At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND and Inclusion, ensuring every child thrives with tailored support.
- Company: St Helen's Catholic Primary School, part of Assisi Catholic Trust.
- Benefits: Supportive team, professional development, and a welcoming school ethos.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to safeguarding and high standards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and champion inclusion.
- Qualifications: Qualified SENCo with strong knowledge of SEND legislation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 46000 € per year.
St Helen's Catholic Primary School, part of Assisi Catholic Trust, uses its own application form. Please click the button below to download and view it as Essex School Jobs cannot automatically fill out an application form that has been created by a school. You will need to download the application form before you are able to complete it.
Job Ref No. ECC8823327-54S
Position Type: SENCO
Pay Range: MS/UPS plus SEN Allowance 1 (£2787)
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026
Contract Type: Full-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 10/06/2026 Midnight
Date of Interviews: Tuesday 16th June 2026
Location: North Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7AY
N.O.R 420
The Governors of St Helen's Catholic Primary School wish to appoint a Head of SEND (SENCo) with demonstrable experience as an excellent practitioner and teacher for this rewarding SENCO role. We are seeking to appoint a strategic and outstanding practitioner, who is passionate about SEND and Inclusion. You will be SEN qualified and possess the vision and skills to work with the Senior Leadership Team in improving standards of teaching and learning for all children. You will play a central role in ensuring that every child with SEND receives the support they need to thrive.
Key Responsibilities and Expectations
- Be a qualified SENCo with strong knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for SEND and inclusion across the school.
- Teach and work directly with pupils with SEND, including those with complex needs in the SEND provision.
- Lead and manage a team of Inclusion Assistants, ensuring high-quality training and effective deployment.
- Model and promote outstanding inclusive teaching practice for staff.
- Oversee SEND assessment, provision, EHCP processes and partnerships with external agencies, including SEND OPs.
- Lead and develop the school's Thrive programme, and be willing to undertake Thrive Practitioner training in the future.
- Contribute actively to the Senior Management Team, school improvement and safeguarding.
- Demonstrate a collaborative, resilient and inclusive leadership style with high aspirations for all pupils.
- Have high aspirations for themselves and use resources, intellect, creativity, and innovation to be successful.
- Be passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare and wellbeing of children and staff.
What We Offer
- Enthusiastic, caring children who are proud of their school.
- A welcoming Catholic ethos rooted in inclusion, care, and high expectations.
- A supportive Senior Leadership Team and committed Inclusion Team.
- Strong governance and Trust support.
- High-quality professional development opportunities across the Trust and Diocese of Brentwood.
Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school and should contact Claire Fantini, HR Manager, at the Assisi Registered Office on 01702 344933 or by email at recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com to arrange a visit. To be considered for this vacancy, all applicants must complete the CES Teaching Staff Application Form available on the school website vacancy page https://st-helens.southend.sch.uk/ and submit it to recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com.
Assisi Catholic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre-employment checks and Enhanced DBS clearance. References will be sought and an online search carried out on applicants as part of our due diligence. Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Information About the School
St Helen's Catholic Primary School is the oldest Catholic primary school in Southend and has been on the present site since 1973. We are pleased to have served our community for so long. We hope to deliver our mission statement as written by the pupils, to show respect to ourselves, everyone in our school and wider community and most of all to God our Father in heaven. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
HEAD OF SEND & INCLUSION in Brentwood employer: Shorefields
St Helen's Catholic Primary School, part of Assisi Catholic Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive leadership team, employees are empowered to grow and excel in their roles. Located in the heart of Westcliff-on-Sea, the school offers a welcoming Catholic ethos and a vibrant community, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about SEND and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HEAD OF SEND & INCLUSION in Brentwood
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before applying, take a stroll around St Helen's Catholic Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and values. This will help you tailor your application and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Head of SEND & Inclusion.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview! Brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice. Be ready to discuss how you would lead and manage a team of Inclusion Assistants and improve teaching standards for all children.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to complete the CES Teaching Staff Application Form available on the school’s site. It’s your chance to shine, so don’t skip any details and let your passion for SEND and inclusion come through!
We think you need these skills to ace HEAD OF SEND & INCLUSION in Brentwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Download the Application Form:First things first, make sure you download the CES Teaching Staff Application Form from our school website. It’s essential to use this specific form as we don’t accept CVs or applications from agencies.
Show Your Passion for SEND:When filling out the application, let your passion for SEND and inclusion shine through. Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to teaching and supporting children with diverse needs.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to know about your demonstrable experience as a practitioner and teacher. Be specific about your roles, responsibilities, and any successful strategies you've implemented in previous positions.
Submit Before the Deadline:Don’t leave it to the last minute! Make sure you submit your completed application form to recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com before the deadline on 10/06/2026. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your SEND Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also passionate about making a difference in this area.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in relation to inclusion and support for children with SEND. Highlighting your collaborative and resilient leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Teaching Experience
Be ready to talk about your direct teaching experience with pupils who have complex needs. Share specific strategies you've used to support their learning and how you've adapted your teaching methods to be inclusive.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with St Helen's Catholic Primary School's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around safeguarding and the welfare of children. This connection can really set you apart!
