SEN Support Lead – Early Years Foundation Stage

Hours: full-time Monday to Friday (08:15 – 15:45)

Contract: Permanent, term-time (44.6 paid weeks per year)

Actual Salary: From £22,740 per annum including London Fringe

Start: September 2026

Are you a passionate Early Years practitioner, ready to take the next step in your career and make a profound difference to children with additional needs?

At Manor Fields Primary School, we are proud of our inclusive, nurturing environment and are seeking an inspiring SEN Support Lead for EYFS to play a pivotal role within our highly skilled team.

You will be joining a warm, welcoming and extremely supportive Reception team, where collaboration, shared expertise and a genuine care for one another underpin everything we do.  This is a team that works closely together, celebrates successes and supports each other to deliver the very best for every child.

Alongside this, we offer an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with our in-house Speech and Language Therapist, Specific Learning Difficulties teacher and three experienced SENCOs, ensuring exceptional provision for our youngest learners.

Why join us?

• A unique opportunity to shape and develop a brand-new dedicated SEN learning space within EYFS
• Work within a highly experienced, multi-disciplinary team
• Join a school that prioritises inclusion, wellbeing and high aspirations for every child
• Opportunities to lead, innovate and influence practice across the setting
• Be part of a friendly, dedicated and collaborative Reception team who value teamwork and mutual support

The Role

You will lead high-quality SEN support within our Early Years provision, working closely alongside Reception colleagues to ensure a consistent and nurturing approach for all children.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Plan, deliver and oversee targeted interventions such as sensory circuits, Attention Autism and WellComm (or similar programmes)
• Support children’s educational, social and developmental needs through personalised approaches
• Work collaboratively with the Reception team to create an environment where all children feel safe, valued and able to thrive
• Build strong partnerships with families and professionals to ensure a cohesive, child-centred approach
• Contribute to the ongoing development of inclusive, high-quality practice across EYFS

We’re looking for someone who:

• Ideally has Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant with SEN Specialism or equivalent qualification (or are working towards it)
• Has at least CACHE Level 3 Early Years Qualification (or equivalent) – this is essential
• Has proven experience in an Early Years setting
• Has a strong understanding of the EYFS framework and SEN Code of Practice
• Is confident in leading and delivering effective SEN interventions
• Values teamwork and enjoys working within a close-knit, supportive team
• Brings initiative, positivity and a calm, solution-focused approach
• Communicates effectively and builds strong relationships with children, colleagues and families
• Is committed to making a meaningful difference every day
• Is paediatric first aid qualified

We’re seeking a capable and enthusiastic SEN practitioner with a solid background in Early Years Provision.

You will be:

• A confident problem‑solver who works well under pressure and can prioritise effectively
• Well organised, self‑motivated, and able to take responsibility for your work
• A clear communicator with a positive, flexible attitude
• Able to handle sensitive information with high levels of confidentiality, particularly in relation to safeguarding

Other requirements:

• A strong commitment to safeguarding children and to the Trust’s values and vision

Focused on delivering Excellence for All, The Hertfordshire & Essex High School is part of an outstanding organisation providing a vibrant and welcoming working environment in a popular school and a first-rate experience for staff looking to develop their careers in education as well as putting staff wellbeing at its heart.

HEMAT is dedicated to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the school community. 

A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is essential.

Should you have any queries about the post or should you have any difficulties submitting your application, please email: admin@hertsandessex.herts.sch.uk or call the school on 01279 654127.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment.  Appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including satisfactory Criminal Records Check through the Disclosure and Barring Service and online checks.