SENDCo in Richmond

Salary: L7 - L11 + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: Full Time

Contract type: Permanent

Start date: April or sooner if possible

Lift Richmond Park is seeking an exceptional SENDCo to join our community. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly effective teacher who is ready to take the next step in their career within Lift Schools. We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, committed and child-centred SENDCo who will act as a passionate advocate for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. You will be the strategic and operational driving force behind high-quality, inclusive and evidence-based SEND provision across the school.

As SENDCo, you will:

• Lead and manage a team of 7 SEND professionals, providing clear direction, support and professional development
• Coordinate innovative, evidence-based provision for pupils with identified SEND
• Ensure statutory SEND and equality requirements are met with rigour and care
• Work closely with staff to embed inclusive practice across the whole school
• Build strong, trusting partnerships with parents and carers
• Collaborate effectively with a wide range of external agencies to secure the best outcomes for pupils
• Teach a small allocation, maintaining strong classroom practice and modelling inclusive teaching

The successful candidate will:

• Hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and SENDCo Accreditation
• Have proven experience as an excellent classroom practitioner
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory guidance and equality duties
• Have experience of leading and developing staff
• Have experience working collaboratively with parents and external professionals
• Be deeply committed to improving life chances for children with SEND through high expectations and inclusive practice

This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine, lasting difference for pupils while developing your leadership career within a supportive and values-driven trust.

Working at Richmond Park Academy:

Richmond Park Academy is located in East Sheen, close to Richmond Park, with easy access to Richmond, Kingston, and the West End, all within a 15 to 30-minute journey. The Academy offers excellent benefits to colleagues, including:

• Staff Flexi Time: One designated morning or afternoon each week to work from home
• Two-Week October Half-Term: A generous break to recharge
• ChromeBook Provided: Access to a ChromeBook for efficient teaching and planning
• No Duties: Focus purely on teaching without additional duties
• CPD Twice Weekly: Ongoing professional development with two sessions per week
• Six Wellbeing Mornings: Dedicated mornings each year to prioritise staff well-being

Who is Lift Schools?

We’re a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they’ve ever had. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career. Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

The role is due to commence April or sooner if possible. This is a full time, permanent position.

Closing date: 3 February

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.