SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner in Portsmouth

SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner

We are currently looking for a compassionate and dedicated SEN 1:1 Nursery Practitioner to provide tailored support to children with special educational needs (SEN), ensuring they have the best start to their learning journey.

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom Hampshire

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

At Tops Day Nurseries, we've been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co-owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.

We're proud to be recognised as a World's Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

Tops Copnor Nursery is a 35-place day nursery and preschool based within Pompey Health and Fitness in Copnor, Portsmouth, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 12 weeks to preschool. We offer a warm, nurturing environment where children are supported to learn, play, and grow through a broad, play-based curriculum that builds confidence, independence, and social skills. Children enjoy a range of activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, Boogie Mites, meditation, and more, alongside regular opportunities for active, hands-on learning. The nursery features an open-plan, single-level layout, a large wraparound garden with a dedicated area for younger children, and easy access for families, supporting a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you'll enjoy as part of our family.

• £700 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey with us
• Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply) ** Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative
• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website!

• Responsible for the 1:1 care of the individual child to support their individual educational plan (IEP) and to liaise with the Room manager on a daily basis.
• Responsible to work with the behaviour management, equal opportunities and SEN representative to ensure the child's needs are met.
• Writing and updating the IEP and liaising with the relevant representatives and Nursery Manager.
• Keep colleagues informed and disclose relevant updates with regards to continual progress of children on a 1:1 support programme.
• Work closely with external professionals or agencies involved with the family support of the child you are providing 1:1 care for.

• Experience working with children with SEN, ideally in an early years setting.
• Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification (or equivalent) is desirable, but not essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with the nursery team, parents, and external professionals.
• Patience, empathy, and a positive approach to supporting children's individual needs.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Experience with creating and implementing IEPs (desirable).

Important Safeguarding Information
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don't yet have one, you'll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children's Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries