At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND support and ensure every pupil reaches their potential.
- Company: Sunninghill Prep School, a nurturing and inspiring educational environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, school fee discounts, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and foster their unique learning journeys.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent, National SENCo Qualification, and recent primary teaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 € per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Part time SENCo to join Sunninghill School. This is a great opportunity for someone with a passion for education to join our staff. We would like to hear from you if you are an experienced SENCo or if you are recently trained in this area.
Working 2 days a week you would be the key lead for the provision of SEND support at Sunninghill School. The successful SENCo will be passionate about children’s learning and the unique way each child learns. As a specialist, you will be instrumental in the additional support on offer at Sunninghill ensuring that every pupil is catered for and has access to progressing to fulfil their potential.
Sunninghill Prep School is a thriving 6 months-13 co-ed Prep school nestled in the heart of rural Dorset’s county town of Dorchester. A single form entry school with a thriving nursery attached. Facilities are excellent and the magnificent Jurassic Coast is but a short mini-bus drive away. The school’s mission is to provide an outstanding, individualised and holistic education in a stimulating learning environment that prepares all pupils for a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. The aim is to inspire each and every individual to have the confidence and desire to achieve their full potential within a nurturing, supportive community that empowers pupils to be themselves and do their very best.
As the SENCo at Sunninghill School, you will be working with the Headteacher, playing a vital role in the strategic development of the school's SEND provision and oversight of the day-to-day operation of that policy with the aim of raising SEN pupil achievement. You will be relied upon to put provision in place to ensure that the progress of pupils with SEND improves relative to those without SEND. You must ensure that the school carries out its statutory responsibilities regarding all students with an education, health and care plans (EHCP) and monitor progress towards targets.
You will also support the School in teaching and learning, leading and managing staff, advising teaching assistants, providing regular SEND information to the Headteacher and/or Governing Body when required, coordinating Annual Reviews and/or EHCPs and chairing when necessary.
We are looking for a well-qualified SENCo; you will need to have QTS or an equivalent qualification and a recognised National SENCo Qualification. You will also need recent experience of teaching and learning across the primary age range. Recent experience of inclusion or SEND is essential.
As well as joining an outstanding team of colleagues at Sunninghill as part of the Inspired Learning Group, you will also benefit from:
- Annual salary review
- Professional development and training opportunities with the prospect of career and salary progression as our business grows
- School fee discount
- Pension scheme
- Refer a friend scheme up to £750
- Health cash plan covering 10 healthcare benefits and services such as optical, dental, dental accident, chiropody, therapy treatments and health club concession.
- Access to Doctor line from anywhere in the world.
- Employee Assistance Programme
A full job description is available on request. Please apply by visiting - https://applicant.website/i/65A755/vacancy-info/0000001252. Closing date 31st May 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the date advertised. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, as applications are received.
Sunninghill Preparatory school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Sunninghill Prep School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
SENCO employer: Sunninghill Preparatory School Limited
Sunninghill School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment where passionate educators can thrive. With a commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including a health cash plan and school fee discounts, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's learning, Sunninghill provides a fulfilling career path for SENCo professionals in the picturesque setting of Dorchester, Dorset.
Contact Detail:
Sunninghill Preparatory School Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Sunninghill School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Sunninghill School's ethos and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your passion for SEND support. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've made a difference in students' learning. This is your chance to shine!
✨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 the Sunninghill team.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for education shine through in your application. We want to see how passionate you are about supporting children’s learning and making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. We’re looking for specific examples of your work with SEND, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at Sunninghill School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunninghill Preparatory School Limited
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest SEND policies and practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children in a primary setting, as well as the statutory responsibilities that come with the SENCo role. This will show your passion for education and your commitment to supporting every child's learning journey.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in teaching and working with children with SEND. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, what strategies you've implemented, and how you've collaborated with staff to enhance learning outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with the School's Mission
Take some time to understand Sunninghill School's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal philosophy aligns with their aim to provide an outstanding, individualised education. This connection can help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits into their nurturing community.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. Inquire about the school's current SEND provision, how they measure success, or what support is available for the SENCo. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
