Deputy Sendco

Thamesmead School; Shepperton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Thamesmead School is seeking a Deputy SENDCO to join in January 2027. You will work closely with the SENDCO to lead the SEND Department, supporting students with SEND while teaching across KS3 and KS4 on a 50% timetable.

The role combines leadership with hands-on teaching, mentoring TAs, and collaborating with external agencies to shape inclusive provision and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status and experience of successful secondary teaching.
• Experience teaching pupils with a wide range of SEND needs.
• Strong understanding of EHCPs and how to support learners.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the SENDCO and help lead day-to-day running of the SEND Department.
• Identify, assess and provision for students with SEND.
• Advise and coach Teaching Assistants and staff on inclusive practice.
• Line manage SEND TAs and foster a strong, collaborative team ethos.
• Liaise with external agencies (Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language services, etc.) and attend Annual Reviews.
• Hold a caseload of Key SEND students, write and review IEPs, report progress.
• Support exam access arrangements and contribute to staff CPD on SEND.
• Teach across KS3 and KS4 on a 50% timetable, while developing classroom practice.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership potential

SEND experience

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

SEN qualification (L7 in SpLD) desirable

Job description

Are you an experienced secondary school teacher looking to take the next step into SEND leadership? Thamesmead School is seeking a talented and committed Deputy SENDCO to join us in January 2027. Working closely alongside our SENDCO, you'll play a key role in the operational leadership of our SEND Department, helping to shape provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities while continuing to teach across the full ability range in KS3 and KS4.

What the role involves

• Deputising for the SENDCO and helping lead the day-to-day running of the SEND Department
• Supporting the identification, assessment and provision for students with SEND
• Advising and coaching Teaching Assistants and subject staff on effective inclusive practice
• Line managing SEND TAs and helping build a strong, collegiate team ethos
• Liaising with external agencies (Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language services, and more) and attending Annual Reviews
• Holding a caseload of Key SEND students, writing and reviewing IEPs, and reporting on progress
• Supporting exam access arrangements and contributing to staff CPD on SEND
• Teaching across KS3 and KS4 on a 50% timetable, continuing to develop your own classroom practice

What we're looking for

• Qualified Teacher Status and experience of successful secondary teaching
• Experience teaching pupils with a wide range of SEND needs
• Excellent working knowledge of how to meet SEND pupils' needs, and understanding of EHCPs
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across the school community
• The ambition and initiative to grow into SEND leadership
• A relevant SEN qualification (e.g. L7 in SpLD) is desirable but not essential — we will support your development

This role offers a rare combination of meaningful leadership responsibility, and direct mentoring from an experienced SENDCO, all while keeping a foothold in the classroom. It's an ideal stepping stone for a teacher ready to build a career in SEND leadership.

Thamesmead School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.