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Job description

The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) is responsible for co-ordinating and promoting inclusive practice throughout the childcare facilities of Ballybeen Women’s Centre, ensuring that children with, or who may have, special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive appropriate support to enable them to access nursery life, participate in learning and play, and reach their full potential. The postholder will work in partnership with children, parents and carers, nursery staff and relevant external professionals to identify emerging needs at the earliest opportunity, plan appropriate interventions, monitor progress and promote positive outcomes for every child.

Responsibilities

• Identification and Assessment of Needs - monitor & support children's development, learning, communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and participation in the childcare facilities.
• Planning and Coordinating Support - coordinate appropriate support strategies for children with identified or emerging additional needs.
• Supporting and Advising Staff - provide guidance, advice and practical strategies to nursery practitioners supporting children with additional needs.
• Partnership with Parents and Carers - develop positive, respectful and collaborative relationships with parents and carers. Discuss concerns sensitively, clearly and professionally, using factual observations and examples.
• Liaison with External Agencies - work collaboratively, with appropriate parental involvement and consent, with relevant professionals. Seek advice and guidance where a child's needs require additional expertise.
• Behaviour, Emotional Well-being and Safety - support staff to understand behaviour as a possible form of communication and to identify circumstances that may contribute to distress or difficulty participating.
• Records, Policies and Confidentiality - maintain accurate, up-to-date and confidential records relating to children's identified needs, observations, support plans, interventions and reviews.
• Leadership and Continuous Improvement - promote a culture in which diversity is valued and all children are welcomed and included.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Level 3 Childcare qualification.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge all aspects of inclusion including: personalised learning, special educational needs, equal opportunities and diversity.
• 12 months direct work with children or young people and families.
• Understanding of use of data to support identification of SEN.
• Family support work with children in need & their parents/carers.
• Application of Child Protection Procedures.

Desirable Skills

• Special Educational Needs qualification

Further Information

Ballybeen Women's Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.