At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND initiatives while teaching and supporting students with special educational needs.
- Company: Join Lift Schools, a dynamic network of 59 schools dedicated to transforming education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare, and lifestyle perks like gym discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching and a passion for supporting students with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 51048 € per year.
Posted on: 15/05/2026 – Application Deadline: 27/05/2026
Salary: M1 (£32,916)- UPS3 (£51,048) + SEND TLR + well‑being cash plan + pension scheme + additional Lift Schools
School: Lift Hazelwood, Stokesay Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8DR
Hours: Full time
Contract type: Permanent
Start date: September 2026
Please note we will interview candidates as soon as we have suitable applications.
Your new school Lift Hazelwood is part of Lift Schools, a MAT of 59 schools that provides access to the best training programmes and more internal opportunities. It is a popular one‑form entry primary school with an attached nursery, situated in West Swindon, just off J16 of the M4. Pupils and staff benefit from a modern, purpose‑built building with extensive grounds. The school is over‑subscribed and characterised by an ambitious, caring and inclusive environment where pupils feel a genuine sense of belonging.
We are recruiting for a SENDCo – a perfect mix of teaching and SEND focus, ideal for an existing SENDCo or someone with a passion and commitment to SEND.
Your new role This role will be half teaching and half SENDCo. The SENDCo responsibilities are:
- Establishing a strategic overview and working collaboratively with stakeholders to coordinate the provision for Children and Young People (CYP) with SEND across the school.
- Ensuring SEND provision is fully integrated with the whole‑school approach to both teaching and the curriculum, and monitoring its effectiveness.
- Providing professional guidance to colleagues and working with staff, parents and other agencies to ensure pupils with SEND receive effective support and high‑quality teaching.
- Identifying, planning for and reviewing the needs of CYP with SEND and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve agreed outcomes.
- Ensuring the school keeps the records of all pupils with SEND fully maintained and up to date.
- Gathering, collating, critically analysing, interpreting and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data to inform SEND practice and processes.
- Managing systems to implement and maintain the school’s adherence to SEND statutory regulations, e.g. producing SEND Information Reports, co‑producing Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) for CYPs with SEND and conducting annual reviews.
- Ensuring that all SEND funding streams and resources are appropriately identified, maximised and utilised effectively to meet the needs of CYP with SEND.
- Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of national and local legislation, guidance and initiatives that may affect the school’s practice relating to SEND.
Who is Lift Schools? Lift Schools is made up of 59 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
How we support you At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
Please don’t wait until the closing date to apply as we will review applications as we receive them. If you would like a confidential discussion before applying and/or a tour of the school please contact Jessica Billows, Recruitment Manager, at jbillows@liftschools.org.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition to teaching check.
SENDCo in Swindon employer: SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
Lift Schools is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. With access to extensive training programmes and a commitment to employee well-being through generous benefits, including a pension scheme and lifestyle perks, Lift Hazelwood in Swindon stands out as a place where educators can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEND. The school's modern facilities and collaborative culture further enhance the experience, making it an ideal choice for passionate educators seeking a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENDCo in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Lift Hazelwood and its values. Understanding their mission and culture will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni from Lift Schools on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with the SENDCo role. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've supported children with SEND in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t wait around! Apply through our website as soon as you feel ready. The sooner you get your application in, the better your chances are of landing that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace SENDCo in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and passion for SEND. We want to see how your skills align with the role of SENDCo, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Show Your Commitment:Let us know why you’re passionate about working in SEND. Share any personal experiences or insights that have shaped your commitment to supporting children and young people with SEND. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the deadline! We review applications as they come in, so applying early can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us before submitting your application through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest SEND legislation and best practices. Familiarise yourself with how these apply to the role at Lift Hazelwood, as well as any specific challenges the school might face.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've worked with teachers, parents, and external agencies in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and coordinate support for children with SEND, as this is crucial for the SENDCo role.
✨Bring Data to Life
Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to inform your SEND practice. Think about specific instances where you gathered, analysed, and acted on data to improve outcomes for students with SEND.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Inclusion
Express your commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Share your vision for how you would ensure that all pupils feel a sense of belonging and how you plan to integrate SEND provision into the whole-school approach.
