Special Education Needs Coordinator in Milton Keynes

Join us as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO): Empower Futures! We are looking for a dynamic SENCO based in Northamptonshire to cover our South Region (with travel to Wolverhampton and High Wycombe).

Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it’s a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional? Well at Progress Schools, that’s just the approach we take. Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics - enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of surplus admin too.

Your work-life balance matters. That’s why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible. And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. So we want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools.

But that’s not all, we also offer:

• Professional Development: Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague!
• Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
• Health and Wellbeing Cashback: Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually.
• Recognition Awards: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards.
• Referral Bonus: £500 for referring top talent.
• Exclusive Discounts: MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewards.
• Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT.
• Group Connection: Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review.

What are we looking for from you?

• Qualifications and Education: Applicants must hold a degree or equivalent. The National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) or NPQ in SEND is essential. A SENCO Advanced Certificate and completion of the Patoss AAA course are desirable.
• SEND Leadership Experience: Must have experience managing the day-to-day responsibilities of SEND provision within an education setting. This includes developing, monitoring, and evaluating specific areas of SEND provision, and successfully leading staff to deliver excellent outcomes for pupils with special educational needs.
• Professional Experience: A track record of working effectively with challenging students, as well as partnering successfully with parents, carers, and the wider community. Experience across the secondary age range is essential, along with an understanding of virtual learning environments. Experience with Ofsted inspections under the non-association independent schools framework is desirable.
• Knowledge and Compliance: In-depth understanding of safeguarding, child protection, equality, inclusion, and how these can be applied effectively in schools supporting vulnerable learners.
• Leadership and Values: A confident and inspirational leader who can offer support and professional challenge at all levels. Able to role model high expectations and take a leading role in maintaining excellence. Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff and students.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information, identify key issues, and make sound decisions. Able to identify problems swiftly and ensure they are followed up and closed off effectively.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences including students, parents, governors, and colleagues.
• Personal Qualities: Highly organised and resilient under pressure, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines. Enthusiastic, creative, and able to relate well to children, sharing in their interests and inspiring their progress.

About the School: Progress Schools is part of The Progress Group, the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools.

How to Apply: Ready to be a part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY. If you have any further queries, then please get in touch with our friendly recruitment team.

Let’s redefine education together!

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. All employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs.

Safeguarding Statement: We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices.

Note: We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.