Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENDCo)

St Mary's Catholic Primary School – Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, RM12 4TL. Permanent | Full Time – 32.5 Hours per week (negotiable). Reporting to Headteacher. We are looking for an experienced SENDCo to join our school. This position is essential for ensuring a fully inclusive environment and raising attainment for children with SEND. The successful candidate will be a key part of the leadership team.

Main purpose of the job

• Work with the Assistant Headteacher to develop the strategic provision of SEN policy.
• Operate and coordinate day‑to‑day SEN policy and support for pupils.
• Provide professional guidance to staff, parents and agencies.
• Take responsibility for educational provision as a teacher (per STPCD) while awaiting classroom support.

Duties and responsibilities

• Strategic development of SEN policy and provision.
• Strategic oversight of provision across the school, monitoring quality.
• Contribute to self‑evaluation and academic development plan (SDP) implementation.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of national and local initiatives.
• Evaluate funding effectiveness and propose improvements.
• Maintain accurate SEND register and provision map.
• Advise on budget and resource utilisation.
• Co‑ordinate with external agencies and professionals.
• Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN.
• Implement and lead intervention groups and evaluate effectiveness.
• Identify pupils’ SEN and coordinate appropriate provision.
• Secure relevant services and maintain records.
• Review EHCP with parents/carers and communicate regularly.
• Ensure smooth transition when pupils transfer.
• Promote inclusion in curriculum, facilities and extra‑curricular activities.
• Manage looked‑after pupils with SEN.

Leadership and management

• Collaborate with headteacher, governors and Assistant Headteacher of Inclusion on Equality Act responsibilities.
• Prepare and review board‑required information.
• Contribute to SDP and whole‑school policy.
• Identify staff training needs and lead INSET.
• Promote ethos and culture supporting SEN policy.
• Lead and manage teaching assistants working with pupils with SEN.
• Conduct staff appraisals and produce reports.
• Liaise with designated safeguarding lead on safeguarding matters.
• Remain vigilant to safeguarding challenges for pupils with SEN.

Person specification

Qualifications and training

• Degree, Qualified Teacher Status and successful teaching experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• National Award for SEN Coordination, or willingness to obtain it within 3 years.
• Experience teaching EYFS and Key Stage 1.
• Leading annual EHCP reviews and working with pre‑verbal children.
• Whole‑school level involvement, self‑evaluation, relevant training and line managing support staff.
• Working with external agencies and local authority teams such as SALT and advisory teachers.

Skills and knowledge

• Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Knowledge of EYFS curriculum and applying for EHCPs.
• Understanding of ‘quality first’ teaching and intervention strategies.
• Planning and evaluating interventions, data analysis and evidence‑based decision making.
• Effective communication, influencing and negotiating.
• Commitment to high outcomes, equality and confidentiality, safeguarding and equality.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise and manage workload.

Safeguarding

Havering Schools commits to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, complying with the Department for Education “Keeping Children Safe in Education” guidance. The successful applicant will undertake an enhanced DBS check; a criminal record will not necessarily preclude an offer.

Equal Opportunities

Havering Schools aim to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and equal treatment for all. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need, irrespective of circumstances such as gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation and trade union activities.