SENCO

At The Place Independent School we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the barriers they face.

We are seeking an exceptional, passionate and ambitious SENDCO to join our Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the futures of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and complex vulnerabilities.

This is more than a SENDCO role.

It is an opportunity to lead a culture of inclusion, champion safeguarding, influence whole school practice, and ensure every young person is seen, heard and supported to achieve their full potential.

About the Role

As SENDCO, you will provide strategic leadership for SEND provision across the school, ensuring that all our young people receive the highest quality support, intervention and educational opportunities.

You will work collaboratively with senior leaders, staff, families and external agencies to create a safe, nurturing and trauma informed environment where young people can flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

You will be a key advocate for our learners, ensuring that provision is responsive, evidence-based and fully compliant with the SEND Code of Practice, Independent School Standards, and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and quality assure SEND provision across both sites (primary and secondry).
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for inclusion and SEND excellence.
• Ensure effective identification, assessment, monitoring and review of our young peoples SEND and SEMH needs.
• Oversee EHCP implementation, annual reviews and personalised support planning.
• Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and ensure measurable young people progress.
• Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare
• Act as a safeguarding leader, ensuring all safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded and acted upon promptly and effectively.
• Promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and statutory safeguarding requirements.
• Work proactively with external agencies, local authorities and safeguarding partners to secure the best outcomes for our young people.
• Inclusive and Trauma‑Informed Practice
• Champion trauma‑informed, relational and therapeutic approaches throughout the school.
• Support staff in implementing strategies that meet young peoples communication, sensory, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Lead the development of personalised provision that enables our young people to feel safe, valued and successful.
• Promote a culture of belonging, dignity and inclusion for all learners.
• Partnership Working
• Build strong relationships with families, carers and professionals.
• Coordinate multi‑agency support and contribute to reviews, case conferences and planning meetings.
• Support successful transitions into, within and beyond the school.
• Ensure the voices of young people remain central to decision‑making.
• Staff Development and School Improvement
• Provide expert guidance, coaching and professional development for staff.
• Support colleagues to develop confidence in SEND, SEMH and safeguarding practice.
• Contribute to school self‑evaluation, improvement planning and inspection readiness.
• Maintain accurate, compliant and inspection‑ready SEND documentation.

What We're Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or willingness to achieve within the required timeframe.
• Significant experience working with learners with SEND and/or SEMH needs.
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, Independent School Standards, Ofsted expectations and safeguarding legislation.
• Experience leading, coaching or managing staff.
• Excellent communication, organisation and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to analyse data, evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.
• A child‑centred, resilient and solution‑focused approach.
• Leadership experience within a specialist, alternative provision or independent school setting.
• Experience supporting pupils with complex SEMH, trauma or neurodiverse needs.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification or experience.
• Experience working effectively with external agencies and local authorities.

Why Join The Place Independent School?

• Supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Opportunity to shape and influence whole‑school inclusion practice.
• Meaningful professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Values‑led culture focused on compassion, respect and excellence.
• Chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
• Term time off (plus 6 weeks).
• Team building events and celebrations.
• Varied and rewarding work.
• 5 Well‑being days per year.
• Access to internal and external well‑being and mental health support with BUPA.
• Uniform provided.

• Plus much more!

Safeguarding Statement

The Place Independent School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to

• Undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Complete all pre‑employment safeguarding checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Provide satisfactory references and evidence of qualifications.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, child protection and promoting the welfare of children throughout the recruitment process.

We are committed to safeguarding practice that reflects statutory guidance, safer recruitment principles, equality, diversity and inclusion.

This is a full‑time role, Monday - Friday, 39 hours per week.

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