Job Description

In order to be considered for this role, you will need to complete our application form which can be found here: https://www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk/about/vacancies/application-forms. This will need to be returned to hr@wealdgs.org by the application deadline.

Employment Status:

Permanent

Full Time/Part Time:

Full Time

Salary:

L10

Start Date:

January 2026/Easter (negotiable)

We are looking to appoint an outstanding Lead SENDCo and teacher who is aware of the key barriers to learning and how to support with adaptive practice. The successful candidate will have an impressive track record in ensuring that teaching, learning and assessment are wholly inclusive in a grammar school school setting.

The Lead SENDCo is committed to delivering the school's vision and high ambitions for the school's future. Through working closely with all staff they are responsible for the development, monitoring and evaluation of the school's Special Educational Needs Policy. The Lead SENDCo ensures that the day-to-day operation of that policy results in raising students' achievement and closing the gap. In addition, the Lead SENDCo is responsible for supporting policy and ensuring practice across the organisation meets the needs of all learners. The Lead SENDCo communicates to others clearly and regularly about the strategic direction in this area and supports teachers in establishing effective approaches to Quality First Teaching. In particular, they ensure that the systems and profiles they introduce are understood and embedded in the everyday work of the school. The Lead SENDCo seeks to challenge underperformance and remove barriers to inclusion and achievement. The Lead SENDCo is an outstanding teacher who consistently models Professional Standards. They actively seek out best practice and inspire others to continue to improve. The Lead SENDCo actively supports the activities of the school community and the wider community it serves.

The Learning Support Team are focused and hard-working individuals, who work together to ensure our students feel valued and can make good progress. It is made up of the Lead SENDCo, three learning Mentors and one other SENDCO. The team work closely with the Student Support team and together lead on all inclusion matters in the school, supporting the teaching, learning and assessment of our students ensuring that 'Quality First Teaching' is delivered for all. The well-being of our students is a key priority for the school, and the Learning Support Team are at the forefront of our provision for student support. The team is highly regarded by all stakeholders and is known for the excellence of its delivery and outcomes for all of our students.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities for Lead SENDCO

Leadership of the School's SENDCO provision as directed by SLT.

Line Management of SENDCO

Develop and monitor systems of guidance and support designed to assist staff in maximising student participation and attainment.

Raise awareness and understanding of SEND strategies across the school to enable teachers to be more effective in teaching students on the SEND register.

Lead whole school work on SEND

Assess and support SEND admissions and assessments, disseminating information to HODs and HOYs and monitoring provision.

Lead professional development through example; support and co-ordinate the provision of SEND professional development for staff in school.

Work with HODs, HOYs, parents, community groups, schools, local and national bodies, teaching and non-teaching staff, LA SEN team.

Oversee the administration and implementation of Access Arrangements in collaboration with the SEND and Examinations Team.

Represent the School's views and interests at relevant meetings.

Ensure effective and timely communication/consultation, as appropriate, with SLT, teaching staff, support agencies and the parents and carers of students.

Ensure that SEND commitments are effectively and efficiently time-tabled and roomed.

Promote and support teachers in raising students' skills and attainment across the curriculum.

Actively monitor and follow up progress as part of both our strategic aims and the operational delivery of the graduated approach.

Monitor and evaluate data to identify trends in performance and issues for development as part of the SEDP.

Identify, update and take appropriate action, on issues arising from data, systems, policies and reports.

Produce and analyse reports on SEND student performance, including the use of P8 and A8 data, behaviour, attendance and achievement.

Ensure that SEND quality procedures meet the requirements of the SEDP.

Report to SLT on SEND provision and influence the direction of strategic planning.

Be responsible for identifying the students that are at risk of being 'not in employment, education or training (NEET) who are from the SEND cohort.

Update any appropriate policies within SEND and ensure the SEND register is accurate and reviewed regularly.

To target interventions towards students who are regularly late to school and struggle with punctuality from the SEND cohort.

Maintain positive relationships with other stakeholders through parental engagement and attend Trustee meetings to provide updates, as required.

This job description is current at the date shown, but following consultation with you, may be changed by the Headteacher (or designated person) to reflect or anticipate changes in the job which are commensurate with the salary and job title.

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025, 9am

Shortlist Interview Date: Thursday 16 October 2025

Early applications are advised as the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. As this role involves 'regulated activity' with children the successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure application.? Employment will be conditional upon the College being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS check and the outcome of all other checks.

The School will also carry out a check of the Children's Barred List on the successful applicant. Applicants should be aware that it is unlawful for the School to employ anyone to work with children if they are barred from doing so, and it is a criminal offence for a person to apply to work with children if they are barred from doing so.

This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Trustee Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Appointments may be made where a suitable candidate is found prior to the closing date.

Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2JP (01732 373500)

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 64,691.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person