At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate SEND provision, ensuring inclusive education for all pupils.
- Company: Gosford Park Primary School, a friendly and diverse community.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development, and flexible role options.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to safeguarding and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and strong knowledge of SEND practices required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 46000 € per year.
The Governors, staff and children at Gosford Park Primary School are seeking to appoint an innovative, highly driven and motivated SENDCo to join our school family. This role could be a 0.6 SENDCo only role or a full-time role with some teaching cover. We offer a friendly and supportive school environment, a forward-thinking and creative place to work, and a fantastic, diverse community of children, families and staff who all share the same values of our school, 'One Community, Many Cultures; Growing and Learning Together'. A commitment to your professional development.
Role Overview
The SENDCo is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and day-to-day coordination of the school's SEND provision ensuring that all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress and receive high-quality, inclusive education.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership - Lead the strategic development of SEND provision across the school. Contribute to whole-school improvement planning as a member of the leadership team (where applicable). Ensure the school complies with statutory SEND requirements and relevant legislation. Promote an inclusive ethos where all pupils' needs are understood and met.
- Identification and Assessment - Oversee the identification, assessment, and monitoring of pupils with SEND. Maintain and regularly update the SEND register. Coordinate graduated response plans (Assess–Plan–Do–Review).
- Provision and Support - Coordinate appropriate interventions and support strategies for pupils with SEND. Advise and support teachers on Quality First Teaching and adaptive strategies. Monitor the effectiveness and impact of SEND provision and interventions.
- Collaboration and Communication - Work closely with class teachers, teaching assistants, parents/carers, and governors. Act as the key point of contact for external agencies (e.g. Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapy, CAMHS, social care). Lead and attend review meetings, including EHCP reviews.
- Staff Development - Provide advice, guidance, and training to staff on SEND-related matters. Support the deployment, training, and performance of teaching assistants working with SEND pupils.
- Administration and Funding - Ensure accurate and confidential SEND documentation and records are maintained. Contribute to the effective management of SEND budgets and resources. Support applications for EHCPs and additional funding where appropriate.
- Safeguarding - Uphold the school's safeguarding and child protection policies at all times. Promote the welfare, wellbeing, and safety of all pupils, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.
Person Specification
Essential - Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). National Award for SEND Coordination (or willingness to complete it within statutory timescales). Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive practice. Experience of supporting pupils with a range of SEND needs in a primary setting. Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills.
Desirable - Experience as a SENDCo. Experience working with external agencies and the EHCP processes. Understanding of behaviour, social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH).
General
The SENDCo will carry out duties in accordance with the professional standards for teachers and the school's policies. Other duties may be required that are appropriate to the role, as directed by the Headteacher. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS, all relevant safeguarding and pre-employment clearances, and the receipt of two satisfactory references.
Equality and Diversity
Our workforce data shows that men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply. This does not prevent individuals with or without other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
SENCo - Gosford Park Primary School in West Bromwich employer: Coventry City Council
Gosford Park Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment where innovation and creativity thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a diverse community, staff are supported in their roles and encouraged to grow alongside the school. The collaborative culture fosters meaningful relationships among teachers, parents, and external agencies, ensuring that every child receives the high-quality education they deserve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCo - Gosford Park Primary School in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Gosford Park Primary School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school culture and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the school's values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission of 'One Community, Many Cultures'. We want to show them that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their community too.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for SEND! Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support pupils with special educational needs. We need to demonstrate that you’re not just knowledgeable, but genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Gosford Park family!
We think you need these skills to ace SENCo - Gosford Park Primary School in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children with special educational needs shine through. We want to see how driven you are to make a difference in their lives and how you can contribute to our inclusive ethos.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your application. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported pupils with SEND in the past, so don’t hold back on sharing those success stories!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our school family.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Gosford Park Primary School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Know Your SEND Code of Practice
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice before your interview. Being able to discuss how you would implement this in a primary setting will show that you're not just familiar with the guidelines, but that you can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a SENDCo, you'll need to lead and support others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or supported colleagues in the past. This could be through training sessions or collaborative projects that improved SEND provision.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about specific scenarios you might face as a SENDCo. Think about how you would handle situations involving parents, external agencies, or challenging behaviours. Having clear, structured responses will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with teachers, parents, and external agencies in the past. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to build relationships will show that you can foster an inclusive environment.
