At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the SENDCO with administration, communication, and documentation to enhance student outcomes.
- Company: Swanshurst School, an outstanding girls' school committed to excellence and staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Extensive training, mentoring, and a supportive work environment focused on personal development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of SEND pupils while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel; communication and organisation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Swanshurst is a large, outstanding school for girls aged 11-19 years. We offer excellent support and CPD for staff at all stages of their career. Ofsted (May 2024) described our school to be “an exceptional place for pupils to learn”. They described the curriculum as “exemplary” and one which "explodes into life in the classroom". In relation to staff wellbeing, they noted that “The school is conscious of staff workload and well-being and is committed to achieving excellence in a sustainable way.” We are exceptionally proud to have been judged ‘Outstanding’ in two consecutive inspections. The school is part of the newly formed West Midlands Academy Trust (WMAT) which opened in January 2025. As one of the three founding members, the school has been integral to forming the Trust’s mission: Relentless focus upon delivering an excellent Quality of Education, resulting in strong progress and attainment for all groups of pupils. Emphasis upon personal development and well-being for staff and pupils.
We are looking to appoint an administrator to work alongside the SENDCO as part of the school’s administration structure. The successful person will have very good IT skills particularly in Excel and other Microsoft Office packages. An appreciation of school management software e.g. SIMS, would be desirable but not essential, training will be given. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills, and to provide support for the SENDCO as they carry out their complex and demanding role. The position requires strong communication skills, a flexible approach, high levels of personal organisation and independent prioritisation of work. The successful candidate will be the administrative support for the SENDCO - supporting them to have outstanding impact.
The role will include:
- Administration, parental communication, report writing and proof reading
- Administrative oversight of legal/statutory procedures such as EHCP reviews, referrals, chronological documentation of graduated response and the assess-plan-do-review cycle
- Producing data reports for the SENDCO
- Accurate documentation and record keeping including minute taking in parental meetings
- Accurate pupil filing system management
- Management of the SENDCO’s diary
- Compiling and preparing referral evidence to support the SENDCO to work with external agencies
The successful candidate will support the SENDCO in their direct work with pupils and families and teachers; improving provision and the life chances of SEND pupils. Extensive training, line management and mentoring will be provided. WMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, which means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’ so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Safeguarding is our top priority. We encourage all applicants to review our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy which outlines our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of students.
The successful applicant will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks including enhanced DBS, Prohibition Check, qualifications (where applicable), medical fitness, identity and right to work. This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016). Therefore, the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role. To comply with Keeping Children Safe in Education, we will seek and scrutinise references prior to interviews. Referees will be contacted to provide further clarification if needed. All information provided by referees will be compared for consistency against the information disclosed in your application form, and you will be asked about any discrepancies at interview. Short listed candidates - an online search will also be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates.
Administrator to the SENCO in Birmingham employer: Swanshurst School
Swanshurst School is an outstanding educational institution that prioritises staff well-being and professional development, making it an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from extensive training and mentoring opportunities, ensuring they thrive in their roles while contributing to the success of SEND pupils. Located within the newly formed West Midlands Academy Trust, this role offers a unique chance to be part of a collaborative mission focused on delivering excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrator to the SENCO in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Swanshurst or within the West Midlands Academy Trust. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of SEND practices and school administration. Show us you’re not just a great fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about supporting SEND pupils.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves parental communication and report writing, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart. Maybe even do a mock interview with a friend!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Swanshurst!
We think you need these skills to ace Administrator to the SENCO in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your IT skills, especially with Excel and Microsoft Office. If you've got any experience with school management software like SIMS, mention that too! We want to see how you can bring your tech-savvy side to the role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This will show us your strong communication skills right from the start!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your experiences with what we're looking for. Mention how your background can support the SENDCO in their role. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swanshurst School
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Administrator to the SENCO role. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing the SENDCO’s diary and producing data reports. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Show Off Your IT Skills
Since strong IT skills are essential for this position, be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Consider bringing examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles, or even practice a few Excel functions beforehand to showcase your proficiency.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are a must for this role. During the interview, focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might want to prepare a few examples of how you've effectively communicated with parents or colleagues in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility and Organisation
The job requires a flexible approach and high levels of personal organisation. Be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or adapted to changing priorities. This will show that you can handle the demands of supporting the SENDCO effectively.
