At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND provision and support primary learners with special educational needs.
- Company: Elmtree Grove School, dedicated to transforming lives through inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, free training, and employee support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape educational practices.
- 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 programme 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
- Good 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.
Application/interview schedule
Closing date: 1st June 2026
Shortlisting: 3rd June 2026
Interviews: week commencing 8th June 2026
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.
All applications will be managed by Elementa. Successful applications will have a full-prescreen, interview, insight session and visit to one of our Alternative Provision sites. Any (permanent) appointment will be subject to a successful interview process, satisfactory references, DBS Enhanced Disclosure (which may be chargeable at £64.20 unless you have a DBS subscribed to the Update Service) and successful completion of employment trial period. Please apply with your full up to date CV. All applicants will be promptly responded to.
SENDCo in Woodford employer: Elementa Support Services
Elmtree Grove School is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of primary-aged learners with special educational needs and disabilities. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering comprehensive training and employee benefits such as private healthcare and a dedicated support assistant. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a rewarding career in a vibrant and inclusive environment in Fishponds, Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENDCo in Woodford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections 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, talk about your hands-on experiences and how you've made a difference in the lives of children with complex needs. This will help you stand out 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 real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace SENDCo in Woodford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEND shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of SEND, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the SENDCo 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 this meaningful opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elementa Support Services
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest SEND Code of Practice and understand the specific needs related to SEMH, trauma, ADHD, and Autism. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
As a SENDCo, you'll be working with families, local authorities, and external professionals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to build strong partnerships and how this has positively impacted students.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Think about times when you've led a team or initiative, especially in an educational setting. Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported staff in inclusive practices and how you plan to lead the Learning Support team effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations involving complex needs. Think through potential scenarios and your approach to ensuring every pupil's needs are met. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and solution-focused mindset.
