Early Years settings and other services for children and young people.
• Follow YMCAES safeguarding, child protection and safer working practice policies at all times, taking any concerns regarding health and/or wellbeing to your line manager or senior management.
• Act in the interests of your own safety & the safety of others at all times.
• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities reasonably requested by the management of the organisation.
• Report to your line manager any potential risks to which YMCAES is or may be exposed.

Core Requirements/Qualifications/Skills

• Full and Relevant Level 3 Early Years Qualification or relevant teaching qualification
• Level 3 SENCO qualification – or be willing to undertake the qualification on commencement of the role.
• First Aid at Work certificate
• Paediatric First Aid Qualification
• Experience of working with children in an Early Years/Education setting
• Knowledge and understanding of the EYFS
• Experience of maintaining children’s records and working in partnership with parents and professionals
• Experience of working with children with SEND.
• Experience of supporting a manager within an Early Years/Education setting to achieve best outcomes for children and families
• Experience of following the Graduated Approach and implementing advice and strategies to improve children’s outcomes
• Experience of working with children with complex health needs and/or challenging behaviour
• An inspirational approach to helping young children to develop and thrive through play.
• A strong command of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work collaboratively with managers to influence change, encourage innovation, creativity and continuous improvement
• Navigating charity policies and compliance requirements
• Good working knowledge of data protection and information security
• Good spoken and written communication skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Able to influence and build excellent working relationships at all levels of the organisation
• Demonstrate a high level of professional credibility, integrity and emotional resilience
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to keep things simple
• Safeguarding knowledge and experience
• Subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS with Children’s barred list DBS disclosure
• Commitment to the values, aims and mission of YMCA East Surrey
• Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion for staff, services users, and stakeholders
• Flexibility around hours of work