Job Title:
Senior Practitioner – Operations & SEND Liaison
Reporting to:
Inclusion Lead / Setting Lead
Contract Type:
Term time only
5 days per week
Role Purpose:
The Senior Practitioner – Operations & SEND Liaison is responsible for the consistent, effective day-to-day running of the setting by holding staff accountable to agreed standards, routines and expectations. The role ensures that practice across the setting is delivered as planned and that SEND provision is implemented consistently.
This role exists to manage adult practice and operational standards, allowing the Inclusion Lead to focus on strategic leadership, statutory SEND paperwork and external liaison without needing to be on site every day.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership
* Take responsibility for the daily operational running of the setting
* Ensure staff are deployed correctly and following the agreed rota at all times
* Monitor routines, transitions and room organisation to maintain a calm, regulated environment
* Act as a visible and consistent leadership presence across all sessions
* Be the first point of contact for day-to-day operational issues
* Ensure policies, procedures and routines are implemented consistently
Staff Accountability & Practice
* Hold staff accountable for their roles and responsibilities in real time
* Direct staff practice where expectations or standards are not being met
* Challenge drifting, avoidance, inconsistent practice or poor boundaries promptly and professionally
* Address issues immediately rather than deferring or escalating unnecessarily
* Support staff to improve practice while maintaining firm and clear boundaries
* Identify and report patterns of concern to the Inclusion Lead
* Ensure instructions and expectations are followed without defaulting back to senior leadership
This role is explicitly authorised to direct staff practice within the agreed operational framework.
SEND Liaison Responsibilities
* Maintain a strong working understanding of SEND processes, graduated response and inclusive practice
* Ensure SEND strategies, adaptations and interventions are implemented consistently on the floor
* Monitor that children's support plans are followed as written
* Support staff understanding of SEND strategies and reasonable adjustments
* Gather observations, staff feedback and evidence to inform SEND paperwork
* Flag emerging concerns or inconsistencies promptly to the Inclusion Lead
* Liaise with the Inclusion Lead on days they are not on site, providing clear, relevant updates
Clear boundaries of the role:
* Does not complete EHCPs, SSPs, funding applications or statutory SEND paperwork
* Does not independently liaise with the Local Authority
* Does not make strategic SEND decisions
All statutory responsibility remains with the Inclusion Lead.
Communication & Relationships
* Work closely alongside Michelle and Ria to support day-to-day running
* Communicate clearly, confidently and professionally with staff
* Manage routine parent communication and queries appropriately
* Escalate safeguarding, SEND or staffing concerns immediately and accurately
* Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
What This Role Is Not
* Not a SENCO role
* Not an administrative role
* Not a purely ratio-based role
* Not a messenger between staff and leadership
This role exists so the setting operates effectively without the Inclusion Lead needing to be present every day.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Significant experience working within an early years setting
* Experience in a senior, supervisory or leadership role
* Strong understanding of SEND processes and inclusive practice
* Confidence managing, directing and challenging adults
* Ability to hold boundaries calmly, clearly and consistently
* Strong organisational and communication skills
* Ability to work independently and take ownership of daily operations
Desirable:
* Experience overseeing SEND implementation in practice
* Experience working closely with senior leadership
* Relevant SEND, inclusion or behaviour support training
Safeguarding
The postholder will share responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and must uphold safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £19,000.00-£21,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
Work Location: In person