Special Educational Needs Lead Practitioner (SENDCo)

Job Details

Job role: SENDCo (special educational needs and disabilities coordinator). Subject: English. Working pattern: Full time (Mon-Fri). Contract type: Permanent. Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored.

What skills and experience we're looking for

You will be a key leader within the school and line manage a large, dedicated special educational needs team, including an assistant SENDCo (In Training). The SEND area has recently been relocated into a larger facility with additional dedicated rooms to support small group work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management: Lead the development and implementation of the school's SEND policy, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Coordinate support for students with SEND, working collaboratively with teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies. Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the AEN (SEN) policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual students, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Effectively lead a large team including an Assistant SENDCo, ELSA, Teacher of the Deaf and 14 Learning Support Assistants. Maintain a clear understanding of legal requirements of the SEND Code of Practice. Line manage the exam access coordinator.
• Assessment and Identification: Implement effective systems for identifying and assessing students with SEND, including those with hearing loss. Work closely with staff to develop One Page Profiles (OPP) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Specialist Provision for Hearing Impaired: Line manage the teacher of the deaf, who oversees [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s specialist provision status for hearing loss students to ensure tailored support and accommodations. Collaborate with specialist staff and external experts to enhance the learning experience for students with hearing loss.
• Quality First Teaching: Ensure that all teachers adapt lessons accordingly to ensure that students with SEND achieve their full potential. Provide guidance and support to teaching staff in implementing inclusive teaching practices.
• Training and Development: Provide training and support for teachers and support staff to enhance their understanding of SEND. Demonstrate personal drive to continually improve, staying informed about the latest research and best practices.
• Parental and Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships with parents and carers. Collaborate with external agencies and organizations to enhance support services for students with SEND.

Professional Development and Collaboration: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] offers a vibrant CPD programme, including bespoke leadership programs. Collaborative partnerships with other local secondary schools and Hampshire local authority.

Qualifications: Qualified teacher status (QTS) with significant experience in special education. National Award for SEND Coordination (NPQSENCo) or equivalent qualification. Strong understanding of SEND legislation, policies, and best practices. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Personal Attributes: Compassionate and empathetic approach, proactive and collaborative team player, strong organizational and leadership skills, personal drive to continually improve.

What the school offers its staff

• Access to an exceptional Professional Studies Programme
• Access to CPD from PiXL, Hampshire Local Authority, External bespoke CPD, and in-house CPD
• To be part of a school which has a real ‘team approach’ where you will be valued and supported
• A well-resourced curriculum area including your own laptop
• Contribution to the Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Lifestyle discounts through employee ‘Lifestyle Savings Platform'
• Access to free counselling service via ‘Health Assured’
• Onsite parking
• Dedicated Teaching and Learning training room
• Staff room with complimentary refreshments and food provided on whole school events such as Parents’ Evenings

Further information

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK. Visas cannot be sponsored. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

To arrange a visit, email [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] or visit the school website: coveschool.uk.