SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator)

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Flexible Learning School in Birmingham is seeking an experienced SEN Co-ordinator to lead and develop our dedicated SEN Unit at Hockley. You will manage SEN staff, ensure EHCP provision is delivered effectively and support pupils to achieve excellent progress.

You will report to the Headteacher, work with SLT and external agencies, and uphold safeguarding standards while driving continuous improvement of SEND provision across the school.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or coordinating SEND provision within an educational setting.
• Thorough understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and statutory SEND responsibilities.
• Experience of managing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Annual Reviews and multi-agency working.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Experience of leading, supporting and developing staff.
• Ability to analyse pupil progress data and implement effective interventions.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and inclusive practice.
• Experience of working with pupils with SEND, SEMH and additional learning needs.
• High expectations of pupils' achievement, behaviour and personal development.
• Flexible, resilient and proactive approach to leadership.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management and strategic development of the School's dedicated SEN Unit.
• Line manage SEN teachers, Learning Mentors and support staff, promoting high expectations and professional development.
• Maintain a calm, structured and nurturing learning environment that supports pupils' individual needs.
• Monitor admissions and ensure pupil numbers remain within the Unit's maximum capacity.
• Advise senior leaders on staffing requirements based on pupil needs.
• Ensure all statutory responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice (2015) are met.
• Ensure all Section F provision within EHCPs is delivered effectively.
• Lead Annual Reviews and interim reviews, ensuring documentation remains accurate and up to date.
• Liaise with Local Authorities, parents, carers and external professionals regarding consultations, funding and provision.
• Maintain high-quality evidence of pupil progress against EHCP outcomes.
• Ensure provision maps, intervention records and SEND documentation remain inspection-ready.
• Support safeguarding within the SEN Unit, acting as Deputy DSL or DSL where trained.
• Monitor safeguarding procedures, risk assessments and pupil welfare in line with KCSIE.
• Promote a culture of vigilance, early intervention and safeguarding excellence.
• Monitor quality of teaching and learning through observations and reviews.
• Track pupil progress and attendance, implementing targeted interventions.

Skills

SEND leadership

SEND Code of Practice

EHCP management

Leadership

Staff development

Data analysis

Safeguarding

SEMH experience

High expectations

Flexible leadership

External partnerships

Job description

Flexible Learning School is an Ofsted-rated Good independent Alternative Provision supporting secondary-aged pupils across Birmingham. We provide a nurturing, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where every young person is encouraged to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for an experienced, passionate and dedicated SEN Co-ordinator to lead, manage and develop our specialist SEN provision based within our dedicated SEN Unit at Hockley. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious professional to play a key leadership role in ensuring pupils with Special Educational Needs receive high-quality, personalised education and support that enables them to thrive both academically and personally.

The Role

Based at our Hockley site, you will report directly to the Headteacher and work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, teaching staff and external agencies.

Salary: £20,000 - £25,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)

Lunch and Breaks: 30 minutes (unpaid)

Hours per Week: 37 hours 30 minutes

Location: Hockley, Birmingham

As our SEN Co-ordinator, you will lead the day-to-day management of our dedicated SEN Unit, which has a maximum capacity of 20 pupils, ensuring every learner receives high-quality, compliant and personalised provision. You will play a vital role in ensuring statutory SEND responsibilities are met, Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) provision is delivered effectively, and pupils make excellent progress within a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead the day-to-day management and strategic development of the School's dedicated SEN Unit.
• Line manage SEN teachers, Learning Mentors and support staff, promoting high expectations and professional development.
• Maintain a calm, structured and nurturing learning environment that supports pupils' individual needs.
• Monitor admissions and ensure pupil numbers remain within the Unit's maximum capacity.
• Advise senior leaders on staffing requirements based on pupil needs.
• Ensure all statutory responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice (2015) are met.
• Ensure all Section F provision within Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) is delivered effectively.
• Lead Annual Reviews and interim reviews, ensuring all documentation remains accurate, compliant and up to date.
• Liaise effectively with Local Authorities, parents, carers and external professionals regarding consultations, funding and pupil provision.
• Maintain high-quality evidence of pupil progress against EHCP outcomes.
• Ensure provision maps, intervention records and SEND documentation remain inspection-ready.
• Support safeguarding within the SEN Unit, acting as Deputy DSL or DSL where appropriately trained.
• Monitor safeguarding procedures, risk assessments and pupil welfare in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Promote a culture of vigilance, early intervention and safeguarding excellence.
• Monitor the quality of teaching and learning through lesson observations, learning walks and work scrutiny.
• Track pupil progress, attendance and engagement, implementing targeted interventions where required.
• Support curriculum development to ensure appropriate pathways, including Functional Skills, GCSE and vocational qualifications.
• Work collaboratively with the Attendance Officer, pastoral team and families to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence.
• Contribute to the School Improvement Plan, Self-Evaluation Framework (SEF) and ongoing school development.
• Support the continued growth of the SEN Unit while maintaining exceptional standards of provision.
• Develop strong partnerships with external agencies and promote inclusive practice across the wider school.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection in line with statutory guidance.
• Participate in staff meetings, CPD, leadership meetings and whole-school events.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience leading or coordinating SEND provision within an educational setting.
• A thorough understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and statutory SEND responsibilities.
• Experience of managing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Annual Reviews and multi-agency working.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Experience of leading, supporting and developing staff.
• The ability to analyse pupil progress data and implement effective interventions.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and inclusive practice.
• Experience of working with pupils with SEND, SEMH and additional learning needs.
• High expectations of pupils' achievement, behaviour and personal development.
• A flexible, resilient and proactive approach to leadership.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Deputy DSL or DSL experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join Flexible Learning School?

At Flexible Learning School, you'll become part of a supportive and passionate team dedicated to transforming the lives of young people.

We offer:

• The opportunity to lead and develop a high-quality specialist SEN provision.
• Small class sizes that enable personalised support and meaningful relationships.
• A supportive leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional development.
• High-quality CPD and opportunities for career progression.
• The opportunity to influence strategic school improvement and SEND provision.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment.
• Free onsite parking.
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference every day.

Safeguarding

Flexible Learning School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, online searches and safer recruitment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). The cost of the Enhanced DBS check will be met by the successful candidate.