SENCo and Inclusion Lead (with DSL duties)

Story Wood School; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

SENCo leadership time

Supportive leadership team

Professional development and coaching

Staff wellbeing emphasis

Engaged, enthusiastic pupils

Job summary

Story Wood School is seeking a SENCo and Inclusion Lead to shape our inclusive vision in partnership with the SLT. You will lead SEND provision, manage interventions and oversee safeguarding as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring high-quality, personalised support for all pupils.

You will drive strategy with the SLT, map provision and deliver EHCP targets, while guiding staff training and inclusive teaching practices.

Qualifications

• QTS held or in place with NPQ for SENCOs (to be completed)
• Understanding of SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes, and statutory guidance
• Strong knowledge of adaptive teaching strategies and intervention mapping
• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication and de-escalation skills

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development of SEND and inclusion with high-quality, personalised provision
• Oversee identification, assessment and support for pupils with SEND
• Guide consultations, map provision and deliver EHCP targets
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and collaborate with external agencies
• Drive high expectations and aspirations for all learners
• Contribute to SLT decisions and school-wide improvement
• Work with teachers, staff, parents and external partners
• Provide training and guidance to staff on inclusive teaching practices
• Plan, prepare and deliver engaging lessons aligned with the curriculum
• Maintain safeguarding records and deliver safeguarding training to staff

Job description

The Role

As SENCo and Inclusion Lead, you will play a key role in shaping our inclusive vision. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will lead the strategic development of SEND provision, manage interventions, and oversee child protection as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the strategic development of SEND and inclusion, ensuring high-quality, personalised provision and targeted interventions for all pupils, including in TreeTops, Story Woods Enhanced Learning Provision
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and support of pupils with SEND, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
• Guide consultations, map provision, and deliver EHCP targets in line with statutory requirements so every pupil thrives.
• Take responsibility as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), working alongside the Family Support Worker, embedding a vigilant culture of safeguarding, maintaining accurate records, and working effectively with external agencies.
• Drive high expectations and aspirations for all learners, particularly those facing additional barriers.
• Contribute as a key member of SLT to whole-school strategy, decision-making, and continuous improvement (attend weekly SLT Meetings).
• Work closely with teachers, support staff, parents, and external agencies
• Provide guidance, support, and training to staff to ensure inclusive teaching practices across the school.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging lessons in line with the curriculum. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Take responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school, working alongside the DSL Lead and Family Support Worker.
  • Ensure all staff understand and follow safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Liaise with external agencies, local authorities, and families where safeguarding concerns arise.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records.
  • Deliver safeguarding training and updates for staff, ensuring best practices are upheld.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs (to be completed)
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training (or willing to be completed)
• An understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes, and statutory guidance
• Strong knowledge of adaptive teaching strategies and intervention mapping
• Excellent data analysis skills to evaluate the impact of SEND interventions
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills
• Commitment to Story Wood's core values (Respect, Responsibility, Resilience)
• Empathy, patience, and high expectations for all learners
• Resilience and ability to manage complex cases and prioritise workload

What We Offer:

• Dedicated SENCo Leadership Time to allow you to focus on strategic impact and provision management.
• A supportive, values-driven leadership team and trust network dedicated to continuous school improvement
• High-quality professional development and leadership coaching through Story Wood School and the Robin Hood Multi Academy Trust
• A positive, caring, and collaborative working environment where staff wellbeing is prioritised.
• Engaged, enthusiastic pupils who take pride in their school community.