We are seeking an experienced, committed and aspirational Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) to provide strategic leadership for SEND provision across our school. Applicants must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an appropriate professional background, and either hold, or be willing to work towards within statutory timeframes, the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo).

This is a pivotal role within our extended leadership structure, offering the opportunity to shape inclusive practice, ensure statutory compliance and improve outcomes for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Our aim is that every student, regardless of ability of circumstance, leaves Denefield with the foundation for a rich and fulfilling life. Success for life is underpinned by the curriculum we teach, the qualifications that students gain and by the CHARACTER values that are embedded throughout the school. Denefield students are happy, confident and polite making this an excellent environment in which to work. 

As SENDCo, you will be the school’s strategic and statutory lead for SEND, working closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Head (Inclusion). You will ensure high-quality, legally compliant provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and play a key role in whole-school inclusion, safeguarding and wellbeing. The role is open to professionally qualified SENDCos or to experienced teachers who are willing to work towards an appropriate professional qualification.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for SEND policy, provision and practice across the school

Fulfil all statutory duties in line with the SEND Code of Practice, Children and Families Act (2014) and Equality Act (2010)

Lead identification, assessment and monitoring of students with SEND using the Plan–Do–Review cycle

Oversee SEND Support and EHCP processes, including requests, reviews and liaison with external professionals

Promote high-quality inclusive teaching and reasonable adjustments in mainstream classrooms

Use data and evidence to evaluate impact and improve outcomes for students with SEND

Lead and line-manage SEND and inclusion staff, providing professional guidance and development

Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, external agencies and the local authority

Contribute to whole-school safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion systems

·        We Are Looking for Someone Who

·         Has a strong commitment to inclusive education and high expectations for all learners

·         Demonstrates secure knowledge of SEND legislation and statutory processes

·         Has the ability to lead, support and challenge staff to improve SEND outcomes

·         Communicates confidently and sensitively with parents, professionals and colleagues

·         Can work strategically while maintaining a clear focus on day-to-day operational excellence

We Offer

·         A permanent leadership opportunity with scope to influence whole-school practice

·         A supportive senior leadership team committed to inclusion and staff development

·         Well-established SEND structures with opportunity for further development

·         Professional development and support, including SENDCo qualification where required

If you believe that you have the skills and experience to undertake this role, please click to apply. Candidates should refer to the attached 'Guide to Shorter Applications' to allow them to bypass large sections of the application form. Please ensure you include the names of two referees who will not be a part of the selection process.

Denefield is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aims to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks. All short-listed candidates will be subject to online searches and any successful candidates will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and candidates will be required to submit the names of two referees, one of which must be your most recent employer. CVs will not be accepted.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

Applications, via My New Term, should reach us by 9.00am on Tuesday 12 May