Federation SENDCo - The Federation of Darlington Nursery Schools
Federation SENDCo
Salary:
UPS 1-3 (£28483.20 - £30628.80) + SEN Allowance £1672.20 (Pro-rata)
Contract Type:
Part-Time (3 days per week / Term Time Only)
Contract Term:
Permanent
Start Date:
January 2027
About Our Federation
The Federation of Darlington Nursery Schools brings together the town’s two historic local authority-maintained nursery schools: George Dent and Borough Road. As dedicated early years settings, we share a unified governing body, a passionate leadership team, and a deep-rooted commitment to inclusive practices. We believe that every child deserves a unique, high-quality start to their learning journey, and we work collaboratively across both sites to ensure our most vulnerable learners are fully supported.
The Role
We are seeking an inspirational, highly organised, and qualified SENDCo to join our team in a dedicated non-teaching strategic capacity. Working 3 days a week, this cross-Federation role offers a fantastic opportunity to focus entirely on the coordination, management, and advocacy of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across both of our nursery settings, without a classroom teaching timetable.
Working across both nursery sites, you will help ensure a consistent, equitable, and high-quality standard of SEND provision.
Key Responsibilities:
What We Are Looking For
How to Apply
Visits to both Federation sites are warmly welcomed. To arrange an informal discussion or request an application pack, please contact the school office at 01325 380785 or email adminbr@darlingtonnurseryschools.org.uk.
The Federation is strictly committed to safer recruitment practices, safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to provide satisfactory references and undertake an enhanced DBS check prior to appointment.
Completed application forms should be sent to the Executive Head Teacher at Borough Road Nursery: adminbr@darlingtonnurseryschools.org.uk
Closing Date: Friday 9 October 12 pm noon
Shortlisting: Mon 12 October
Interviews: Friday 16 October
Salary:
UPS 1-3 (£28483.20 - £30628.80) + SEN Allowance £1672.20 (Pro-rata)
Contract Type:
Part-Time (3 days per week / Term Time Only)
Contract Term:
Permanent
Start Date:
January 2027
About Our Federation
The Federation of Darlington Nursery Schools brings together the town’s two historic local authority-maintained nursery schools: George Dent and Borough Road. As dedicated early years settings, we share a unified governing body, a passionate leadership team, and a deep-rooted commitment to inclusive practices. We believe that every child deserves a unique, high-quality start to their learning journey, and we work collaboratively across both sites to ensure our most vulnerable learners are fully supported.
The Role
We are seeking an inspirational, highly organised, and qualified SENDCo to join our team in a dedicated non-teaching strategic capacity. Working 3 days a week, this cross-Federation role offers a fantastic opportunity to focus entirely on the coordination, management, and advocacy of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across both of our nursery settings, without a classroom teaching timetable.
Working across both nursery sites, you will help ensure a consistent, equitable, and high-quality standard of SEND provision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Oversight: Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the SEND policy and early years inclusion strategies across both federation schools.
- No Class Timetable: Focus your 3 working days on coordinating the SEND provisions, tracking interventions, supporting children and families and providing advice and guidance to staff across both nurseries.
- Multi-Agency Collaboration: Act as the key point of contact for external services, working closely with Darlington Borough Council's early years team, Speech & Language Therapy, Educational Psychology, and health professionals.
- Statutory Processes: Oversee applications for Early Years Inclusion Funding, High Needs Funding, and lead on Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) pathways.
- Family Partnerships: Build trusted, compassionate relationships with parents and carers, guiding them through early intervention and the transition process into primary school.
- Staff Upskilling: Support the development of our Level 3 Early Years Educators and Classroom Support Assistants through coaching, mentoring and the delivery of SEND-focused professional development
What We Are Looking For
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- The National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or the National Professional Qualification for SENCo (NPQSENCO).
- Demonstrable experience in managing Early Years SEND, with thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework and the SEND Code of Practice.
- An adaptable professional who is able to work across multiple sites and manage varied caseloads within a part-time schedule.
- Strong communication skills and a warm, empathetic approach to supporting families at the earliest stages of their SEND journey.
- The rare opportunity to step into a dedicated, non-teaching SENCo role.
- A supportive, cross-site team of highly skilled early years professionals.
- Ongoing professional development and Federation-wide peer support.
- Access to the Local Government / Teachers’ Pension Scheme (pro-rata).
How to Apply
Visits to both Federation sites are warmly welcomed. To arrange an informal discussion or request an application pack, please contact the school office at 01325 380785 or email adminbr@darlingtonnurseryschools.org.uk.
The Federation is strictly committed to safer recruitment practices, safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to provide satisfactory references and undertake an enhanced DBS check prior to appointment.
Completed application forms should be sent to the Executive Head Teacher at Borough Road Nursery: adminbr@darlingtonnurseryschools.org.uk
Closing Date: Friday 9 October 12 pm noon
Shortlisting: Mon 12 October
Interviews: Friday 16 October
Attachments
Salary range
- £28,483.20 - £30,628.80 per year