At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEND, ensuring they thrive academically and socially.
- Company: St Mark's Church of England School, fostering a nurturing community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, on-site parking, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a school committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, strong communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively.
The predicted salary is between 27560 - 31257 £ per year.
Senior SEND Practitioner – Secondary Phase
37 hours per week Permanent, term‑time only
Grade 7 - FTE £32,061 - £36,362 per annum
Actual salary - £27,560 - £31,257 per annum
Required as soon as possible
St Mark's CE School is one whole school community, where we create a sense of belonging for all who enter our school. Our ethos of nurture and high standards and expectations will be modelled through the school by excellent staff. The Senior SEND Practitioner plays a key role in the delivery of high-quality SEND provision across the school. The postholder will act as a key professional for identified pupils, supporting their academic, social and emotional development through effective provision planning, intervention and partnership working. Working under the direction of the Head of SEND, the Senior SEND Practitioner will contribute to statutory processes, support the development and review of SEND provision, and ensure that pupils with additional needs are able to access learning successfully. This role offers an opportunity to take a lead in a defined area of SEND provision while working as part of a collaborative and supportive team. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving outcomes for pupils with additional needs.
About The Role
- Act as the named key professional for allocated pupils with SEND
- Coordinate and monitor provision to ensure pupils make progress
- Support pupils in developing independence and access to learning
- Work closely with pastoral teams to align academic and wellbeing support, ensuring a consistent and joined‑up approach to pupil provision.
- Write, review and update SEND Support Plans
- Support pupils in class as required, alongside the wider Teaching Assistant team
- Contribute to the preparation of EHCP documentation
- Work and lead Annual Review meetings for allocated pupils (as appropriate)
- Act as a main point of contact for parents/carers
- Lead and attend meetings to review progress and provision
- Liaise with external professionals and agencies
- Support the implementation of external recommendations
- Lead or oversee a specialist area of SEND provision (e.g. literacy, numeracy, life skills)
- Plan and deliver targeted interventions
- Support and guide Teaching Assistants delivering intervention programmes
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Experience of working with pupils with SEND in an educational setting
- Good understanding of SEND needs and inclusive practice
- Experience of working with parents and external agencies
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Ability to write clear and professional documentation
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience of contributing to EHCP processes and annual reviews
- Experience of delivering targeted interventions
- Experience of leading or supporting other staff
Why Join us?
- A strong Christian ethos where love, service, and belonging are lived daily
- A supportive senior leadership team that values pastoral work
- A school community where pupils are known, valued, and listened to
- Opportunities to shape and strengthen whole‑school pastoral practice
- A role that balances strategic leadership with meaningful pupil contact
What We Offer
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Secure on‑site car parking
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential 24/7 counselling support
- Access to a Benefits Hub, offering a range of discounts and offers
- Occupational Health support
- On‑site hot and cold food options
- Access to online training and personal development courses
- The opportunity to work in a brand‑new, high‑specification school environment
- Career development opportunities within a supportive organisation
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Safeguarding Statement
St Mark's Church of England School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Southampton City Council is an equal opportunities employer.
Senior SEND Practitioner - St Mark's Church of England School in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SEND Practitioner - St Mark's Church of England School in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of SEND practices and legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've supported pupils in the past and share specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusive education during interviews. Talk about your commitment to helping pupils with additional needs thrive and how you plan to contribute to the school's ethos of nurture and high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our supportive community at St Mark's.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior SEND Practitioner - St Mark's Church of England School in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting pupils with SEND shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to inclusive education and how you've made a difference in the lives of students.
Be Clear and Concise: We want to see your skills and experience, so make sure your application is clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to break down your achievements and responsibilities, making it easy for us to see why you're the right fit.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application to the role at St Mark's. Reference the job description and person specification directly, showing us how your background aligns with what we're looking for in a Senior SEND Practitioner.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school community and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) before the interview. Familiarise yourself with current legislation, best practices, and specific strategies that can help pupils with additional needs thrive in a school environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with SEND pupils. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference, whether it’s through writing SEND Support Plans or leading interventions. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing how you would liaise with parents, external agencies, and colleagues. Consider preparing a few key points about how you would approach these conversations.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role involves collaboration with various teams, so be ready to highlight your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with teaching assistants, pastoral teams, or external professionals to support pupils' learning and wellbeing.