JOB PURPOSE:
* To coordinate support for children aged 2-5 with SEND at Springfield Park Road Nursery or Mini-Springers Nursery, working alongside nursery staff, parents and outside agencies to ensure the nursery provides high quality inclusive EYFS provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice and EYFS Framework.
To promote an ethos of inclusive practice within the nursery, high expectations for children with SEND and the best possible outcomes.
* To provide advice and support to Children’s Centre colleagues in relation to SEND.
* To provide advice and support to other staff within the Springfield Project in relation to SEND, including Seedlings Stay and Play.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the SEND provision for the nursery
* Work with the nursery manager to regularly review the SEND policy and practice within the setting and agree how it will be implemented.
* Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the setting’s SEND policy, and for coordinating provision across the setting.
* Implement SEN support and the graduated approach of: assess, plan, do, review to meet the outcomes identified for the child, including writing and reviewing SEN support plans as well as statutory paperwork, such as EHC needs assessment requests (with support from Area SENCO).
* Apply for ISEY funding for individual children and ensure funding is implemented to support children effectively.
Support colleagues
* Ensure all practitioners in the setting understand their responsibilities to children with SEN and how to work actively and effectively within the Assess Plan Do Review cycle.
* Support individual practitioners in implementing the approach for individual children.
* Identify and use training and other sources of support available to colleagues.
* Support the nursery manager and staff during inspections by regulatory bodies and assist in the implementation of any recommendations.
Partnership working
* Make sure parents receive the information, advice and support that they need in order to participate in the SEN decision-making process.
* Involve parents in the discussion of any early concerns, in identifying any SEN, and at all stages of the graduated approach.
* Ensure parents are closely involved and that their insights inform action taken by the setting.
* Work closely with the Area SENCO and other professionals from education, health and social care agencies as required, making referrals as needed.
* Understand the Birmingham local offer.
* Work alongside Springfield Children’s Centre in running a stay & play for children with SEND.
* Provide advice on SEND to Children’s Centre colleagues.
* Provide advice on SEND to other Project staff and volunteers including Seedlings Stay and Play group and our Child Friendly Neighbourhood team.
Continually develop own practice
* Reflect on own practice and undertake continuous professional development, including training related to SEND as well as attending relevant and mandatory training courses and maintaining appropriate Safeguarding and First Aid Certificates.
* Alongside the nursery manager, regularly evaluate the effectiveness of provision.
Other
* Promote the Springfield project’s ethos, vision statement, and benefits.
* Attend all staff meetings and Project training days as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications and training
Essential: NVQ 3 Children’s Care Learning & Development or equivalent
Desirable: Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators; Current First Aid Certificate; Basic Food Hygiene Certificate; DSL trained
Experience of:
Experience of working with children with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.
Experience of working in an Early Years childcare setting.
Experience of working within the SEND graduated approach, including writing SMART targets for children and applying for appropriate funding to support children with SEND.
Experience of working with children with diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
Experience of working alongside other agencies to support children with SEND.
Knowledge
Excellent knowledge and understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Excellent working knowledge of Ofsted standards and requirements.
Excellent knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and how it relates to early years education.
Excellent knowledge of referral processes and systems relating to children with SEND in Birmingham.
A working knowledge and demonstrable understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues, including Safeguarding and Child Protection policies, procedures and systems.
Skills and Abilities
Ability to observe and accurately assess children’s strengths and needs, identifying emerging SEND needs and planning next steps for children.
Ability to communicate effectively with children, colleagues, parents/carers and other professionals.
Excellent written English and strong IT skills, required for writing SEN plans, reports, keeping accurate records and managing electronic data.
Excellent organisational skills.
Able to cope with working in a busy environment and under pressure.
Ability to use own initiative, demonstrate high level of motivation and commitment as well as working alongside and under the direction and supervision of others.
Able to relate well to both children and parents/carers from a variety of different social and cultural backgrounds.
Personal Qualities
An approachable, friendly, empathetic and non-judgemental manner.
Reliable and flexible.
A commitment to quality in all areas, with a high level of motivation and enthusiasm.
A creative thinker.
#J-18808-Ljbffr