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- Tasks: Lead and develop SEND provision, ensuring support for students with special educational needs.
- Company: Oakwood School is a vibrant secondary school with around 1600 students, dedicated to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, employee wellbeing programmes, and a supportive staff community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and relevant experience in education, especially in SEND.
- Other info: Interviews may occur sooner for the right candidate, so apply early!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Oakwood School has the following Teaching Staff vacancy:
SENDCo / Head of ALF (Access to Learning Faculty)
TMPS/UPS (Fringe) plus TLR 1a
Full time, Permanent
Start Date: January 2026
Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of young people with special educational needs and disabilities? Oakwood is a large mainstream secondary school of approximately 1600 children and we are seeking a dedicated and inspiring SENDCo to join our team.
As SENDCo, you will lead and develop our SEND provision, ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive. You will work closely with two Deputy SENDCos, other colleagues, families, and external agencies to promote an inclusive environment and drive positive outcomes for all our students.
Key Responsibilities
The SENDCo, under the direction of the Headteacher, will:
- Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the school
- Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability
- Provide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and carers, and other agencies
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead a committed SEND team in a vibrant secondary school setting
- A supportive and collaborative staff community
- Comprehensive CPD and training opportunities
- Access to a range of employee wellbeing and assistance programmes
About You
- A strong commitment to inclusive education and the well-being of students with SEND.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and working as part of a team.
- Relevant experience in education, with a desire to specialise in SEND.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
For more information we encourage you to visit the school website. If you would like a tour of the school and informal discussions with relevant staff, please contact us on recruitment@oakwood.surrey.sch.uk
How To Apply
For an application pack, please visit our website www.oakwood.surrey.sch.uk or email recruitment@oakwood.surrey.sch.uk .
Curriculum Vitae will not be accepted.
Please submit your application form to recruitment@oakwood.surrey.sch.uk
Submit your application no later than: Midday on Friday 26th September 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 29th September 2025.
PLEASE NOTE, INTERVIEWS MAY TAKE PLACE SOONER FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE SO PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Oakwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).
We foster an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity creating an environment where the rights and dignity of all members of our community are respected. We promote a culture that allows staff to grow and flourish, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, and all other aspects of diversity and therefore welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds to join our team. #J-18808-Ljbffr
SENDCo / Head of ALF (Access tp Learning Faculty) employer: TES FE News
Contact Detail:
TES FE News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENDCo / Head of ALF (Access tp Learning Faculty)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific SEND policies and practices at Oakwood School. Understanding their approach to inclusive education will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members if possible. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the school culture and expectations for the SENDCo role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your proactive problem-solving strategies in relation to supporting students with SEND. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented these strategies in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider visiting the school for a tour or informal chat with staff. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also allows you to gather first-hand information that can be beneficial during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace SENDCo / Head of ALF (Access tp Learning Faculty)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the SENDCo position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for inclusive education and your commitment to supporting students with special educational needs. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any previous roles or experiences that relate directly to SEND provision. Mention your qualifications, such as Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and any professional development in this area.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the application form as specified in the job listing. Avoid submitting a CV, as it will not be accepted. Double-check your application for accuracy before sending it to the provided email address.
How to prepare for a job interview at TES FE News
✨Show Your Passion for SEND
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with students with special educational needs and disabilities. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your commitment to inclusive education and how you’ve made a difference in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a SENDCo, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to collaborate with colleagues and external agencies.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about challenges you’ve faced in supporting students with SEND and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Know the School's Values and Policies
Research Oakwood School’s values, mission, and current SEND policies. Being knowledgeable about the school will show your enthusiasm for the role and help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview.