SENCo in Wallsend

For 1st September 2026, or earlier by mutual agreement, we are looking to appoint a dynamic and inspirational SENCo with a proven track record for improving outcomes and opportunities for all students and specifically those with educational needs and disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join Burnside College in a role which is central to our core aim of being an inclusive school that ensures all students are given the most appropriate support and skills to allow them to thrive and make progress.

The SENCo is responsible for the day to day management and strategic development of SEN across the school. The role will work closely with the Deputy Headteacher responsible for students and inclusion and will manage a team of staff deployed to support teaching and learning. The SENCo will work with students, parents/carers, school staff and outside agencies to assess barriers to learning and identify the most appropriate intervention to meet student needs. Applicants will be highly motivated and have a passion to ensure that our learners achieve the very best that they can at all times.

The core purpose of the role will be to uphold the fundamental standards of pride, respect and achievement with all learners but also ensure that all students receive the highest standard of bespoke support. Burnside College is a good school, with outstanding sixth form provision. We put teaching and learning first and are committed to providing a high quality and inclusive learning experience for all. Furthermore, we are committed to the development of staff and you will be joining a supportive school with an excellent environment in which to continue your professional development.

As SENCo you will:

• Undertake the role of SENCo ensuring the statutory obligations of the role are effectively met and provide clear leadership and direction for the school’s special educational needs provision.
• Be an inspirational and innovative practitioner able to engage with colleagues and external agencies to ensure that aspirational teaching with appropriate targeted support is delivered.
• Be committed to ensuring every student reaches their full potential regardless of their individual need.
• Be aware of the local and national agendas for SEND and inform leadership accordingly.
• Have excellent analytical and data management skills to successfully collect and interpret data and be able to effectively inform stakeholders.
• Create a learning environment in which students feel valued, supported and happy whilst being part of the whole school community.
• Coordinate and review EHCPs.
• Maintain the school’s register of educational needs and ensure the timely review of students who have or are displaying an educational need.
• Present a coherent and accurate account of SEN provision to a range of audiences.
• Continually review the effectiveness of the school’s special educational needs provision and proactively seek to develop this further.
• Work with colleagues to extend accessible extra-curricular and learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
• Contribute to the school’s CPD programme on specific needs and strategies to ensure colleagues are informed and able to effectively support students with additional needs.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must be a qualified teacher and will have a teaching commitment. The SENCo is required to hold the National Award for SENCo qualification.

Burnside College is characterised by its strong community spirit and friendly working environment. Respect is one of our core values and is tangible throughout the school. We believe that strong relationships are the fabric of any successful school. Interactions between staff and pupils are based on mutual respect and are positive.

In our most recent inspection in November 2024 OfSTED recognised that Burnside College continues to be a good school. Inspectors found that:

• Pupils enjoy working with their teachers.
• Pupils behave well and meet the high expectation that the school has for their conduct.
• Classrooms are calm and orderly places to learn.
• Staff appreciate the positive strategies to manage their workload and support their wellbeing.

These continued improvements were secured through a relentless focus on teaching and learning; we routinely consider the latest educational thinking in order to reflect on and refine what happens in classrooms. This goes hand in hand with a strong, caring system of pastoral support and a focus on the personal development of our pupils. Standards continue to remain high at Burnside because staff are determined to do the very best for the young people of Wallsend and always work positively, with the best interest of young people at heart. In return the school offers excellent support and professional development. We offer high quality staff training which is personalised to the experience and needs of the individual. A particular strength is the effective programme of support in place for early years teachers. School leaders are considerate of the workload and wellbeing of staff and the school provides good career progression opportunities.

Commitment to safeguarding: Burnside College is committed to safeguarding and all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS clearance and other pre-employment checks. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.