SENDCo

TN United Kingdom; Merstham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a SENDCo for Chaldon School in Merstham, aimed at supporting neurodivergent students aged 11-16. The role involves leadership in curriculum delivery, student support, and collaboration with staff and external agencies to ensure high-quality education and care for students with special educational needs.

Benefits

Life assurance

Perkbox discounts

Employee assistance program

Car lease scheme

Fully funded training and qualifications

Bike to work scheme

Health cash back plan

Qualifications

• QTS or QTLS qualification required.
• Specialist training in Autism or Dyslexia desirable.
• Proven effective teaching and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth running of the school and lead staff.
• Oversee curriculum and manage SEND provision.
• Communicate with parents and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Management

Conflict Resolution

Education

QTS or QTLS qualification

NPQSL/H/SENDCo or willingness to achieve within 2 years

Job description

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Hours: 40 hours per week

Closing Date: 11pm 26/05/25 - Interviews will be in half term

As part of our growth strategy, Aurora is pleased to be opening Chaldon School, a new SEND Secondary School in Merstham for young neurodivergent people aged 11-16. The school will support 100 young people, with 80 attending the main site and 20 at our satellite site in Caterham, based at Caterham Education Centre. Chaldon School is part of a network of Aurora Schools in Surrey, sharing best practices, resources, and joint events.

Our students access a broad, exciting curriculum aligned with the national curriculum, personalized to meet their needs, interests, and passions. Our model includes small classes, high levels of support, and a multidisciplinary intervention team, providing students with every opportunity to succeed. We focus on developing social communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation skills to help students become independent, develop meaningful relationships, and pursue their aspirations in further education, training, or employment.

Key to this new school’s success is the appointment of a highly effective SENDCo to join this exciting project!

This role offers an opportunity to work closely with the Head of School in leadership and management, overseeing learning and teaching, curriculum, careers & work experience, assessment, and enrichment across the school’s phases.

Please note that duties will vary, and you will contribute to the overall aims of the school as needed.

Key Duties:

1. Ensure the smooth running of the school.
2. Lead by example, encouraging, coaching, and mentoring staff.
3. Promote best practices through inset and CPD sessions.
4. Work with the Head of School to deliver a high-quality, engaging, and well-resourced curriculum.
5. Act as Deputy Exam Officer, ensuring examination and accreditation processes meet JCQ requirements.
6. Identify and secure meaningful Post-16 destinations for students.
7. Implement transition plans, liaising with colleges and supporting student needs.
8. Lead Y9 transition reviews, capturing student voice and aligning outcomes with pathways for adulthood.
9. Identify access arrangements for exams and accreditation.
10. Oversee Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance, supporting KS3-4 pathways.
11. Ensure statutory responsibilities related to EHCPs and SEND assessments are met.
12. Manage the school's special education policy and coordinate SEND provision.
13. Communicate with parents, staff, agencies, and authorities regarding student progress and support strategies.
14. Advise on and develop SEN policies and provision.
15. Carry out safeguarding duties.
16. Lead the school’s therapy services.
17. Prepare for statutory reviews and case conferences.
18. Stay informed on developments in SEN and advise the SLT accordingly.
19. Potentially lead curriculum areas across Surrey Schools.
20. Build positive relationships within the school, Aurora team, and externally to sustain excellence.

Essential Qualifications:

• QTS or QTLS qualification.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Specialist training in areas like Autism or Dyslexia.
• NPQSL/H/SENDCo or willingness to achieve within 2 years.
• Proven effective teaching and leadership experience in relevant settings.
• Experience in policy implementation and school-wide standards improvement.
• Strong team management and collaboration skills.
• Effective communication across diverse audiences.
• Experience managing complex scenarios and resolving conflicts.
• Successful external agency collaboration.

Benefits and Additional Information:

Benefits include:

• Life assurance
• Perkbox discounts
• Employee assistance program
• Car lease scheme
• Fully funded training and qualifications
• Bike to work scheme
• Health cash back plan

How to Apply:

Complete the online application form, including all employment and education details.

Note: Successful applicants will undergo safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding, equality, and diversity.