Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCo)

Hermitage Primary School; Crewe; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Hermitage Primary School invites an exceptional SENCo to lead inclusion and strategic SEND provision within our Senior Leadership Team. The role focuses on developing high-quality teaching, effective provision and strong partnerships with families and external professionals.

You will oversee identification, planning and review of SEND, including pupils in our Specialist Inclusion Base, while championing high expectations and safeguarding across the school.

Qualifications

• SENCo leadership with strategic SEND oversight.
• Experience promoting inclusive, high-quality teaching and adaptations.
• Ability to manage admissions, transitions and safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate provision for pupils with SEND in line with SEND Code of Practice and Regulations 2014.
• Provide strategic leadership, advice, support and professional development for staff.
• Oversee identification, assessment, planning, delivery and review of SEND provision with documentation and interventions.
• Monitor progress and use evidence to strengthen provision and practice.
• Collaborate with pupils, families, governors, LA, health professionals and other agencies.
• Support admissions and transitions for pupils with SEND, including those in Specialist Inclusion Base.
• Lead and support a team of staff and contribute to Senior Leadership Team.

Skills

SENCo leadership

Strategic SEND leadership

Inclusive teaching

Family communication

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NPQ for SENCO

Job description

Anopportunity to lead inclusion at Hermitage

Inclusion is at the heart of Hermitage Primary School. We are seekingan exceptional, knowledgeable and compassionate SENCo to join our Senior Leadership Team and providestrategic leadership for SEND and inclusion across our school.

The successful candidate will play a significant role in theadmission, inclusion and transition of pupils with SEND, including pupilswithin our Specialist Inclusion Base. Working closely with the Headteacher,Deputy Headteacher, staff, familiesand external professionals, the SENCo will champion high expectations, high-quality teaching and effectiveprovision so that every child can participate, achieve and thrive.

The role

• lead and co-ordinate the school’s provisionfor pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, in line with the SENDCode of Practice and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations2014;
• provide strategic leadership, advice,support and professional development for colleagues, promoting inclusive, high-quality teaching and effectivereasonable adjustments;
• oversee the identification, assessment, planning, delivery and review of SEND provision, including statutorydocumentation, applications, records and targeted interventions;
• monitor and evaluate the progress, attainment, participation and wider outcomes of pupils with SEND, using evidence to strengthen provisionand practice;
• work in partnership with pupils, parentsand carers, governors, the Local Authority, health professionals and otheragencies;
• support effective admissions and transitions for pupils with SEND, including those within the SpecialistInclusion Base;
• lead and supporta dedicated team of staffand contribute fullyto the work of the Senior Leadership Team;
• undertake the responsibilities of Designated Teacherfor looked-after and previously looked-after children (LAC/PLAC), with appropriate training and support; and
• make safeguarding and the welfare of children a central consideration in leadership, decision-making and day-to-day practice.
• isa qualified teacherand an excellent practitioner and leader, with substantial knowledge and experience of SEND and inclusive education;
• has a strong understanding of the needs of autistic pupils and other pupils with additional needs,and can translate this intoeffective classroom practice and provision;
• has excellent organisational skills and a high level of accuracywhen completing statutorydocumentation, applications and school records;
• can provide expert guidance,coaching and trainingto colleagues and promote consistently high expectations forpupils with SEND;
• can build productive relationships with families and work effectively with the Local Authority, healthservices and other professionals and settings;
• has strong knowledgeof the National Curriculum, adaptiveteaching and evidence-informed pedagogy;
• isambitious for vulnerable pupils and committedto improving their achievement, participation, wellbeing and enrichment;
• has experience of tracking, monitoring and evaluating outcomesfor pupils with SEND;
• communicates sensitively and effectively with pupils, parentsand carers, colleagues, governors and the wider school community; and
• is committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

We are lookingfor someone who

• isa qualified teacherand an excellent practitioner and leader, with substantial knowledge and experience of SEND and inclusive education;
• has a strong understanding of the needs of autistic pupils and other pupils with additional needs,and can translate this intoeffective classroom practice and provision;
• has excellent organisational skills and a high level of accuracywhen completing statutorydocumentation, applications and school records;
• can provide expert guidance,coaching and trainingto colleagues and promote consistently high expectations forpupils with SEND;
• can build productive relationships with families and work effectively with the Local Authority, healthservices and other professionals and settings;
• has strong knowledgeof the National Curriculum, adaptiveteaching and evidence-informed pedagogy;
• isambitious for vulnerable pupils and committedto improving their achievement, participation, wellbeing and enrichment;
• has experience of tracking, monitoring and evaluating outcomesfor pupils with SEND;
• communicates sensitively and effectively with pupils, parentsand carers, colleagues, governors and the wider school community; and
• is committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

SENCo qualification

Applicants must meet the statutory requirements for appointment as aSENCo. The National Professional Qualificationfor SENCOs (NPQ for SENCOs)is the mandatory SENCo qualification for new SENCoappointments from 1 September 2024, subject to the applicabletransitional arrangements. Where the successful candidate does not already holdan accepted mandatory SENCo qualification, they must complete the NPQ forSENCOs within the statutory timescale.

Safeguarding and safer recruitment

Hermitage Primary School is committedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff andvolunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is a core responsibility ofthis post. The role involves regular contact with children and is expected toconstitute regulated activity relevant to children.

Appointment will be subject to the school’s safer recruitmentprocedures and satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an enhancedDisclosure and BarringService (DBS) checkwith a check of the Children’s Barred

List, verification of identity and right to work in the UK, qualifications and professional status,employment history andreferences, and any other checks required by Keeping Children Safe in Education(KCSIE) 2026. Where applicable, additional overseas checks will be undertaken.

In line with KCSIE 2026, the schoolwill consider carryingout an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence. Any informationidentified that is relevant to suitability to work with children may beexplored with the candidate during the recruitment process.

Rehabilitation ofOffenders Act 1974: this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (asamended). Applicants are therefore required, at the appropriate stage of the recruitment process, to disclose relevant convictions and cautions, includingthose that would otherwise be regarded as spent, unless they are protectedunder the DBS filtering rules and therefore do not need to be disclosed. Acriminal record will not automatically prevent appointment; any information disclosed will be considered fairlyand only insofaras it is relevant to the role and safeguarding.

Equality, diversity and reasonable adjustments

Hermitage Primary School is committed to equality of opportunity andwelcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.We will not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment and selection and will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants in accordance with the EqualityAct 2010. If you require an adjustment to take part in anystage of the recruitment process, please contact the school office.

Closing date: Monday9 November 2026 at 12noon.

Interviews and selection activities for shortlisted candidates will take place at school during the week beginningMonday 16 November 2026.