Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension fund contributions

Medical aid

Professional development

Collaborative teaching staff

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a well-regarded primary school in Vereeniging, Gauteng, to recruit an experienced Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO). The role focuses on leading SEN provision, developing IEPs, coordinating assessments, and supporting teachers and parents to foster an inclusive learning environment.

The successful candidate will have a teaching qualification with SEN specialization, plus postgraduate SEN coordination, and at least 5 years of teaching with 3 in SEN

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with a BEd specializing in SEN.
• Postgraduate qualification in SEN coordination is highly desirable.
• Minimum 5 years of teaching experience, with at least 3 years in SEN support.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and review the SEN policy and practice.
• Identify students who may have SEN and coordinate assessments.
• Liaise with parents/guardians to ensure effective communication.
• Advise teachers on differentiation and IEP implementation.
• Manage the implementation of IEPs for SEN students.
• Coordinate with external agencies and specialists for comprehensive support.
• Oversee SEN resources and support provision.
• Organize and deliver staff training on SEN matters.
• Maintain accurate records of students with SEN and interventions.
• Monitor SEN provision and contribute to school self‑evaluation.
• Champion an inclusive ethos within the school community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Safeguarding

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor of Education (SEN)

Postgraduate qualification in SEN coordination

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-regarded primary school in Vereeniging , Gauteng , is seeking an experienced and dedicated Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to lead their support services for students with diverse learning needs. This critical role involves overseeing the identification, assessment, and provision of support for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the tailored education required to thrive academically and socially. The SENCO will work closely with teachers, parents, external agencies, and the students themselves to develop and implement effective individual education plans (IEPs). This is a hands‑on, in‑person role focused on direct support and coordination within the school environment. You will be instrumental in fostering an inclusive culture where all students feel valued and supported to reach their full potential. The position requires a deep commitment to equitable education and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing barriers to learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and review the school's Special Education Needs (SEN) policy and practice.
• Identify students who may have special educational needs and coordinate appropriate assessment procedures.
• Liaise with parents/guardians to ensure effective communication and collaboration regarding their child's progress and support needs.
• Work closely with class teachers to provide advice and support in differentiating instruction and implementing IEPs.
• Manage the implementation of individual education plans (IEPs) for students with SEN.
• Coordinate with external agencies, specialists, and support services (e.g., educational psychologists, speech therapists) to ensure comprehensive support.
• Oversee the provision of resources and support for students with SEN.
• Organize and deliver training for staff on SEN-related matters.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of students with SEN, including progress, interventions, and support plans.
• Monitor the effectiveness of SEN provision and contribute to school self‑evaluation processes.
• Champion an inclusive ethos throughout the school community.

Requirements

• A recognized teaching qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Education) with a specialization or significant experience in Special Education Needs.
• A postgraduate qualification in SEN coordination or a related field is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, with at least 3 years in a role directly supporting students with SEN.
• Thorough understanding of national SEN legislation, policies, and best practices.
• Experience in developing and implementing IEPs and conducting needs assessments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, staff, and external professionals.
• Strong organizational and record‑keeping abilities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Vereeniging area.

Benefits

• A competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to lead and shape SEN provision in a supportive school environment.
• Continuous professional development opportunities in special education.
• Membership in a dedicated and collaborative teaching staff team.
• Contribution to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment in Gauteng .
• Pension fund contributions and medical aid benefits.