Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? Do you have the skills, dedication and vision to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to thrive and achieve their full potential? If so, we want to hear from you.

This high profile role is an exciting and rare opportunity for a driven individual to lead our SEND provision and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. This is a rewarding role at the heart of our inclusive school community, where every child matters.

You will need to embrace a forward thinking approach to raising standards in teaching for SEND and ensure we are doing the absolute best for our most vulnerable students at all times.

As our SENCO you will:

• Be responsible for determining the strategic development of the SEND policy and provision in the school.
• Contribute to strategic leadership meetings by reporting on the effectiveness of SEND provision and share information with key stakeholders.
• Work closely with teachers, parents and external agencies to create and implement effective Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Monitor and track the progress of students with SEND, using data to drive improvements.
• Provide training and guidance to staff to ensure an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Work closely with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and other bodies with regards to SEND provision.
• Advise on the graduated approach to providing SEND support.
• Champion the needs of students with SEND, promoting a culture of inclusion and equality across the school.

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (or is willing to work towards it).
• Has a proven track record of working with students with SEN in a secondary school setting.
• Possesses excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• Is committed to raising aspirations and outcomes for students with SEND.
• Has a deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.

How to apply:

If you are ready to take on this rewarding role and help shape the future of our students, we would love to hear from you. Please send your completed application form and a covering letter outlining your suitability for this role by email to:

Tina Spencer-Keyse, Director of Human Resources to

Email:TSpencer-Keyse@ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk

Tel: 01332 843257

School visits:

You will be most warmly welcomed.

Applications for this role will close at 8am on Friday 8 March 2025

Please apply early as we reserve the right to interview ahead of the closing date should a high number of suitable applicants be received.

Who can be a SENCO?

In accordance with The Education (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators) (England) Regulations 2008, a SENCO must be a qualified teacher who works at the school and has completed their induction period.

The SENCO is required to complete the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (NASENCO) qualification before the three-year anniversary of them becoming their school’s SENCO. You will be fully funded by the school for this Masters level course if needed.

This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment will be conditional on a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, references, health check and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice Website and on the websites of charities NACRO and UNLOCK.

We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.

What the school offers its staff

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to make a real impact in the lives of our students.
• A vibrant school community with a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• Our vision statement 'learning together for the future' is evident throughout the school.
• We are student-centred and our aim is for every student to experience first rate learning and teaching.
• The school motto of 'Integrity, tenacity and service' is at the core of school life.

What our staff say:

I have never known a school take so much delight in organised student-centred activities that, ultimately, boost the students' ideologies. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term at Ecclesbourne and I hope that it will be the first of many in an enjoyable career."

The reward for working at Ecclesbourne is more than financial and we give back to our staff in terms of wellbeing, training and support. In addition, children of members of staff with a minimum of two years’ service at the school at the time of application are included in our admissions criteria.

Join us and help every child achieve their full potential.

Commitment to safeguarding

This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment will be conditional on a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, references, health check and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.