SENCO (Maternity cover)

Islington Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Islington Council is recruiting a qualified SENCO on a maternity cover basis to support New River College Medical and its SEMH pupils. The role focuses on leading SEN provision, coordinating assessments, and working with a multi-site team to promote wellbeing and academic progress.

The post requires a UK teaching qualification and experience with SEMH students, with safeguarding and collaboration at the core of the practice. Salary is within MPS/UPS + additional allowances; start January 2027.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with SENCO experience and SEN training.
• Experience working with SEMH pupils and families.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and special educational needs processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEN provision for pupils with SEMH across sites.
• Coordinate assessments, plans and reviews for SEN students.
• Collaborate with teachers, support staff, and parents to improve wellbeing and outcomes.
• Ensure safeguarding and policy compliance in daily practice.

Skills

UK teaching qualification

Experience supporting SEMH

SENCO experience

Education

QTS or equivalent

Job description

About The Role

New River College Medical Site

New River College Medical

Maygood Street

N1 0TJ

(Previous Vittoria Primary School site)

Salary grade: MPS/UPS + SEN 1 + TLR 2

( £41,729 - £ 64,684 + £2,885 + £5,348 )

Maternity cover

To start January 2027

Do you have a UK teaching qualification, and experience supporting students with SEMH needs?

Are you a dynamic and motivated professional, looking to develop your practice in a unique and specialist setting?

Do you have a passion for developing vulnerable young people holistically, facilitating opportunities for them to flourish and thrive now, and in their future?

New River College Medical is looking to appoint an inspiring and skilled qualified SENCO, for a maternity cover, to work within a committed team, dedicated to improving the well-being and outcomes of young people with medical and mental health needs.

New River College comprises of three pupil referral units in Islington (primary, secondary and medical), for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). NRC Medical works with KS1-4 pupils with complex social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, who are not always able to attend school for medical reasons. We teach across a number of sites: New River College Medical, the Children's Ward at the Whittington Hospital and in the homes of pupils too unwell to attend school.

We offer a core curriculum to all pupils which includes English, Maths, Science, PE and a selection of foundation subjects. We also work with a number of alternative providers around enhanced learning opportunities.

Key dates

Closing date: 23:59 Tuesday 13th October 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by: Thursday 15th October 2026

Interviews will be held on: Friday 23rd October 2026

For background information visit our website www.newrivercollege.co.uk or for an informal discussion about the post or to arrange a visit please contact Adam Sunderland on 020 7504 0534 (option 3) or via email on [e-mail]

New River College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) with barred list check will be required. Also, if this post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to declare.

In line with KCSIE 2022 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search on publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children, for all shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.

We regret to inform that we are unable to sponsor visas.