Deputy Headteacher and SENDCO

Elmley Dray School; Sheerness; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Elmley Dray School is looking for two passionate leaders: a Deputy Headteacher and a SENDCO, who are committed to inclusive education for children with complex needs. The Deputy Headteacher will lead strategic priorities and support seamless learning, while the SENDCO will oversee SEND provision and ensure compliance with regulations, all within a nurturing school environment.

Benefits

Staff wellbeing and development priorities

Supportive leadership team

Qualifications

• Have significant teaching experience in a SEND setting.
• Experienced in middle or senior leadership with a strong impact track record.
• Understanding of SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes.

Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in strategic vision and operations.
• Lead on curriculum development and pupil outcomes.
• Model high-quality teaching for pupils with SEND.

Skills

Leadership

Inclusive pedagogy

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO)

Job description

Multiple Vacancies - Deputy Headteacher - SENDCO - SEND Teacher

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Direct message the job poster from Elmley Dray School

Headteacher | C-Level & Strategic Consultant | Championing Social Impact & Inclusion

We are recruiting for two roles - Deputy Headteacher (full time) and SENDCO (approx 0.6)

Deputy Headteacher (SEN Specialist – PE and/or Maths Preferred)
Location: Elmley Dray School
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: L7-12
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Elmley Dray School is seeking a passionate and experienced Deputy Headteacher to join our senior leadership team. We are a nurturing, inclusive special school dedicated to providing exceptional education for children with a range of complex special educational needs. This is a key leadership role for someone who is ready to make a tangible impact across the whole school community.

The Role:

We are looking for an ambitious and committed leader who will:

Support the Headteacher in shaping and driving the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of the school.

Lead on whole-school priorities such as curriculum development, behaviour, pupil outcomes, wellbeing (based on skills and interests).

Champion inclusive and personalised teaching and learning approaches.

Model and support high-quality teaching, with a focus on outcomes and engagement for pupils with SEND.

Use specialist expertise in PE and/or Maths to support subject development and raise standards across the school (preferred).

Line manage and develop staff, building a culture of collaboration, care and professional excellence.

Contribute to a safe, positive, and enriching environment for all pupils.

The ideal candidate will:

Have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and significant teaching experience in a SEND setting (essential).

Be an experienced middle or senior leader with a strong track record of impact.

Demonstrate a deep understanding of special educational needs, including EHCPs, personalised learning and inclusive pedagogy.

Be a strong advocate for pupil voice, engagement, and wellbeing.

Bring subject leadership expertise in PE and/or Maths (preferred).

Be confident, reflective, and resilient, with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.

Be committed to continuous school improvement and professional development.

SENDCO (0.6 FTE)
Location: Elmley Dray School
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary: M5 – UPS3 (depending on experience)
Contract: Part-time (0.6), Permanent

Elmley Dray School is a nurturing and inclusive special school dedicated to providing exceptional education for children with a wide range of complex special educational needs. We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable SENDCO to join our team on a part-time basis. This is a vital middle leadership role, central to ensuring the provision, progress, and wellbeing of all our learners.

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced and committed SEND practitioner who will:

Lead on the coordination and delivery of high-quality SEND provision across the school.

Oversee the development and review of EHCPs, ensuring that outcomes are ambitious, meaningful, and child-centred.

Work collaboratively with staff, families, and external professionals to create and monitor personalised support strategies.

Ensure compliance with SEND statutory requirements and maintain accurate records and reporting.

Model inclusive teaching practices and support staff in embedding differentiated, engaging, and accessible learning for all pupils.

Champion the needs, rights, and voice of pupils with SEND within the wider school context.

Contribute to school improvement planning, monitoring and evaluating impact, and driving high expectations.

The ideal candidate will:

Hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and have substantial classroom experience within SEND settings (essential).

Have a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes.

Be an effective communicator, able to build trusting relationships with pupils, families, staff, and external professionals.

Demonstrate a reflective and solution-focused approach to leadership.

Be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Be committed to inclusive education and continuous professional development.

Hold or be willing to work towards the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO).

Why join us?

A caring, inclusive school community with a strong child-centred ethos.

A committed and supportive leadership team.

A school that prioritises staff wellbeing and development.

Opportunities to lead and shape key areas of whole-school strategy.

The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

How to apply:

To apply, please visit our website, where you will find the full job description and application form. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and we may close the advert early if the right candidate is found.

Apply here – https://elmleydrayschool.co.uk/page-vacancies.html

Safer Recruitment

Elmley Dray School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults. All applicants will be subject to rigorous safer recruitment checks. Please refer to our safeguarding and safer recruitment policies, available on our website – www.elmleydrayschool.co.uk

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a Self-Disclosure Form and undergo an online search.

All offers of employment are subject to a successful Enhanced DBS check (including barred list) and two satisfactory references, one of which must be your current or most recent employer.

Please note: CVs and/or applications via LinkedIn will not be accepted.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Training

• Industries

  Primary and Secondary Education

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Elmley Dray School by 2x

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.