SENCo Assistant (SEND Post-16)
Organisation: British Creative Institute (BCI) – SEND Post-16 Provision
Location: BCI, Birmingham (Great Barr), BCI Walsall (Elmore Court, Elmore Green Road)
Contract: Permanent (subject to probation) / Term-time (as applicable)
Hours: Full-time preferred (part-time considered)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and qualifications
Start date: ASAP / by agreement
About the role
BCI is a specialist post-16 SEND provider supporting learners aged 16–25 with a range of needs, including Autism, ADHD, SEMH, cognition and learning needs, and sensory/physical needs. We are seeking a SENCo Assistant to work closely with the SENCo and wider team to help deliver high-quality, person-centred support so learners can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in SEND support (or a strong interest in progressing into this area) who is committed to inclusive practice, safeguarding, and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
- EHCP and SEND Administration Support
- Support the SENCo with day-to-day coordination of SEND provision across the setting.
- Assist with EHCP documentation, reviews, and evidence gathering (progress data, support logs, reports).
- Contribute to Annual Review preparation: collating views of learners, parents/carers, and professionals.
- Maintain accurate SEND records and contribute to compliance (confidentiality, GDPR, secure storage).
- Learner Support and Provision
- Support learners in lessons and/or small group interventions, including engagement, regulation, and access strategies.
- Help implement and monitor reasonable adjustments, support plans, and risk assessments.
- Work with tutors/teaching assistants to ensure strategies are embedded consistently across sessions.
- Support transitions (into BCI, between timetables, and onto next steps such as employment/training).
- Multi-Agency and Parent/Carer Liaison
- Assist with communication and coordination with external professionals (e.g., SALT, OT, CAMHS, local authority teams).
- Support positive home–college communication, under the direction of the SENCo.
- Safeguarding, Attendance, and Pastoral
- Promote a safe, calm, and supportive environment aligned with BCI’s safeguarding culture.
- Support with attendance/welfare monitoring and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Contribute to behaviour support approaches using de-escalation, restorative practice, and trauma-informed strategies.
- Quality, Training, and Continuous Improvement
- Participate in CPD, team training, reflective practice, and supervision.
- Contribute ideas to improve systems, learner experience, and SEND practice across the provision.
Essential Criteria
- Experience supporting young people/young adults (16–25) with SEND or a clear commitment to develop in this field.
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the SEND context (EHCPs, reasonable adjustments, person-centred planning).
- Confident communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work with families and professionals.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage sensitive information appropriately.
- A calm, empathetic approach and ability to support learners with regulation and engagement.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Qualifications (Required / Working Towards)
- Applicants must have one of the following:
- Level 2/3 qualification in Supporting Teaching & Learning, Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Education, or similar OR
- Demonstrable relevant experience and willingness to complete an agreed qualification pathway.
- Desirable / Working Towards (Strong advantage):
- Level 3 SEN qualification (or equivalent)
- Training or willingness to work towards:
- SEND-specific CPD (Autism, ADHD, SEMH, trauma-informed practice)
- Safeguarding training (Level 2/3 as appropriate)
- Team Teach / de-escalation (or similar)
- EHCP / Annual Review training
- Additional Qualifications (Bonus / Highly Desirable):
- Autism Education / ASC awareness (including sensory processing)
- ADHD support strategies
- SEMH and trauma-informed practice
- Dyslexia / Dyscalculia support
- Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Mental health first aid (youth or adult)
- Positive behaviour support (PBS)
Safeguarding & Pre-Employment Checks
- Enhanced DBS check (with barred list checks as appropriate)
- Satisfactory references and employment history checks
- Right to work in the UK verification
- Safeguarding training during induction and ongoing updates
What we offer
- A supportive SEND specialist environment with a strong pastoral culture
- Regular CPD and training opportunities
- Clear development pathways (including progression into SENCo-related responsibilities)
- Collaboration with a dedicated, learner-centred team
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A CV
- A supporting statement outlining your SEND experience (or interest), suitability for the role, and commitment to safeguarding.