At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND provision and transform lives of primary-aged learners with special educational needs.
- Company: Elmtree Grove School, a specialist independent primary SEND school in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, free training, and employee support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to empowering young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape inclusive education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience with complex SEND required.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 51047 £ per year.
Location: Fishponds, Bristol
Start date: 1st September 2026
Hours: Full-time, 8:30am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
Type: Temp to Perm
Salary: £32,916 - £51,047.36 (paid daily during temp period)
Contract: Full-time (term time + INSET; flexible by agreement)
Elmtree Grove School is seeking a passionate and skilled SENDCo to join our specialist provision for primary-aged learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND SEMH, trauma, ADHD, Autism). This is more than a coordination role — it’s a chance to shape provision, influence whole-school practice, and make a lasting difference to children who need it most.
About the Role
As SENDCo, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, leading and coordinating SEND provision across the school. You’ll ensure every pupil’s needs are understood, planned for, and met through high-quality, individualised approaches. You’ll work at the heart of a multidisciplinary network — collaborating with families, local authorities, and external professionals — to create stability, progress, and positive outcomes for every child.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading SEND provision across the school in line with the SEND Code of Practice
- Overseeing EHCPs, annual reviews, and liaison with local authorities
- Driving high-quality, personalised provision for pupils with complex needs
- Supporting and developing staff in inclusive and trauma-informed practice
- Working closely with families to build strong, trusting partnerships
- Coordinating multi‑agency input (e.g. Educational Psychologists, SALT, Social Care)
- Contributing to safeguarding, behaviour support, and pastoral planning
- Line managing and developing the Learning Support team
- Monitoring the impact of interventions and ensuring accountability
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who combines expertise with empathy — a leader who is both strategic and hands‑on. A ‘team player’ who cares passionately about the life chances of young people.
Essential
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
- Fully Qualified Teacher (induction passed)
- National Award for SEND Coordination (or willingness to achieve)
- Strong experience with complex SEND and/or SEMH
- In‑depth knowledge of EHCP processes and SEND legislation
- Experience working with external agencies and local authorities
- A calm, resilient and solution‑focused approach
Desirable
- Experience in a specialist or independent setting
- Training in trauma‑informed or therapeutic approaches
Why Join Elmtree Grove School?
Our approach is to offer a bespoke and relevant learning program for each learner. Integration into standardised education opportunities and social integration is everything we do. No child should have their future negatively affected or be excluded in their later life due to the lack of access or support for education opportunities that are appropriate to their abilities & strengths.
We believe strongly in people and look for people that have:
- Education‑relevant qualifications in supporting teaching & learning
- Experience in supporting young people in an education setting
- Understanding and expertise in supporting learners with SEND
- Skills & strategies in supporting emotional wellbeing
- Tenacity & resilience to manage, influence & effect positive behaviours & decisions in learners
- The ability to present a strong role model for young people, including having fun!
- Collaborative and pro‑active working practices
- A strong sense of responsibility & work ethic
Working with our organisation is a rewarding experience. We offer an enjoyable workplace with additional employment benefits for our permanent staff colleagues:
- Bright HR - online HR management portal also offering partner discounts
- Private Healthcare (Vitality)
- Employee Assist - independent healthcare perks
- Free training - role specific & relevant, accredited training
- Employee Support Assistant - dedicated colleagues to coach & support our employees
- Pension scheme (not currently teacher pension scheme)
- Company celebration events
Ready to make a difference? If you’re driven by purpose and committed to inclusive, child‑centred education, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of something meaningful. Applications are welcomed from candidates that meet the vast majority of the above job & person criteria. We also recognise that many people who are interested in such a role may not have specific experience as detailed so we would still welcome an application from those that have substantial experience of supporting young people with SEND or other challenges in education.
SENDCo – Independent Primary SEND School in Bristol employer: Elementa Support Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
Elementa Support Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENDCo – Independent Primary SEND School in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Elmtree Grove School is all about transforming lives, so think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for SEND! During interviews, highlight your hands-on experience and any innovative strategies you've used to support learners with complex needs. This will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares.
✨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 a team that’s dedicated to making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace SENDCo – Independent Primary SEND School in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with SEND shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives, so share personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of SENDCo. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences, especially those related to SEMH, trauma, ADHD, and Autism. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your strengths and suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elementa Support Services Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of SEND, especially regarding SEMH, trauma, ADHD, and Autism. Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied this knowledge in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
As a SENDCo, you’ll be working closely with families, local authorities, and external professionals. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past, highlighting your ability to build strong partnerships and drive positive outcomes for children.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Think about your approach to leading a team and supporting staff in inclusive practices. Be ready to share specific instances where you’ve developed others or implemented training that improved educational outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to SEND provision. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in scenarios involving EHCPs, multi-agency coordination, and behaviour support.