Job Summary
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable and ambitious SENCO / Teacher to join our growing independent school.
This is a key position within the school, combining strategic responsibility for SEND with a teaching commitment. Working under the direction of the Assistant Headteacher for Quality of Education & Inclusion and the wider Senior Leadership Team, you will help ensure that pupils with SEND receive high-quality, personalised provision that enables them to make meaningful academic, social and personal progress.
The successful candidate will provide operational leadership of SEND provision, ensuring that Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are effectively translated into high-quality classroom practice and that teachers understand both the needs of individual pupils and the strategies required to support them.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Coordinate and support the day-to-day implementation of SEND provision across the school.
- Work closely with the Assistant Headteacher for Quality of Education & Inclusion to develop and continually improve SEND practice.
- Ensure that EHCP outcomes and identified areas of need are embedded within teaching, intervention and wider school provision.
- Maintain effective SEND documentation, evidence and records.
- Monitor the quality and impact of SEND provision and contribute to school self-evaluation and improvement planning.
- Provide advice, guidance and practical support to teachers and support staff.
- Support teachers in adapting curriculum delivery, resources and assessment to meet individual needs.
- Liaise effectively with parents/carers, local authorities and external professionals.
- Contribute to annual reviews, consultations and other statutory SEND processes.
- Track pupil progress towards EHCP outcomes and identify where additional intervention or changes to provision are required.
- Deliver high-quality teaching within their allocated subject/curriculum area.
- Model excellent inclusive classroom practice.
- Contribute to staff training, coaching and professional development relating to SEND.
- Support the school's compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and relevant Independent School Standards.
- Contribute positively to the wider leadership, culture and continued development of the school.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs (NPQ for SENCOs / NPQSEND).
- Have substantial experience of supporting children and young people with SEND.
- Have experience of teaching and/or delivering learning to children or young people.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of EHCPs, SEND provision and statutory responsibilities.
- Understand how SEND needs should inform curriculum planning, classroom practice and assessment.
- Be able to support and challenge colleagues to improve the quality of provision.
- Have excellent communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable
It would be advantageous for applicants to have:
- Previous experience working within the independent school sector.
- Experience within a specialist SEMH/SEND setting.
- Experience working with pupils with complex or multiple additional needs.
- Experience contributing to school improvement or quality assurance.
- Experience working with local authorities and external agencies.
- Knowledge of the Independent School Standards and expectations within independent specialist education.
The Person
We are looking for somebody who combines strong SEND knowledge with excellent classroom practice. You will be confident working collaboratively with senior leaders while also being able to take ownership of SEND systems and provision.
You will have high expectations for pupils with SEND and recognise that effective inclusion is not simply about providing additional support; it is about ensuring that curriculum, teaching, assessment and intervention are designed around pupils' individual needs.
This role would particularly suit an experienced SENCO or SEND practitioner who enjoys remaining connected to classroom practice while having the opportunity to influence provision across the whole school.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references and other pre-employment checks in accordance with statutory guidance.
To apply: Please submit your CV and supporting information outlining your experience, relevant qualifications and suitability for the role.
Pay: £30,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person