EY Area SENCo

Fixed Term contracts. One for 12 months with the possibility to be extended, One fixed term to 31st March 2029. There is also and part time vacancy - please see our other job opportunities

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

The 0-5 Service is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive through high-quality, inclusive education and early intervention. The Area SENCo team works collaboratively with early years settings, schools, childminders, wrap-around childcare providers, families and multi-agency partners to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Through advice, training, assessment and partnership working, the team promotes inclusive practice, strengthens professional expertise and helps ensure children with SEND receive the right support at the right time to achieve positive outcomes.

• Provide specialist advice, support and guidance to early years settings, schools, childminders and childcare providers on meeting the needs of children with SEND.
• Support practitioners and Early Years SENCos to implement the SEND Code of Practice and develop high-quality inclusive practice.
• Undertake observational assessments and provide practical recommendations to help settings respond effectively to children’s individual needs.
• Deliver high-quality training and professional development to teachers, practitioners and childcare professionals.
• Develop strong partnerships with families and professionals, promoting effective communication and collaborative approaches to supporting children with SEND.
• Facilitate effective multi-agency working with education, health, social care, Family Hubs and specialist services to ensure coordinated support for children and families.
• Advise on referrals to specialist services and support settings in accessing appropriate intervention and support pathways.
• Monitor children’s progress and support successful transitions, admissions and inclusion within educational settings.
• Work closely with Area SENCo colleagues and wider Education, Schools and Inclusion teams to drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes for children.

• A recognised DfE teaching qualification, together with evidence of ongoing professional development in Early Years and SEND.
• Significant knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, the SEND Code of Practice and statutory requirements relating to education and inclusion.
• Experience of teaching within the Early…