At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop SEND provision in a new independent school, ensuring high-quality support for learners.
- Company: Innovative alternative provision school focused on inclusion and learner outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time contract, training opportunities, and a chance to shape SEND provision.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strategic and operational responsibilities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with additional needs while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and previous SENCO experience required; NASENCO qualification preferred.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive SENCO Lead to establish and lead the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) function within our new independent alternative provision school. This is a key role with both strategic and operational responsibility for SEND provision, EHCP management, inclusion and learner outcomes. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing systems, embedding best practice and supporting high-quality provision for young people with additional needs. Alongside SENCO responsibilities, the postholder will contribute to teaching through targeted intervention and small group delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & SEND Provision
- Lead and develop SEND provision across the school
- Establish and embed effective SEND systems, policies and processes
- Promote inclusive practice and support whole-school improvement
- Contribute to school readiness for inspection and compliance
- EHCP & Multi-Agency Working
- Manage and review Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice
- Liaise effectively with local authorities, families and external professionals
- Coordinate assessments, reviews and multi-agency meetings
- Teaching, Learning & Inclusion
- Support staff with differentiation, reasonable adjustments and SEMH approaches
- Deliver small group and targeted teaching sessions
- Promote positive learner engagement, wellbeing and outcomes
- Quality & Compliance
- Maintain accurate SEND records and reporting processes
- Monitor provision and evaluate impact on learner outcomes
- Support policy development and quality assurance activity
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
- National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO), or willingness to complete
- Previous SENCO experience
- Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes
- Experience supporting learners with SEMH and additional needs
- Strong communication and organisational skills
Desirable
- Experience within alternative provision, PRU or specialist settings
- Experience developing SEND systems within a new provision
- Team Teach or equivalent training
Benefits
- £33,000–£36,000 full salary (not pro rata)
- 52-week contract with protected time outside term for EHCP work and development
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
- Training and CPD opportunities
- Support to complete NASENCO qualification where required
- Opportunity to shape and influence provision from the beginning
Safeguarding & Pre-Employment Checks
The successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
SENCO Lead - Alternative Provision - Northamptonshire employer: Pathway Group
Join our innovative independent alternative provision school in Northamptonshire, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers educators to make a real difference in the lives of young people with additional needs. As a SENCO Lead, you will benefit from a competitive salary, a 52-week contract with dedicated time for professional development, and the opportunity to shape SEND provision from the ground up, all while working collaboratively with a passionate team committed to excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCO Lead - Alternative Provision - Northamptonshire
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We think you need these skills to ace SENCO Lead - Alternative Provision - Northamptonshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Pathway Group, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Pathway Group
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Pathway Group might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
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Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
