This one isn't about running the busiest room in the nursery. It's about noticing the child who needs something different and making sure the whole team knows how to provide it.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is recruiting a Head of Department & SENCO for an established nursery in Edenbridge, Kent.
It's a dual leadership position.
One side of the role is about driving strong early years practice across your department.
The other is about taking responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, working with children, practitioners, families and outside professionals to make sure additional needs are recognised and supported effectively.
For someone who loves early years but wants their next role to have a stronger SEND, quality and leadership focus, this could be a really interesting move.
Two parts. One important job. As Head of Department
You'll help make sure children aren't simply being cared for well, but are genuinely learning and progressing.
That will involve:
Driving high standards of teaching, learning and assessment Supporting practitioners with planning and observations Monitoring children's progress Helping staff understand how to adapt experiences for individual children Coaching and supporting colleagues Maintaining consistently strong EYFS practice Identifying where practice needs to improve Working alongside the nursery leadership team Leading by example within the department Helping create an inclusive environment where every child can participate As SENCO
You'll become a key point of contact when a child may need additional support.
Your responsibilities will include:
Identifying and assessing children with emerging or established additional needs Supporting the graduated approach to SEND Working with practitioners to put appropriate support in place Helping develop and review individual strategies and plans Monitoring whether interventions are making a difference Supporting staff to adapt activities and environments Building strong relationships with parents and carers Liaising with external professionals and local authorities where necessary Keeping appropriate SEND documentation accurate and up to date Promoting early identification rather than waiting for difficulties to escalate
The employer's current vacancy specifically describes the position as combining departmental oversight with SEND leadership, including identifying children with additional needs, raising standards of teaching and assessment and liaising with parents, external agencies and local authorities.
Who this is really aimed at
This won't be everyone's next nursery job.
And that's probably a good thing.
It could be ideal if you're currently:
A Room Leader who has become particularly interested in SEND.
An existing Nursery SENCO who wants more leadership responsibility.
A Senior Practitioner regularly supporting colleagues with additional needs.
A Deputy or experienced Level 3 practitioner who wants to specialise rather than move straight into general nursery management.
You'll need at least a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification, strong practical knowledge of the EYFS and genuine experience supporting children within nursery provision. The employer's current specification confirms Level 3 as the minimum qualification.
You'll also need to be someone who can have sensitive conversations well.
Parents may sometimes be hearing concerns about their child's development for the first time. Practitioners may need guidance without feeling criticised. External professionals will need clear information.
How you communicate matters.
The setting
The nursery cares for children from three months through to preschool age in dedicated, air-conditioned rooms designed around different stages of early development.
Each room incorporates the seven areas of the EYFS and is designed to remain accessible to every child, which fits particularly well with the inclusive nature of this position.
There's also:
A substantial outdoor play area Impact-absorbing outdoor surfacing A purpose-built indoor sandpit An on-site chef preparing meals and snacks Dedicated facilities for different age groups Central Edenbridge High Street location Two railway stations nearby with London connections Free parking available with the role Christmas week closure Package £28,000 to £31,000 per year Permanent, full-time role Company pension Free parking Dual SEND and early years leadership responsibility Opportunity to influence practice beyond one nursery room Work within a highly qualified existing team Central Edenbridge location Christmas closure
If you've reached the stage where you want your early years career to become more specialised, this offers something considerably different from simply moving from one Room Leader position into another.
If you're searching for an Early Years SENCO job in Edenbridge, Nursery SENCO role in Kent or a Head of Department position within early years, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.