SENDCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, enthusiastic and outstanding teacher to join our Senior Leadership team as a SENDCo.

The SENDCo will work alongside the Senior Leadership Team to determine the strategic development of the special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in school. We would welcome applications from experienced SENDCOs or those with a passion for SEND, a willingness to make a difference in this role, both for themselves and for the school.

Start date:       September 2025

FTE:                  0.6 – 3 days per week

Salary:              MPR/UPR plus SENDCo allowance 

Our School:

Westgate CP School, a happy and successful community where the children are at the heart of all we do. Westgate CP School is a special place to learn.

We pride ourselves on being a truly inclusive school that is part of the community and where our pupils feel safe and cared for. We aim to create a happy, secure and stimulating environment where all members of our school community can grow in self-esteem and develop their full potential.

Westgate CP School is a successful, caring school, where each child is valued as an individual with a unique personality and talents to be developed and celebrated.

We are committed to helping all children attain their full potential and become independent learners who enjoy the wide curriculum offered to them. However, our school also provides all pupils with exemplary pastoral care, which enables them to be highly motivated learners and to feel safe and valued. We aim to promote each child’s social and emotional growth, self-awareness and self-esteem and to celebrate the physical, spiritual and creative development of each child in our care.

We believe that a child’s education is a partnership between home and school and are extremely proud of our unwavering desire to help our pupils and families. We have a team of highly-dedicated staff and governors who work closely together to ensure that each of our children feel valued, safe, happy and inspired to learn.

As SENDCo, you will need:

• Qualified teacher status, a degree and a National Award for SEN Co-ordination or are in the process of working towards this or a desire to start the qualification straight away. Funding may be available for this.

The SENDCo, under the direction of the headteacher, will:

• Determine the strategic development of Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy and provision in the school.
• Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability.
• Provide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and other agencies. 
• While the SENDCo will have responsibility for the oversight of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability, class teachers will hold responsibility for the day-to-day education and support of pupils within their classroom.

The successful candidate will:

• Be an exceptional teacher and leader who is committed to providing the highest standards of provision for all pupils, including those with SEND.
• Be an outstanding role model with drive and enthusiasm who will inspire and motivate our school family.
• Is experienced in tracking, monitoring and reporting of children’s progress.
• Be a highly motivated and creative individual who is committed to developing pupil potential and raising achievement.
• Be able to plan and organise their workload and communicate effectively with different members of the school community and outside agencies.
• Have a good understanding of the EYFS, KS1 and KS2 curriculum.
• Be open to new ideas, committed to working as part of a team and of course have a good sense of humour.
• Be a team player committed to collaborative working and can inspire our staff, children and parents.
• Be able to adapt and respond appropriately to challenging situations.
• Have strong moral and ethical principles and values.
• Act with the utmost integrity.
• Be committed to safeguarding
• Be able to adapt and respond appropriately to challenging situations

Operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of provision

• Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map.
• Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with SEN or a disability, and advise on the graduated approach to SEN support.
• Advise on the use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively, including staff deployment.
• Be aware of the provision in the local offer.
• Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and other external agencies.
• Be a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority (LA).
• Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability.
• Implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN, and evaluate their effectiveness.

Support for pupils with SEN or a disability:

• Identify a pupil’s SEN
• Co-ordinate provision that meets the pupil’s needs, and monitor its effectiveness
• Secure relevant services for the pupil
• Ensure records are maintained and kept up to date
• Review the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with parents or carers and the pupil
• Communicate regularly with parents/carers
• Ensure if the pupil transfers to another school, all relevant information is conveyed to that school, and support a smooth transition for the pupil
• Promote the pupil’s inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
• Work with the designated teacher for looked-after children (LAC), where a looked-after pupil has SEN or a disability.

We can offer you:

• A vibrant, diverse and friendly community.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Happy, confident and motivated children who enjoy learning.
• A school that cares for and nurtures every member of our school family.
• The opportunity to be part of a friendly, successful and happy school team.
• Dedicated staff and governors.
• An excellent partnership with families.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. 

To arrange a visit or for an informal discussion about the role, please contact Annie Drugan (School Business Manager) via email: annie.drugan@westgatecp.co.uk phone 01284 755988.  

Completing your application

Candidates are asked to complete all the standard information required on the application form, including a supporting statement addressing all of the points clearly, as detailed within the Person Specification for this post.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification.  Our job applicants’ privacy notice and safeguarding statement can be found here:

https://www.westgatecp.co.uk/vacancies/

Please send completed applications to:

annie.drugan@westgatecp.co.uk

Application Deadline

Completed online application forms must be received by Midday Wednesday 4^th June

Interview date: Monday 9^th June