SEND Specialist (1 Year FTC)
About the School
We are working with a warm, family\-focused independent school with a strong emphasis on pastoral care, inclusion and individualised learning.
The school has a welcoming and supportive community, with small class sizes, high teacher\-to\-pupil ratios and a strong focus on creativity and academic development. The school caters for children from the early years through to Year 6, with a dedicated commitment to ensuring pupils with SEND receive the support and provision they need to thrive.
The school is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding, and all staff are expected to share this commitment.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate SENCO to lead and coordinate SEND provision across the school.
Working closely with the Headteacher, teaching staff, parents, governors and external professionals, you will have strategic oversight of SEND provision while also playing a key role in supporting individual pupils and their families.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SENCO or suitably qualified education professional looking to make a genuine impact within a supportive and inclusive school environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesSEND Leadership \& Strategy
- Lead the strategic development of SEND policy and provision across the school.
- Maintain a whole\-school overview of SEND provision, including early years and child development.
- Monitor and evaluate SEND provision using the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle.
- Contribute to school self\-evaluation and the School Improvement Plan.
- Keep up to date with national and local SEND developments and initiatives.
- Review the effectiveness of SEND funding and recommend improvements where appropriate.
- Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map.
- Provide guidance to teachers and support staff on effective SEND strategies and the graduated approach.
- Coordinate and review EHCPs, including leading annual reviews and liaising with local authorities.
- Analyse assessment data and use findings to inform provision.
- Coordinate and evaluate interventions for pupils with SEND.
- Advise on appropriate deployment of staff and resources.
- Work closely with educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and other external agencies.
- Act as a key point of contact for external professionals.
- Identify and assess pupils' additional needs.
- Coordinate appropriate provision and monitor its effectiveness.
- Ensure accurate and up\-to\-date SEND records are maintained.
- Communicate regularly with parents and carers, providing guidance throughout the assessment and support process.
- Support smooth transitions when pupils move between settings.
- Promote inclusion and ensure pupils with SEND have appropriate access to the curriculum, facilities and extracurricular activities.
- Support pupils experiencing mental health and wellbeing difficulties.
- Work alongside the Headteacher and Governing Body to ensure responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 are met.
- Contribute to whole\-school policies and development planning.
- Identify staff training needs and advise on appropriate CPD.
- Lead INSET and SEND\-related training for staff.
- Promote a positive whole\-school culture around SEND and inclusion.
- Lead and manage Teaching Assistants supporting pupils with SEND, including appraisals where appropriate.
- Share relevant SEND procedures and guidance with colleagues and parents.
- Work collaboratively with external professionals to ensure children are happy, safe and well supported.
- Identify and support pupils experiencing mental health and wellbeing difficulties.
- Oversee the implementation of the Zones of Regulation approach.
- Support the embedding of mindfulness and wellbeing practices within classroom routines.
The successful candidate will ideally have:
Qualifications
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO), or another suitable qualification with a willingness to complete the NASENCO within three years of appointment.
- Degree\-level qualification.
- At least 5 years' teaching experience.
- Experience working at a whole\-school level.
- Experience contributing to self\-evaluation and school development planning.
- Experience delivering staff training or leading INSET.
- Experience coordinating SEND provision within an education setting.
- Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
- Understanding of Quality First Teaching and effective intervention strategies.
- Ability to plan, monitor and evaluate interventions.
- Strong data analysis skills and ability to use data to inform provision.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build strong relationships with pupils, parents, staff and external professionals.
- Strong influencing, negotiation and problem\-solving skills.
- Excellent record\-keeping and organisational skills.
- Passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for pupils.
- Strong commitment to inclusion and equality.
- Calm and able to prioritise effectively under pressure.
- Professional and discreet when handling confidential information.
- Strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
- Collaborative, approachable and able to work effectively as part of a wider school team.
- Competitive salary, dependent on qualifications, skills and experience.
- Longer holidays than the maintained sector.
- Enhanced sick pay arrangements and income protection scheme.
- 7% employee\-matched pension contribution.
- 4x base salary death\-in\-service scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Subsidised school fees if your child attends the school.
- Supportive and friendly school community.
- Opportunity to play a key role in shaping SEND provision across the school.
Normal teaching staff hours are 8:15am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with one after\-school meeting per week, usually from 4:00pm–5:00pm.
Part\-time working will be considered, with hours agreed with the successful candidate.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
All applications will be treated confidentially.
Pay: £16\.00\-£19\.00 per hour
Benefits:
- On\-site parking
- Do you have an Enhanced DBS?
- Do you have experience coordinating SEND provision at a whole\-school level, including EHCPs and annual reviews?
- Do you hold the NASENCO qualification, or are you willing to complete it within 3 years of appointment?
- Teaching: 5 years (preferred)
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