Meet our SENCO
Jodi Messenger
SEND services
SEND Support at The Ark Centre
At The Ark Centre, we’re proud of our strong reputation for providing outstanding support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do — we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, learn, and feel valued
We are fortunate to have a dedicated SEND Officer (SENDCO) on site five days a week, ensuring consistent, personalised support for both children and families
We celebrate every child’s uniqueness and focus on what they can achieve
With understanding, patience, and expertise, we create an inclusive environment where all children can shine — at their own pace, in their own way
My experience
I have over seven years of experience working within early years education, supporting children with a wide range of additional needs. I began my career as a Midday Assistant (MDA), where I developed a strong understanding of children’s individual routines, emotional needs, and behaviour support. From there, I progressed into the role of Nursery Assistant, gaining extensive hands-on experience in inclusive practice and early intervention.
As my career developed, I became a Preschool Room Lead, taking responsibility for planning, assessment, and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within the setting. I later progressed into the role of Deputy Manager and SENCO, where I work closely with children, families, and external professionals to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.
Alongside my professional role, I am also a parent to a daughter who is now 19 years old and has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Noonan Syndrome. This means I bring not only professional expertise but nearly two decades of lived experience navigating education, health, and support systems. This long-term, personal journey allows me to work in genuine partnership with families, offering empathy, understanding, and informed guidance at every stage of a child’s development.
In addition to my SENCO responsibilities within the nursery, I also lead our Ark Xtra community drop-in sessions. These sessions provide support, guidance, and advice to the wider community — not just families attending our nursery — ensuring that help and information are accessible to all. I also support the management of our respite services, helping families access much-needed support in a safe, nurturing environment.
My qualfications
I hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and am a qualified SENCO. I have completed Elklan Language Builders training for children aged 0–3, equipping me with specialist knowledge to support early communication, speech, and language development. I am also trained in Pediatric First Aid (PFA), and epilepsy awareness and named as one of the settings designated safeguarding lead (DSL).
I am deeply committed to continued professional development and am always working towards my next qualification. This ongoing learning allows me to continuously stretch and enhance the services we provide at The Ark, ensuring our practice remains current, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of children and families. Through continuous training and reflection, I strive to strengthen both my own practice and the wider support available across our nursery and community.