Drake Primary Academy, Reach South Academy Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional SENDCO to join the School for September 2026 or earlier if possible.

Post: SENDCO

Location: Drake Primary Academy, 1 Johnston Terrace Ope, Plymouth, PL2 2EN             

FTE Salary Range: MPS 1 to UPS 3; £32,916 rising to a maximum of £51,047 per annum, plus SEN Min £2,787 

Actual Annual Salary: £19,749 to £30,628 plus SEN (Min) £1,672

Contract Type: Permanent, Part Time

Contract Hours: 19.5 hours per week, Monday - Wednesday, 8.30am - 15.30pm

About the role

Drake Primary Academy is looking to appoint a part-time Special Education Needs and Disabilities Co-Ordinator to work within the school for 3 days per week. We are looking for someone to positively and proactively support the day-to-day SEND provision we offer our pupils. The successful candidate will preferably be a trained SENDCo who holds Qualified Teacher Status. They should have the National Award for SEN Coordination (NA SENCO), though this is not essential. The ideal candidate will have experience of teaching children with a range of SEND across the whole primary age range.

The focus of the job role will be ensuring students with a SEN or disability have full entitlement to the curriculum and to provide professional guidance to colleagues.

Our hardworking, enthusiastic SENDCo:

·         will have an excellent understanding of the principles of inclusive teaching 

·         will understand their statutory duties in relation to SEND and equality 

·         will be strong in the use of data to track progress and identify needs 

·         will understand the importance of early identification of pupils with additional needs 

·         will have an understanding of a range of strategies and research-based interventions to support staff to meet the needs of pupils 

·         understand the importance of developing positive working relationships with all stakeholders, including parents and outside agencies. 

·         will support staff with delivering Trauma Informed School approach to behaviour support

In order to facilitate this, we will: 

·         give access to a wide range of development and training opportunities – including working with other SEND specialists and SENDCo across the Trust 

·         support you in achieving the National Award for SEN Coordination (NA SENCO) upon taking up post, if needed. 

·         give you the opportunity to be a powerful and influential voice on the senior leadership team (SLT) 

About the School

We pride ourselves on being a warm and friendly school that welcomes visitors and actively encourages a partnership with parents. Indeed Ofsted noted that ‘staff go the extra mile to help pupils- whenever they need it.’ We strive to provide a high quality creative and engaging education within a caring and happy environment where our children thrive. Drake Primary Academy is a popular and successful school within the local and wider area. The children are aged 4 - 11 years old and we have a single form entry. Our children feel safe, cared for and well looked after. We have a strong bond with our parents as well as the community as a whole.

About the Trust

Reach South is a young and developing Trust which operates across the South West of England with the aim of delivering all through 3-19 education.  We operate 16 academies in Plymouth, Bournemouth, Dorset and Wiltshire.  We are building this Trust on a clear set of values, behaviours and curriculum principles. At the heart of those values and principles is a belief in our young people and a determination to support them to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become the successful citizens for today and all of their tomorrows.

Our core business is delivering exceptional education for children and young people with a mission to help all pupils aspire to achieve beyond the expectations that others put on them.  We do this through the development of a talented and committed workforce. In order to deliver exceptional opportunities for learning, we need highly motivated staff across all parts of the organisation. 

Teachers within Reach South belong to a national community of professionals, and benefit from a wide range of networks and development opportunities across the Trust. In time, our best teachers are able to work across schools, develop specialisms and step up to leadership roles within and beyond their own academy. The Trust provides a strong culture of collaboration and support, together with high expectations for staff and pupils alike.  

Those we recruit are able to demonstrate that they share our values, are highly motivated to work with colleagues, within and beyond their school, to continuously develop their skills and pursue professional excellence.

Next Steps

If you think this role may be for you and want to be involved at this exciting time in our development and have any questions about the position, please get in touch by contacting the Recruitment Team on 07759365064 or on mbeaven@drakeprimaryschool.co.uk.

Closing date: for applications is Sunday 1st March.

Interview Date:  Interviews are provisionally booked for the week commencing 9th March 2026.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.

Opportunities and Benefits 

We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits. 

We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.