SENCo (Permanent) in Hove

Following the promotion of the current postholder, the exciting and rewarding opportunity to lead the provision for our SEND students across our large and vibrant school has become available. This critical role is part of our Extended Senior Leadership Team and would provide an excellent first step into senior leadership. Blatchington Mill is a welcoming and inclusive school. Our students achieve well, both in terms of progress and attainment, and we put huge value on supporting all our students to achieve the best they can.

We have a team of expert staff across our school and you would be joining a team who are highly motivated and enthusiastic and who are ambitious for what our students can achieve. We focus on innovating in the classroom, placing huge value on research-based pedagogy and professional development. We work in partnership with schools locally and nationally and believe in collaboration and school-led improvement. We are incredibly proud to be an inclusive and supportive school.

We have 37 students with an EHCP or complex needs. We also have around 250 students with additional needs who require adjustments for them to thrive. We are proud of the outcomes our young people achieve, but we want to improve further, including improving the attendance of our students.

Our ideal candidate will already have experience of SEN education, an open and engaging style of communication, and be committed to the highest standards and expectations for our students with SEN - believing that with the right support they can achieve without limit.

Our recent Challenge Partners’ Report (February 2026) stated:

• ‘Blatchington Mill is a highly inclusive school. Leaders are absolutely clear that their mission is to ensure that every student achieves the very best that they can. They are committed to providing support and removing barriers to allow them to do this.’
• ‘The school puts inclusion at the heart of all its work and this focus is shared by governors, staff and students. As one Year 9 student said, “Team Blatch is about not leaving anyone out”.’
• ‘High quality teaching in the classroom is the focus of leaders and departments. Teachers are given guidance on strong practice, such as providing opportunities for structured talk and direct questioning to ensure engagement. They are also expected to know their students well, to understand their needs and to build relationships that motivate students to do well.’
• ‘Students with SEND are supported by a large team which is well organised to provide appropriate support.’
• ‘As a result of the care and support students receive, both disadvantaged students and students with SEND attain better than those groups of students nationally.’
• ‘Relationships across the school are very positive. Students are respectful of their teachers and their peers. Students feel very well supported and know that staff have their best interests at heart.’
• ‘Leaders are mindful of staff well-being and workload. They ask for feedback from staff and listen to their views. Staff say that there is a very collegiate approach, which they appreciate.’

If you would like to join us, and believe you could thrive in our collegiate and positive atmosphere then please read the accompanying person specification and job description and consider if you possess:

• Experience of supporting SEND in a mainstream or specialist setting
• A track record of positive impact upon student outcomes
• A belief that all students can succeed
• Creativity, enthusiasm, and resilience
• High expectations of all students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

If you are interested in applying for this role please complete and return an application form before the closing date (CVs alone cannot be considered): Interview date: TBC. Please return your completed application form to Amanda Brasington, PA to Headteacher, via email to recruitment@blatchingtonmill.org.uk.

Blatchington Mill School is committed to safeguarding our students; we expect all staff and volunteers to support this commitment. Criminal record checks will be carried out and a full, enhanced DBS clearance is required for all positions. Applications are encouraged from black and ethnic minority candidates, as these groups are under-represented on the school's staff.