At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our SEN team and implement strategies to support children's special educational needs.
- Company: Join The Mulberry Bush, a therapeutic community transforming lives.
- Benefits: Teachers pay scale salary, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and help them reach their potential.
- Qualifications: QTS with 3+ years teaching experience, especially with SEN children.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive family-like community dedicated to positive change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a fixed term position starting as soon as possible until the end of the Summer term 2026. Part-time hours would be considered.
About the role
We are looking for a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) to be a part of an extraordinary story and join our ever-growing team here at The Mulberry Bush. In a nutshell, you will be responsible for leading our fantastic SEN setup, driving improvements for classroom SEN provision, and creating, implementing and maintaining teaching and learning development plans for all children at the school.
We will look to you to:
- Lead our SEN team.
- Carry out the professional duties of a teacher.
- Implement strategies to support children’s special educational needs.
- Work closely with our Speech & Language Therapist and external professionals to develop provision for children.
- Train and support education staff.
- Schedule and lead all SEN reviews, completing the required paperwork.
- Ensure each child is supported by a clear, consistent educational plan.
- Coordinate the beginning and end of children’s placements.
- Be the designated teacher for looked-after children.
- Deputise as Head of Education when required.
- Participate in further training and professional development.
We will care for you too. You are not just part of a team, you are part of our family. Support echoes through every part of our community, and your colleagues are always here to lend a hand or share a smile. We also offer the following benefits to make your journey with us even more rewarding:
- A teachers pay scale salary.
- Teachers pension scheme.
- A comprehensive range of informal and formal wellbeing support.
- Enhanced parental leave benefits.
About you
We are looking for someone who embodies dedication, resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Someone who can believe in the untapped potential of these children when others have given up.
Qualifications and training
- QTS
- 3+ years’ teaching experience in a school for primary-aged children.
- Experience teaching SEN children, including those with social and emotional difficulties.
- Experience working with a range of professionals, including educational psychologists and social workers.
- Led or contributed to whole-school developments and initiatives.
Skills:
- Teach to a high standard.
- Relate to and motivate children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Demonstrate emotional and physical resilience.
- Receive and provide feedback effectively.
- Work well as part of a team.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and other professionals.
- Demonstrate good organisational and time-management skills.
- Inspire, motivate and support colleagues.
- Adapt to a range of situations.
Knowledge:
- Familiar with the national curriculum requirements (KS1 and KS2).
- Understand, and use a range of, teaching and learning strategies.
- Can assess children and set and review appropriate targets.
- Confident with a range of ICT to support learning.
- Knowledge of child protection guidelines and procedures.
- Good subject knowledge in English and Maths.
You will also need:
- A valid and full UK driving licence.
- The legal right to live and work in the UK.
About the Mulberry Bush
At The Mulberry Bush, we believe that with support and opportunities, children can overcome challenges and shape their future. We see their untold stories, possibilities, dreams, and untapped potential – and we believe in their ability to rewrite their destiny. All while having lots of fun along the way.
The Mulberry Bush is a therapeutic community, registered as a children’s home and a non-maintained residential special school, looking after up to 30 primary school aged children. Over the years we have established an outstanding reputation for transforming the lives of all those affected by childhood trauma. We believe we offer something special – and we would love you to be part of it.
Apply now
If you believe that you have the experience and expertise required to succeed in this role or would like to attend one of our visit days, please submit your CV via the 'Apply for this job' button.
As part of the selection process shortlisted applicants must be willing to attend an interactive day in the Mulberry Bush School, complete an application form (for regulatory purposes) and attend an interview.
If you have any questions about the role or the work we do, please email the HR team at The Mulberry Bush is an equal opportunities employer.
The Mulberry Bush is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff and students to share this commitment. Applicants must have the appropriate right to work in the UK. For applicants requiring visas, we can only accept those with visas which allow you to work in the UK indefinitely (we do not have the ability to offer sponsorship).
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore candidates must be prepared to undertake a DBS criminal background check.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator in Witney employer: The Mulberry Bush Organisation Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Mulberry Bush Organisation Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Educational Needs Coordinator in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The Mulberry Bush. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and approach. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to SENCO roles, like how you would implement strategies for children with special educational needs. Role-play with a friend or record yourself to refine your responses and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills! Since you'll be working closely with other professionals, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated in the past. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives you've led that involved multiple stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Educational Needs Coordinator in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with special educational needs shine through. We want to see your dedication and commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve led SEN initiatives or worked with children facing challenges.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our family at The Mulberry Bush.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mulberry Bush Organisation Ltd
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and the strategies that work best for different challenges. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience where you've successfully implemented these strategies.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked with other professionals, like speech therapists or educational psychologists. Share stories that highlight your ability to lead a team and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
The Mulberry Bush is all about making a positive impact, so let your passion shine through. Talk about why you believe in the potential of every child and how you've gone above and beyond to support their learning and emotional needs.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face some scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving children with social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.