For nurseries
Recruit an early years SENCo
The person responsible for how a setting identifies and supports children with additional needs. Usually a lead role held alongside practice. We find and match; your own vetting, DBS and reference checks run as normal.
What the role covers
- Identifying children who need additional support, and deciding what happens next
- Running the graduated approach: assess, plan, do, review
- Writing and reviewing support plans, and contributing to EHC needs assessments
- Working with health visitors, speech and language therapists and the local authority
- Helping colleagues adapt their own practice rather than hand the child over
- Being the setting's evidence that it has regard to the SEND Code of Practice
What to look for
- Level 3 minimum in a PVI setting; qualified teacher status in a maintained nursery school
- The Level 3 Early Years SENCo award, or a setting willing to fund it
- Experience of the graduated approach in practice, not only in training
- Someone parents trust at the moment they are being told something they did not want to hear
Guide salary: £29,000 to £35,000 outside London, often as an allowance on practitioner pay. See how we work these out.
Questions
Hiring an early years SENCo
What should we pay an early years SENCo?
Our 2026 guide puts this role at £29,000 to £35,000 outside London, often as an allowance on practitioner pay outside London. Settings that advertise below the local band tend to wait considerably longer, which usually costs more than the difference.
How long will it take to fill?
Practitioner and room leader searches usually produce a shortlist within a week and an offer within three to four weeks. Manager and deputy searches run four to six weeks because the field is smaller and notice periods are longer.
Do you place temporary cover for this role?
No. We place permanent staff only.
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