SENCO

St John's CofE Primary School; Dorking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A primary school in Dorking is seeking a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) to ensure that students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive appropriate support. The role involves monitoring SEND policies, delivering training to staff, and liaising with external agencies. Ideal candidates will have Qualified Teacher Status and experience in supporting SEND students. This part-time position is on a maternity contract and requires strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Ability to deliver training on SEND strategies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure students with SEND receive appropriate support.
• Monitor implementation of SEND policies and practices.
• Liaise with other schools and external agencies regarding provision for students with SEND.

Skills

Excellent learning and teaching principles

Empathy

Organisational Awareness

Self-confidence

Change Catalyst

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS CO-ORDINATOR (SENCO)

Start Date : 5th January 2026

Hours : 3 days a week

Responsible to : Headteacher

Grade : Teacher Pay Scale -Salary dependent on experience

Contract : Maternity / Part-Time

PURPOSE OF POST

To ensure, under the direction of the Head Teacher that students within the school with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive the appropriate support through taking responsibility for all systems and processes relating to the SEND code of practice.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

To support the Head Teacher and Senior Leadership Team in providing a clear vision and direction for the development of systems and processes designed to support inclusion across the whole school.

To monitor interpretation of SEND policies and ensure the SEND code of practice is implemented and embedded across the school.

To deliver training to colleagues on SEND strategies and the needs of specific students.

To support the production of a whole school inclusion development plan with clear aims, objectives and strategic priorities to meet the needs of all students.

Operational role

To ensure that the needs of individual students are met through a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum.

To take ownership of the SEND register, ensuring it is kept up to date.

To assist staff in the development and implementation of targets for individual students on IEPs, EHCPs or Pupil Passports.

To work with colleagues to produce detailed programs to meet the needs of individual students and targeted groups of students.

To set up systems for identifying, assessing, tracking and reviewing students’ needs.

To set up systems for immediate assessment of new arrivals and liaise with the data manager to ensure accurate recording of SEN statuses and assessments on the school’s MIS.

To liaise with partner primary / junior schools to aid transition of students with SEND.

To arrange, attend and prepare materials, where appropriate, for regular review meetings.

To take ownership of the school’s access arrangements for students with SEND in order to provide the appropriate support during examinations.

To proactively identify students who qualify for additional support of any kind and liaise with appropriate external agencies to carry out necessary assessment in order to facilitate this support.

To lead on the compilation of applications for EHC Plans as and when required.

Staffing, resources and accommodation

To line manage, organise, monitor and support the Support for Learning Team (TAs) in order to ensure that they provide effective and appropriate support for students and teachers both inside and out of the classroom.

To lead and manage the professional development process for the Support for Learning Team.

To effectively manage and deploy resources within the Support for Learning area organising and maintaining stock of necessary equipment, keeping the appropriate records and contributing to the management of related budgets.

Communication

Work with parents to ensure proper communications regarding individual student’s SEND.

Liaise with class teachers and other pastoral staff in school concerning the progress and wellbeing of students with SEND.

Liaise with other schools and outside agencies where necessary regarding provision for students with SEND.

Attend and contribute to appropriate middle leadership, senior leadership and governing body meetings.

Cultivate strong links with local services including, but not limited to, Surrey SEND, MINDWORKS, the EP service and external provision agencies in order to support the progress and wellbeing of students with SEND.

Knowledge and Skills

• The principles and practices of excellent learning and teaching
• The SEND Code of Practice
• The primary curriculum subject area
• The application of ICT to learning, teaching in the specialist subject
• The use of past and current pupil data in order to improve
• Statutory requirements and recent developments in terms of government initiatives and policy

Personal Qualities

1- Self-Awareness

• Accurate Self-assessment
• Self-confidence

2- Social Awareness

• Empathy
• Organisational Awareness
• Service Orientation

3- Self-Management

• Transparency
• Adaptability
• Achievement Orientation
• Initiative
• Optimism

4- Relationship Management

• Developing Others
• Change Catalyst
• Influence
• Conflict Management
• Team Work and Collaboration

Personal Contacts

External: Contractors, suppliers, parent and relevant health professionals

Internal: Students, staff, Governors, parents and any other visitors to the school

This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post, and will be reviewed annually

Visits to the school are both welcomed and encouraged and prospective candidates should contact the School Office to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Applications should be made through My New Term

Application Close date : Wednesday 14th January 2026 at midnight

Interview date : 16th January 2026

Please note that the school reserves the right to interview suitable candidates prior to the application close date. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced level DBS check.

Safeguarding Statement

The Good Shepherd Trust and St John’s C of E Primary School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We ensure that all our employment practices reflect this commitment.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.