Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo)

White Rose Academies Trust; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Leeds seeks a dedicated SENDCo to enhance inclusion for students with special educational needs. The successful candidate will shape SEND policy, monitor student progress, and lead a team dedicated to providing exceptional support. This role offers strong organizational support and the opportunity to positively impact students' lives. Applicants should have Qualified Teacher Status and relevant experience in special education.

Benefits

Access to funded professional qualifications

Protected time for professional development

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in leading SEND policy development and implementation.
• Proven track record in inclusive education practices.
• Ability to work with various stakeholders including families and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Shape and implement effective SEND policies.
• Lead the SEND team to ensure high standards of learning.
• Monitor progress and provide timely intervention.

Skills

Special Educational Needs expertise

Strong leadership skills

Ability to track student progress

Experience with intervention programs

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Relevant qualifications in Special Education

Job description

Overview

Leeds East Academy is a thriving 11-16 school committed to transforming the lives of young people through education. Rooted in values of resilience, integrity, trust, and ambition, the academy fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to excel, regardless of their background. As part of the White Rose Academies Trust, the school is dedicated to delivering a world-class education, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its students and embracing innovative approaches to learning.

Recognised by Ofsted in 2024 for its strong leadership, positive student behaviour, and personal development opportunities, Leeds East Academy has undergone remarkable improvement in recent years. The school is driven by the belief that every child can achieve exceptional outcomes. More than just a place of learning, the academy nurtures and inspires students, equipping them with the skills and character to succeed in life and contribute positively to society.

We are committed to investing in our staff and supporting their continuous professional growth. As part of our Trust, colleagues have access to a range of nationally recognised qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6, fully funded by the organisation. We provide protected time during the working week to enable staff to complete these qualifications successfully, ensuring professional development is both achievable and meaningful. This commitment reflects our belief in nurturing talent and supporting career progression across all roles within the Trust.

Leeds East Academy is part of White Rose Academies Trust, a local trust dedicated to raising aspirations and unlocking the potential of young people across Leeds. Together, we are committed to delivering a world-class education and creating life-changing opportunities for all.

Role

You will be the named SENDCo, supported by the Assistant Principal for Inclusion & Provision (currently acting as SENDCo), who will move to a new role once the successful candidate is appointed. You’ll receive strong support to shape SEND development and implement the SEND policy effectively. This opportunity arises as Leeds East Academy strengthens its unwavering commitment to fostering inclusion and provision for pupils with SEND through further embedding its systems, structures and infrastructure for pupils with SEND.

You will be steadfast in driving the vision statement for SEND at Leeds East Academy; we aim to provide a provision which is exceptional and inclusive, providing a learning environment where students feel valued, respected, and included. A commitment to inclusion and equity is rooted in the belief that diversity is a strength and that every student, regardless of their abilities or background, deserves equal access to high-quality support and outcomes.

Working with the Assistant Principal for Inclusion & Provision, you will carefully track and monitor the progress of these students to plan and implement a timely and highly effective programme of intervention and support, utilising and engaging with high-quality internal resources and external agencies to provide a robust graduated approach. You will lead on casework and direct the SEND Team and members of the wider student support team in compiling evidence and advising families of the process for statutory assessment, establishing, monitoring and reviewing SEND intervention and ensuring high standards of learning and achievement for all students.