SENDCo (SENCO)

Houstone School; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Houstone School seeks an exceptional SENDCo to join the leadership team and advance our SEND provision, building robust systems and coaching staff to ensure every pupil thrives. This role blends strategic leadership with practical implementation, suitable for a highly organized leader who believes in inclusive, high-expectation education.

You will work with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team, enjoying significant support while retaining autonomy to lead, innovate and drive improvement.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and NASENCO or NPQ for SENDCo are required.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to work with SLT and staff.
• Experience building SEND systems and improving pupil outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of SEND provision across the school.
• Ensure statutory requirements and SEND Code of Practice are implemented.
• Develop robust systems for identifying, assessing, tracking and supporting pupils with SEND.
• Maintain accurate SEND records and documentation.
• Collaborate with teachers to secure high-quality adaptive teaching.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Strategic thinking

Education

QTS & NASENCO or NPQ for SENDCo

Job description

SENDCo

We are seeking an exceptional SENDCo to join our leadership team and lead the next stage of development of SEND provision at Houstone School.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious and highly organised leader to shape and develop an outstanding SEND department within a school that has uncompromisingly high expectations for every child. We are looking for a SENDCo who shares our belief that all pupils, regardless of need or starting point, deserve access to an exceptional education and who is excited by the opportunity to build systems, develop staff expertise and ensure that every pupil can thrive. This role combines strategic leadership with the opportunity to create lasting impact for pupils, families and staff.

At Houstone School, we are building a culture defined by excellence, warmth and consistency. We believe that great schools are built on clear routines, strong relationships and relentless attention to detail. Our SEND provision is central to this vision, and the successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that true inclusion is not an add-on, but a fundamental part of our school culture.

You will work closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team, receiving significant support whilst also having autonomy to lead, innovate and drive improvement. This is a role for someone who enjoys creating systems, improving practice and building capacity in others. Whether you are an experienced SENDCo looking for a new challenge or an ambitious leader with a strong SEND background, you will find a team that is supportive, highly aspirational and committed to your success.

Key Duties

• Lead the strategic development of SEND provision across the school.
• Ensure that statutory requirements and the SEND Code of Practice are implemented effectively.
• Develop robust systems for identifying, assessing, tracking and supporting pupils with SEND.
• Maintain accurate and compliant SEND records and documentation.
• Work closely with teachers to secure high-quality adaptive teaching and Quality First Teaching.
• Lead, coach and develop support staff to maximise their impact on pupil outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, external agencies and local authority services.
• Monitor the progress and attainment of pupils with SEND and evaluate the impact of provision.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement as a key leader within the school.
• Deliver high-quality professional development to colleagues.
• Promote a culture where all staff take collective responsibility for the success of pupils with additional needs.

The successful candidate will

• Have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) & (NASENCO) or National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators.
• Be passionate about inclusion and ambitious for every pupil.
• Have exceptionally high expectations of pupil achievement and behaviour.
• Be highly organised, meticulous and able to establish effective systems and processes.
• Have the vision and drive to build an outstanding SEND department.
• Be a strong communicator who can work effectively with pupils, staff, parents and external agencies.
• Demonstrate resilience, professionalism and sound judgement.
• Be committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Share the school's belief that excellent teaching is the most powerful tool for improving outcomes for young people.

Why Join Houstone School?

• The opportunity to build and shape an excellent SEND department.
• Direct support, coaching, and investment from the Principal and Senior Leadership Team as well as Trust Leaders.
• A culture of exceptionally high expectations for behaviour, attendance, achievement and inclusion.
• A highly organised school where strong systems and routines enable staff and pupils to flourish.
• A commitment to evidence-informed practice and high-quality professional development.
• The opportunity to make a transformational difference to the lives of children and families.
• The chance to contribute to a growing school with a clear vision and ambitious future.

JOB SPECIFICS

Start date: January 2027 or asap

Salary: AS Leadership 1-6 £52,257- £59,118 dependent on experience

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding and welfare of children is paramount and all our staff share this view. Applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding and child protection checks including with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.