Assistant SENDCo

Thames Park Secondary School; Grays; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation up to £8,000

October half-term break

CPD through Osborne Trust

Employee Assistance Programme

On-site gym

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Job summary

Thames Park Secondary School invites applications for the Assistant SENDCo to support inclusive education and develop SEND provision. You will work with the SENDCo to shape strategies, monitor provision and lead a dedicated team of LSAs and HLTA.

The role offers strong leadership development, mentorship, and the opportunity to grow into a SEND leadership position within a caring school community.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting learners with a range of SEND needs.
• Proactive, organised and able to communicate with young people, families and professionals.
• Person-centred, strength-based approach to removing barriers to learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and inspire LSAs and HLTA within the SEND team.
• Shape SEND strategy, monitor provision and coordinate support.
• Collaborate with SENDCo and leadership to empower learners first.

Skills

SEND experience

Communication with families

Leadership potential

Person-centred approach

Job description

Assistant SENDCo

Salary: Teachers Main Scale/Upper Pay Scale

(£34,398 - £52,490 per annum)

Additional SEND E Allowance - £5,497 per annum

FTE: 100%

Start Date: 1

st

January 2027

Are you passionate about inclusion, collaboration, and empowering young people with special educational needs? Do you want to make a real difference within a forward-thinking and caring school community?

Thames Park Secondary School is looking for a dynamic and dedicated Assistant SENDCo to join our expanding team. You will work alongside our experienced and supportive SENDCo to help shape a truly inclusive provision for our learners.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious educator ready to take the next step in their career. Whether you’re currently training or looking to begin your SENDCo qualification, you’ll receive full support, mentoring, and leadership development to grow into a future SEND leader.

What Makes This Opportunity Special?

• Work closely with our SENDCo who brings both strategic vision and day-to-day insight.
• Be part of a progressive, inclusive secondary school where innovation and personalised learning are at the heart of what we do.
• Join a collaborative Trust that values professional development, wellbeing, and equity for all.
• Lead, support and inspire our team of LSAs and HLTAs.
• Play a key role in shaping SEND strategy, monitoring provision, and co-ordinating support that truly puts young people first.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has a passion for SEND and inclusion, with experience supporting learners with a range of needs.
• Is proactive, organised, and able to communicate effectively with young people, families, and professionals.
• Brings a person-centred, strength-based approach to removing barriers to learning.
• Is ready to grow as a leader, supported by an outstanding SENDCo and wider leadership team.

Thames Park Secondary School is a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking school at the heart of the Thurrock community. Since opening in 2020, we’ve grown rapidly and moved into our impressive £25 million state-of-the-art building in 2022, offering a modern environment for exceptional teaching and learning.

We combine high academic expectations with a strong commitment to wellbeing and personal development. Our Teaching and Learning ACE Framework provides both staff and students with everything they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond.

Rated “Good” in all areas by Ofsted in 2023, inspectors praised our students’ pride in their school, their mature behaviour, and the positive ethos that runs throughout. Leadership opportunities such as our student parliament and diversity champions empower pupils to contribute meaningfully to school life.

Rooted in co-operative values—self-help, responsibility, equity, equality, democracy, and solidarity—we strive to create a caring, respectful culture where every young person can thrive. Our success is measured not just by outcomes, but by the strength of relationships and the confidence, compassion, and ambition of our learners.

In return for your hard work, you will receive:

• Relocation package of up to £8,000 available for new employees renting or buying a property
• Two-week October half term - more time to recharge and relax
• Support from experienced SLT and collaboration with our two other secondary schools
• Wider support network for managing workload and promoting work-life balance
• Career progression opportunities across the Trust’s family of schools
• Recognition of continuous service - your experience is valued
• Excellent CPD through both the school and Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme - confidential wellbeing and counselling support
• Clear behaviour management policy to support all staff in the classroom
• On-site gym to support physical wellbeing
• National Conditions of Service - fair, transparent terms for all staff
• Automatic enrolment into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Thames Park is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In compliance with safer recruitment procedures and guidelines, all applications must be made on our formal application form, CVs will not be accepted. This appointment will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory references. Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust is an equal opportunities employer. As a Trust, we recognise the value of and seek to achieve a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please refer to our recruitment & selection policy statement (www.osborne.coop/working-with-us) for more information.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Closing date: Friday 9th October 2026 - Midday

Interview date: Tuesday 13th October 2026

Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.