SENCO

Randstad Education; Gildersome; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education recruitment agency is seeking a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) for a full-time position in Leeds. This role involves significant responsibilities including strategic oversight of SEN policies, managing statutory assessments, and fostering inclusive practices. The ideal candidate will hold Qualified Teacher Status and have extensive experience in a SENCO or senior SEND leadership role. The position offers a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, and a competitive salary package.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career progression

Support with DBS applications

Qualifications

• Significant successful experience of working as a SENCO or in a senior SEND leadership role.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• Enhanced Child DBS on the updated service.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the academy's SEND policy and provision.
• Manage and coordinate the statutory assessment and EHCP review process.
• Provide professional guidance to colleagues, including leading whole-school CPD.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of all students on the SEN register.
• Monitor the quality of teaching and standards of achievement of students with SEND.
• Be the main point of contact for external agencies, specialists, and the Local Authority.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with parents of students with SEND.
• Be accountable for the deployment of specialist resources, including support staff allocation.
• Advise on the admission of students with SEND.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Statutory Compliance

Data Analysis

Exceptional Communication

Conflict Resolution

Effective Line Management

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Job description

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for inclusive education?

Do you believe every student, regardless of need, deserves an exceptional educational experience?

Are you seeking an immediate, full-time opportunity to make a tangible difference?

About the Role: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated, skilled, and dedicated professional to step into the crucial role of Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in a thriving secondary academy located in Leeds. This is a full‑time, position with an immediate start, representing a significant chance for a committed individual to drive forward the SEND agenda. The role requires a strong, strategic leader who can ensure compliance, oversee provision, and champion inclusive practice across all levels of the academy.

About the School

The school located in Leeds, is a vibrant learning community with a strong focus on leadership, high expectations, and academic excellence. It is committed to developing student's character, ensuring they are prepared for successful lives beyond school. The school fosters a supportive environment where staff are encouraged to innovate and collaborate.The school is dedicated to continuous improvement and offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development to all its employees.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent teaching qualification.
• Significant successful experience of working as a SENCO or in a senior SEND leadership role.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• Enhanced Child DBS on the updated service (Willingness to apply for one)

Skills

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and implement a whole‑school SEND strategy.
• Statutory Compliance: Expert knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in using data to identify needs, monitor progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of provision.
• Exceptional Communication: Clear and empathetic communication with students, parents, staff, and external agencies.
• Conflict Resolution: Skill in mediating and resolving issues related to provision and parental concerns.
• Effective Line Management: Ability to manage and lead a team of Teaching Assistants and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Lead the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision.
• Coordination of Provision: Oversee the day‑to‑day operation of the academy's SEND policy and provision.
• Statutory Management: Manage and coordinate the statutory assessment and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) review process.
• Staff Training: Provide professional guidance to colleagues, including leading whole‑school Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records of all students on the SEN register.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor the quality of teaching and standards of achievement of students with SEND.
• External Liaison: Be the main point of contact for external agencies, specialists, and the Local Authority regarding SEND.
• Parent Partnership: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with parents of students with SEND.
• Resource Allocation: Be accountable for the deployment of specialist resources, including the allocation of support staff.
• Admissions: Advise on the admission of students with SEND, ensuring a smooth transition process.

What We Offer

• A supportive, collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development.
• Support with DBS applications and safeguarding training.The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of students.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A Refer a Friend scheme where you could earn a £300 Love2shop voucher (subject to terms and conditions).

Could this be the ideal role for you? Click "Apply Now" to submit your application for the role of a SENCO. For more information, please contact [e-mail] or call 01132462500 to speak to the secondary team.