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- Tasks: Lead a team to support inclusive education and tailor strategies for individual student progress.
- Company: Robert Blair School, a community-focused primary school in Islington.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to safeguarding and supporting young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by fostering an inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in SEND provision required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 46000 £ per year.
Permanent Contract – 0.6 (3 days). Salary Grade Range: MPS/UPS + SENDCo allowance. Robert Blair School is a one form entry primary school with Under 3’s provision situated close to Caledonian Road in Islington. In September 2025, Robert Blair formed a federation with Hargrave Park School in Archway. Both are small maintained community schools, committed to working together to ensure high quality, inclusive provision for our children. The position is non-class based. Visits to the school are strongly encouraged. Please contact our School Business Manager, Cyrilene Malcolm, to arrange a school tour with the Head of School, Sara Liney.
Closing Date for application: Thursday 14 May. Interviews: Wednesday 20 May. Robert Blair School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to DBS checks and excellent references. In line with KCSIE 2025 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.
Role
The appointee will work closely with the Head of School, Pastoral Care Manager and leaders at all levels to support a provision where belonging, thriving and achieving are secured through a positive, inclusive culture. You will have strong leadership skills, directing a small team of LSAs in our internally resourced provision. You will have a deep understanding of strategies and approaches to tailor provision for individuals and small groups to ensure their progress. You will advise and support across the school as our lead SEND expert so that staff are able to provide rich ordinarily available provision (OAP) for all children in their class. The role has responsibility to be the lead SEND expert, ensuring high quality inclusive provision and supporting staff across the school.
Responsibilities and Requirements
- Lead a small team of Learning Support Assistants in the internally resourced provision.
- Advise and support across the school to enable rich ordinarily available provision (OAP) for all children in their class.
- Develop and implement strategies and approaches tailored to individuals and small groups to secure progress in small steps.
- Collaborate with senior leaders to promote belonging, thriving and achievement for all pupils.
- Work with the Head of School, Pastoral Care Manager and others to maintain high standards of safeguarding and inclusion.
Qualifications and Considerations
Not Specified. Strong leadership skills and experience in SEND provision. DBS checks and excellent references required as part of safeguarding procedures.
SENDCo employer: Islington Council
Contact Detail:
Islington Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENDCo
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a tour of Robert Blair School. It’ll give you a feel for the environment and help you connect with the staff during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your SEND expertise! Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with special educational needs. We want to see how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the school culture and what they value in a SENDCo.
✨Tip Number 4
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 our team at Robert Blair School.
We think you need these skills to ace SENDCo
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: When writing your application, let your passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to inclusive education and how you've made a difference in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of SENDCo at Robert Blair School. Highlight your leadership skills and experience with Learning Support Assistants, and explain how you can contribute to creating a positive, inclusive culture.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly and is considered promptly. Don’t forget to check the closing date!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific approaches you've used in the past to support individual students or small groups, as this will show your expertise and commitment to inclusive education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a SENDCo, you'll be leading a team of Learning Support Assistants. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to inspire and guide others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to inclusion and how they support their SEND provision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the School's Values
Before the interview, take some time to research Robert Blair School and its federation with Hargrave Park School. Understanding their values and commitment to safeguarding will help you align your answers with their ethos, making you a more appealing candidate.