Associate Assistant Headteacher SENCO

Teaching Vacancies; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Redhill Academy Trust seeks an exceptional Associate Assistant Headteacher/SENCO to join the Senior Leadership Team. The role leads SEND provision, supports safeguarding, and drives whole-school improvement to raise outcomes for students with complex needs.

You will oversee EHCP processes, liaise with families and external agencies, and mentor staff to deliver inclusive teaching. The ideal candidate has extensive SEND leadership experience and a commitment to inclusive education in a secondary

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating EHCPs and liaising with external agencies.
• Solid knowledge of SEND legislation and safeguarding frameworks.
• Experience in middle or senior leadership within a school.
• Ability to lead inclusive practice and effective intervention strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND provision across the school and ensure statutory compliance.
• Oversee EHCP identification, monitoring and review processes.
• Develop whole-school SEND policies and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Collaborate with families, staff and external partners to remove barriers to learning.

Education

NASENCO qualification

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking an exceptional, experienced, dynamic and committed educational leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Associate Assistant Headteacher/ SENCO. This is a pivotal role for a highly skilled SEND practitioner with a proven track record of successfully leading provision for children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities.

About you…

The successful candidate will bring experience of working with and supporting students with complex SEND needs, alongside a deep understanding of inclusive practice, statutory requirements and effective intervention strategies. They will be passionate about ensuring that every child receives the support, challenge and opportunities they need to flourish both academically and personally.

In addition to providing strategic leadership for SEND across the school, the postholder will play a key role in safeguarding, staff development and whole-school improvement. They will work closely with students, families, staff and external agencies to ensure that barriers to learning are identified and removed, enabling all students to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for a leader who combines expertise, compassion and determination; someone who can champion inclusion, inspire colleagues and drive excellence in SEND provision across the school. This opportunity would suit an experienced SENCO or senior leader with extensive knowledge of supporting children with SEND and a passion for making a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable learners.

What the school offers its staff

What we can offer…

• A warm welcome and thorough induction
• Supportive teams and professional networks
• High-quality CPD through the Redhill Teaching Hub
• Personalised appraisal via our ‘My Contribution’ scheme
• Recognition and celebration of your achievements

Our Trust is a regional leader in teacher training and high-quality professional development, delivered through the DfE designated Redhill Teaching Hub. The Redhill College of Leadership and Development offers excellent CPD opportunities and a chance to work alongside colleagues from other high-performing schools in the region.

Why Redhill Academy Trust?

Our mission is simple: Working together to help all our students achieve their best - now and in the future. We’re proud to serve our communities with high-performing academies that transform lives and opportunities.

Further details about the role

Key Responsibilities include:

Leadership & Strategic Development

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the school as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead on SEND provision across the school, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice.
• Support the development and implementation of whole-school policies, particularly those related to inclusion, safeguarding, and pastoral care.

SENCO Responsibilities

• Oversee the identification, assessment, and provision for students with SEND.
• Coordinate and monitor EHCPs, interventions, and support plans.
• Lead the SEND team, including the Assistant SENCo, Teaching Assistants and external specialists.
• Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure effective support and communication.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely reporting to Governors and local authorities. Support colleagues in developing inclusive teaching strategies and differentiation.
• Monitor progress and outcomes for SEND students and contribute to whole-school data analysis.

Person Specification:

• Experience managing EHCPs and liaising with external agencies
• NASENCO (or equivalent) qualification (or willingness to complete)
• Proven experience in middle or senior leadership
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation and safeguarding frameworks
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to inspire and lead others with integrity and empathy
• Experience working in a secondary school setting
• DSL training or experience as a safeguarding lead

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.