At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND provision and support pupils with complex needs in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Elmtree Grove School, dedicated to transforming lives through tailored education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, free training, and employee support.
- Other info: Enjoy a rewarding workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience with SEND required.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 47000 £ per year.
Location: Fishponds, Bristol
Start date: 1st September 2026
Hours: Full-time, 8:30am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
Type: Perm (1-year fixed-term)
Salary: £32,916 - £47,000 PA
Contract: Full-time (term time + INSET; flexible by agreement)
Lead with purpose. Transform lives.
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, individualized 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, personalized 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 (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 lack of access or support for education opportunities that are appropriate to their abilities & strengths.
We believe strongly in people and look for people who 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
SENDCo - Independent Primary SEND School in Woodford employer: Elementa Support Services
Elmtree Grove School is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of young people with complex needs. Located in Fishponds, Bristol, we foster a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through bespoke training and development opportunities. Our commitment to staff wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, an online HR management portal, and regular company celebrations, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENDCo - Independent Primary SEND School 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 have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its approach to SEND. Show us that you understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of transforming lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to SEND. We want to hear about your experiences and how you've made a difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace SENDCo - Independent Primary SEND School 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 Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of SENDCo. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your knowledge of EHCP processes and working with external agencies.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Elmtree Grove School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elementa Support Services
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and understand the nuances of SEMH, trauma, ADHD, and Autism. Being able to discuss specific strategies for supporting these needs will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with families, local authorities, and external professionals in the past. Highlighting your ability to build strong partnerships will demonstrate that you're a team player who values collaboration.
✨Be Ready to Discuss EHCPs
Familiarise yourself with the Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) process. Be prepared to talk about your experience overseeing annual reviews and liaising with local authorities, as this is crucial for the SENDCo role.
✨Demonstrate Your Resilience and Empathy
Think of situations where you've had to be calm and solution-focused in challenging circumstances. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your resilience and empathy, which are key traits for leading SEND provision effectively.
