SENDCO

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Copford CofE Primary School in Colchester is seeking an experienced SENCO to drive inclusion and ensure high-quality support for pupils with SEND. You will work closely with staff, families and external professionals to implement a strategic approach to SEND provision.

The post requires QTS and NASENCO, with a focus on applying the SEND Code of Practice and coordinating reviews. The role is two days per week, with flexible days by arrangement.

Qualifications

• QTS and NASENCO are required.
• Experience of teaching and supporting SEND pupils with strong attainment focus.
• Understanding of SEND legislation and statutory responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage families and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the school's SEND strategy and policy, championing inclusion.
• Lead the Graduated Approach (assess, plan, do, review) with staff and leaders to identify needs early.
• Build partnerships with parents, carers and external professionals and coordinate referrals.
• Maintain pupil records and use data to evaluate provision impact and target resources.
• Advise, support and train colleagues with practical SEND guidance.
• Coordinate EHC needs assessments and annual reviews, ensuring actions are followed.
• Manage SEND resources, advise on funding and deploy support staff.
• Deliver targeted interventions in and out of the classroom as needed.

Skills

SEND leadership

Pupil assessment

Family collaboration

Data driven

Education

QTS

NASENCO

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC3020-41S Position Type: SENCO Pay Range: Mainscale/UPS1

Position Start Date: 01/01/2027 Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 09/11/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: 17th November 2026 Shortlisting Starts: 09/11/2026

Are you an experienced, qualified teacher with a passion for removing barriers to learning? We are inviting external applicants to join our school and help shape an inclusive approach in which pupils with special educational needs and disabilities can participate, achieve and flourish.

Working closely with staff, parents, carers and other external professionals, to coordinate effective provision, support high-quality inclusive teaching and ensure statutory SEND responsibilities are met. This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership with meaningful, hands-on work with children and colleagues.

Your role

• Develop and oversee the school's SEND strategy and policy, championing a whole-school commitment to inclusion.
• Lead the Graduated Approach (assess, plan, do, review), working with teachers and senior leaders to identify pupils' needs early and strengthen classroom practice and behaviour support.
• Build effective partnerships with parents, carers and external professionals, agreeing support, sharing progress and coordinating referrals where needed.
• Maintain accurate pupil records and use progress data to evaluate the impact of provision, refine interventions and target resources effectively.
• Advise, support and train colleagues, sharing practical guidance and modelling effective SEND practice.
• Coordinate support plans, contribute to education, health and care (EHC) needs assessments and plans, and coordinate annual reviews, ensuring agreed actions are followed through.
• Manage SEND resources, advise on funding and help deploy support staff so that provision is matched to pupils' needs.
• Where required, design and deliver targeted interventions in and out of the classroom, alongside agreed teaching responsibilities.

What you will bring

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO).
• Experience of teaching and supporting pupils with SEND, with a strong commitment to raising attainment and helping every pupil achieve their potential.
• An understanding of pupils' differing needs, empathy and the ability to develop practical, evidence-informed approaches to removing barriers to learning.
• Knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice and statutory responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the sensitivity to navigate challenging conversations and build trusting partnerships with families, colleagues and external agencies.
• Leadership, influencing and organisational skills to inspire colleagues, secure appropriate support and balance a varied workload.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret pupil data, track progress and evaluate the difference support makes.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development, keeping specialist SEND knowledge and understanding of local and national policy up to date.

Why join Copford CofE (VC) Primary School?
We are a small rural primary school on the outskirts of Colchester with 200 pupils on roll, where you can make a real difference to children's learning and development. You will be supported by colleagues within school, with opportunities to collaborate across the Nexus partnership, share expertise and develop inclusive practice together. The role is two days per week, with working days to be mutually agreed.

If you share our ambition to help every pupil access learning and fulfil their potential, we would love to hear from you. Visits are warmly welcomed, please contact the school office on 01206 210439 or via email at [e-mail].

Information about the School

Copford VC Church of England Primary School is a caring village school near Colchester, with 202 pupils across Reception to Year 6.

Children learn in a calm, supportive environment where the whole child is encouraged to flourish academically, socially, personally and spiritually.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

David Bome
Copford CofE Primary School
School Road
Copford, Colchester
Essex, CO6 1BX Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]