Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Lead
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Lead

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Lead

Stoke Gifford Part-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Learning Support and coordinate provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
  • Company: Join Westonbirt Prep, a creative school in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible part-time hours, staff discounts, cycle schemes, and on-site parking.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in an inclusive and supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in SEND provision and knowledge of statutory obligations required.
  • Other info: Role starts in September 2025; term-time only with an attractive salary package.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

A leading school in Gloucestershire seeks a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Lead to oversee Learning Support and coordinate provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This part-time role involves leadership, compliance with SEND policies, and collaboration with staff and external professionals, starting in September 2025.

Qualifications

  • Experience in leading SEND provision and supporting EAL pupils.
  • Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice and statutory obligations.
  • Ability to collaborate with parents and external professionals.

Responsibilities

  • Provide inspirational leadership for SEND across the school.
  • Support the Head in shaping strategic development of SEND.
  • Ensure compliance with statutory obligations regarding SEN.
  • Support staff in understanding the needs of pupils with SEND and deliver professional development sessions for staff and assistants.
  • Maintain effective records of the SEND register, provision maps, and pupil profiles accessible to all staff.
  • Lead the review of Learning Plans and Provision Maps, supporting staff in their creation, and participate in meetings with parents and staff as needed.
  • Coordinate SEN provision across the school, including Nursery.
  • Lead and oversee the planning and quality of teaching by a team of specialist Learning Support staff.
  • Collaborate with parents, staff, and external professionals to ensure high-quality SEND provision and implement recommendations into daily support.
  • Develop strong relationships with parents, ensuring they are central to their child's SEND support.
  • Coordinate with external professionals like Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Paediatricians, and child therapists, inviting them into school when appropriate.
  • Interpret and share information from external assessments to inform SEND support and additional interventions.
  • Manage and review Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans, coordinating support and interventions.
  • Conduct observations and assessments promptly to understand needs and establish support.
  • Work closely with the Early Years Foundation Stage to identify and support SEND needs early.
  • Undertake Level 3 Safeguarding Training, serve as a Prep DDSL, participate in Safeguarding Team meetings, and contribute to safeguarding leadership.
  • Participate in school life by leading clubs, undertaking duties, and attending meetings as required.

Further details are available in the Candidate Pack. Applications should be submitted via the Wishford Education Application Form. For assistance, please email HR@Westonbirtschool.uk.

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Lead employer: Wishford Schools

Westonbirt School in Gloucestershire is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for educators dedicated to Special Educational Needs. With a strong emphasis on professional development, competitive benefits such as a means-tested staff discount on school fees, and a commitment to employee well-being through initiatives like the counselling scheme and cycle to work programme, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pupils while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Gloucestershire countryside.
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Contact Detail:

Wishford Schools Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice and statutory obligations. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices in supporting pupils with special educational needs.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former staff at Westonbirt School or similar institutions. Engaging with professionals in the field can provide insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in SEND provision. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives that improved support for pupils with special educational needs.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your collaboration skills by preparing examples of how you've worked with parents and external professionals. Highlighting your ability to build strong relationships will resonate well with the interviewers, as this is crucial for the SENCO Lead role.

We think you need these skills to ace Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Lead

Leadership Skills
Inclusion Strategies
Communication Skills
Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice
Understanding of Statutory Obligations
Collaboration with External Professionals
Experience in Supporting EAL Pupils
Record Keeping and Management
Professional Development Facilitation
Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan Management
Assessment and Observation Skills
Safeguarding Knowledge
Relationship Building with Parents
Strategic Development Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the SENCO Lead position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in leading SEND provision and supporting EAL pupils.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with SEND policies, leadership roles, and collaboration with parents and external professionals. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As the role involves providing inspirational leadership, make sure to include instances where you have successfully led teams or initiatives. Discuss how you have shaped strategic development in previous positions.

Personalise Your Application: Address your application to the hiring manager if possible, and express your enthusiasm for the role and the school. Mention why you are particularly interested in working at Westonbirt Prep and how you align with their values and mission.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wishford Schools

✨Understand SEND Policies

Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice and statutory obligations. Be prepared to discuss how you have implemented these policies in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to compliance.

✨Showcase Leadership Experience

Highlight your experience in leading SEND provision and supporting EAL pupils. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and guided teams to improve educational outcomes for students with special needs.

✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills

Prepare to discuss your approach to collaborating with parents, staff, and external professionals. Provide examples of successful partnerships you've built and how they positively impacted student support.

✨Demonstrate Passion for Inclusion

Express your commitment to promoting inclusion and high-quality provision for pupils with SEND. Share your vision for how you would lead SEND initiatives at the school and ensure every child receives the support they need.

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Lead
Wishford Schools
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