Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO)

Compass Community; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff laptop

Training & qualifications

Small class sizes

Career progression

Sick pay scheme

Supervision

Wellbeing services

Salary sacrifice discounts

Job summary

Compass Community Limited is seeking a dedicated Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO) to lead SEND provision across our schools. You will drive inclusive teaching strategies, support SEMH needs, and collaborate with families and professionals to raise attainment.

You will coordinate Annual Reviews, manage EHCP processes, and work with regional leaders to ensure high educational outcomes for pupils with diverse needs. A commitment to trauma-informed practice is essential.

Qualifications

• QTS must be held and SENCO qualification or willingness to attain within two years.
• Proven track record of good or outstanding teaching.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive practice.
• Experience managing challenging behaviours and SEMH needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead effective teaching and learning across all sites and support pupils to overcome barriers to education.
• Observe pupils in lessons and guide colleagues across sites.
• Coordinate Annual Reviews and manage EHCP processes.
• Liaise with Local Authorities and external professionals to secure best outcomes.

Skills

QTS

SENCO qualification

Excellent teaching

Communication skills

SEND Code of Practice

ACEs awareness

Behaviour management

Professional development

Education

SENCO qualification (NASENCo, PGCiPP or equivalent)

Job description

Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO)

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many also have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism, ADHD and communication difficulties.

The work we do is varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment-informed organisation, all staff receive extensive therapeutic training and support.

Our child-centred approach brings together education and therapy professionals, parents and carers, local authority teams and students to secure positive outcomes.

The Role

The SENCO is a key member of the regional Senior Leadership Team. We are looking for a practitioner who shares our vision and can embody our values in every decision and interaction with students, families and professionals.

Our staffing structure ensures SENCOs are well supported. Regional Executive Head Teachers provide strategic oversight, while each school has its own Head Teacher. Dedicated administration and compliance teams support operational processes, and a specialist Head of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum drives educational quality. You will also work closely with a national network of SENCOs across Compass Community.

The SENCO will lead effective teaching and learning support across all sites, helping children overcome barriers to education and progress through often atypical learning journeys.

This is a hands‑on, child‑centred role. You will observe pupils in lessons and during less structured times, providing guidance and support to colleagues. You will coordinate Annual Reviews, manage EHCP processes, undertake assessments and liaise with Local Authorities and external professionals to secure the best outcomes for children.

The Right Person

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• SENCO qualification (NASENCo, PGCiPP or equivalent), or experience in a SENCO role and willingness to complete the qualification within two years.
• Proven track record of good or outstanding teaching.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Commitment to inclusive practice within an emotionally literate environment.
• Understanding of the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
• Experience managing challenging behaviours and supporting children with SEMH needs.
• Ambition to develop professionally within a growing organisation.
• Experience working effectively with disengaged or hard‑to‑reach families.

Benefits and Rewards

• Staff laptop and mobile phone.
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities.
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support.
• Opportunity to join a growing national organisation that develops future leaders.
• Enhanced occupational sickness scheme.
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision.
• Employee benefits package including wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street discounts and savings on eating out and takeaways.

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close this advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Successful applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS Check or Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Safer recruitment checks, including social media screening, will also apply.

All school‑based staff are responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Staff must be familiar with and work in accordance with the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy at all times.

Compass is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We recognise that a workforce made up of people with different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences strengthens our ability to support children and young people and achieve outstanding outcomes.