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- Tasks: Lead and enhance support for students with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Esland Bedford School is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people with unique educational needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, professional development, and perks like a cycle-to-work scheme and monthly awards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while enjoying a balanced work/life schedule.
- Qualifications: Must have Qualified Teacher Status and at least two years of teaching experience.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full-Time
Salary: £39179 to 42654 per year (depending on experience)
Interview Date: Wednesday 21st May 2025
Job Start: September 2025
Do you have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)? Are you an outstanding practitioner within SEND/SEMH? Would you like to significantly improve your work/life balance? Then apply today and join our highly valued team!
Esland Bedford School are seeking a non-teaching SENCO to work alongside the existing Senior Leadership team to provide strategic leadership of the provision for students with special educational needs (SEN) across the school in order to ensure that our students make excellent progress.
Esland Bedford School is an independent SEMH special school for up to 50 children aged 8-18. The school provides education to day pupils, and via our unique Turning the Curve provision, to young people who have been disengaged from education for significant periods of time. We aim to maintain a nurturing and accepting environment for young people who have not had their needs met in other settings. Likewise, we also aim to provide a work/life balance to staff not available in larger schools.
Key Responsibilities for a SENCo:
- Work with the Deputy Headteacher to oversee strategic development of SEN policy and provision
- Maintain a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability across the school, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision through the use of agreed methodologies
- Manage a strategic overview of all Annual Reviews and transition/destinations reports
- Contribute to school self-evaluation, particularly with respect to provision for pupils with SEN or a disability
- Work with Local Authority SEN teams, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agencies
The SENCO will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and follow school policies and the staff code of conduct. Whilst this job description gives a reasonable overview of the post, it is not exhaustive, and the post holder will be expected to behave in a flexible manner and take on any other duties that may be reasonably delegated from time to time.
Essential Requirements for a SENCo:
- Qualified Teacher Status (PGCE or equivalent) - essential
- Teaching experience (two years minimum) - essential
- National Award for SEN Co-ordination, or a willingness to complete it within 3 years of appointment (note, this is a requirement under the SEND Code of Practice)
- Involvement in self-evaluation and development planning
- Experience of conducting training/leading INSET
- Full UK Driver’s Licence
Successful employment is subject to satisfactory Full Enhanced Disclosure, right to work and reference checks in line with government regulations and Safer Recruitment Practices. All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Esland employees are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.
What we can offer a SENCo:
- Commitment to continued professional development
- A supportive, inclusive working environment
- Enrolment into Esland pension scheme
- Comprehensive, paid induction training and ongoing training within the role
- Fantastic opportunities for career development, we promoted over 50 colleagues last year
- Cycle to work scheme
- A £500 bonus via our 'Refer a Friend’ scheme
- Monthly recognition awards
- Access to well-being benefits, big-brand deals and discounts via our employee benefits scheme E-Together
- A warm family work environment and a company culture focused on fun!
- The opportunity to make a real difference to a child's life!
About Esland
With over 35 years of residential childcare experience, the Esland group now has more than 65 residential children’s and assessment homes, and five schools, that are spread across the Kent, Hertfordshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Wiltshire, Bedfordshire, Nottinghamshire, West Midlands and Northamptonshire regions of England. This also includes our Esland online school accessible to children throughout the UK which helps to deliver education to children missing education by utilising our specialised Turning the Curve education programme. With over 700 team members and over 200 young people supported we strive to help our children achieve their very best outcomes, through our bespoke residential care, education, therapeutic and activity-led wraparound services.
Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator employer: Esland
Contact Detail:
Esland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice and current educational policies related to special educational needs. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of special education. Attend relevant workshops or seminars, and connect with other SENCOs on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and advice that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with self-evaluation and development planning in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully implemented strategies that improved outcomes for students with SEN.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Esland Bedford School's ethos and values, particularly their approach to nurturing and supporting students with SEMH needs. Tailoring your conversation around how your philosophy aligns with theirs can make a strong impression during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in special educational needs and any relevant qualifications, such as your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the National Award for SEN Co-ordination. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements in this area.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for working with students with special educational needs. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your ability to work collaboratively with leadership teams and external agencies.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your teaching experience, focus on your involvement with SEND/SEMH students. Discuss any training or workshops you have led, as well as your role in self-evaluation and development planning, as these are key aspects of the SENCo position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Esland
✨Show Your Passion for SEND
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with students with special educational needs. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in the past, demonstrating your commitment to their development and well-being.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Current Policies
Before the interview, brush up on the latest SEND policies and practices. Being knowledgeable about current legislation will show that you are proactive and serious about the role, and it will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of examples from your experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
As a SENCo, collaboration is key. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with other professionals, such as educational psychologists or social workers, to support students. Highlighting your teamwork skills will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within the school's leadership team.
