SENDCo

Phoenix Learning & Care Group; Warmley; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Neptune School seeks a passionate SENDCo who will be pivotal in providing exceptional support to children with Autism, ADHD, and SEMH needs. As part of the Senior Management Team, you’ll lead SEND provision and cultivate an inclusive culture, helping every pupil thrive academically and emotionally.

Benefits

Holidays – Paid for additional 12.8 weeks off during term time

Pension scheme

Comprehensive learning & development opportunities

Discounts through Blue Light Card

Wellbeing support

Cycle2Work scheme

Enhanced DBS coverage

Medicash scheme after 12 months service

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years management experience in educational settings, particularly with SEMH/SEBD/Autism.
• Willingness to pursue further SEND qualifications if not already qualified.
• Strong understanding of curriculum and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Mentor and train team members on strategies for diverse pupil needs.
• Manage resources to ensure a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Empathy

Analytical Skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Degree in Education

Job description

About The Role

Job Title: SENDCo

Job Location: Neptune School, Warmley

Salary: £47,257.60 per annum, based on 40 hours per week, Term Time Only

Contract Type: Permanent

Are you an experienced and passionate SENDCo ready to take the next step into senior leadership?

Neptune School is seeking a Deputy Head Teacher who will also take on the pivotal role of SENDCo an essential and legally recognised position that sits firmly within our Senior Management Team. This is not just a job; it's a rare opportunity to make a profound impact in a specialist setting, supporting children with Autism, ADHD, and SEMH needs in a deeply personal and professional way.

As SENDCo in our small, specialist school of just 25 pupils, you’ll be the strategic lead for SEND provision and inclusion at the very heart of our school’s mission. Your role is central, not additional. You’ll work as a bridge between home and school, ensuring every child has the tailored support they need to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Your leadership will shape our provision, build strong relationships with families and external partners, and drive a truly inclusive culture throughout the school.

This is a Deputy Head Teacher role with real influence. Our current SENDCo has developed so significantly in the role that they’re moving on to become a Head Teacher, proof of the growth and opportunity this position offers.

Neptune School is a truly special place, Ofsted rated ‘Good’ in all areas and ready to be taken to ‘Outstanding’ with the right leadership team joining our journey. Our team members, and pupils, are incredibly welcoming, and there’s a tangible warmth and sense of belonging the moment you walk through our doors. Don’t take our word for it come and visit. You’ll leave wanting to be part of something exceptional.

Become part of the Phoenix Community, a growing, values-led organisation where personal development and career progression go hand-in-hand. If you’re ready to lead with vision, compassion, and ambition, we can’t wait to meet you.

A day in the life of a SENDCo will involve:

• You’ll work closely with the Headteacher to shape and implement the school’s vision.
• Your leadership will help embed a culture of high expectations, inclusivity, and continuous improvement across the whole school.
• As SENDCo, you’ll lead the development, implementation, and review of EHCPs, working closely with pupils, team members, and external professionals. You’ll conduct assessments, track progress, and ensure every child receives the personalised support needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
• You’ll mentor and train team members, equipping them with the tools and strategies to meet diverse pupil needs. At the same time, building strong, trusting relationships with families offering regular updates, advice, and training to help them support their children’s learning and wellbeing at home.
• You’ll manage resources and oversee team member performance to ensure a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment. By fostering close collaboration between education, therapeutic teams, and external agencies, you’ll help create a unified support system focused on the success and wellbeing of every pupil.

To be a successful SENDCO you’ll need:

• A degree and Qualified Teacher status, with at least 2 years of management experience in an educational setting, particularly working with SEMH/SEBD/Autism.
• Prior experience in SEND settings and a willingness to pursue further qualifications in SEND (if not already qualified).
• Strong understanding of the curriculum, safeguarding procedures, and knowledge of Ofsted/KCSiE standards.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire staff, with excellent communication skills and a track record of managing resources effectively.
• Confidence in using data for self-evaluation, setting targets, and problem-solving, paired with strong analytical skills.
• A motivated, empathetic, and flexible mindset, aligned with the core values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork.

In return for your time, you’ll get:

• Holidays – You’ll only work term time (39.2 weeks), and get paid the additional 12.8 weeks whilst you’re off.
• Pension scheme– Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
• Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for team members to develop themselves.
• Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offers a monthly confidential check in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.
• Cycle2Work -The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
• DBS – As this role required you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
• After 12 months service - You’ll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP!). You’ll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage.

At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.