Job Description

SENDCO

Job Title:

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCO) with possible teaching duties

Maximum of 35 students on roll.

Reports to:

Headteacher

Contract Type:

Full time or part time, negotiable

Salary:

Dependent on experience and qualifications

Mainscale to UPS3 + TLR 2679 - 5285

Overview:

The Horizon School is a nurturing and ambitious alternative provision, currently servingstudents in Key Stages 3 and 4 who face barriers to success in mainstream education. We are preparing to expand our offer to include younger pupils at KS2. We are seeking apassionate and resilient SENDCo to play a vital role in shaping inclusive and high-impactsupport for pupils with SEND across the school.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and evolve our SEND provision in a flexible, highly personalised environment following the Graduated Approach. The post may include a teaching element depending on experience, expertise, and school need.

Main Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership of SEND:

? Lead the strategic development of the school's SEND policy and provision.

? Develop a culture of inclusion, emotional safety, and ambition for all pupils.

? Contribute to the school improvement plan with a strong SEND lens.

? Be a member of or work closely with the senior leadership team (SLT), influencing

whole-school decisions related to SEND.

Operational Responsibilities:

? Coordinate and monitor day-to-day provision for pupils with SEND, including those

with EHCPs and those on the SEN register.

? Liaise closely with teachers, learning mentors, and behaviour support staff to ensure

joined-up and impactful support.

? Maintain accurate records and oversee EHCP reviews and referrals.

? Ensure full statutory compliance, including the SEND Code of Practice and Equality

Act 2010.

Pupil-Centred Planning and Support:

? Champion a flexible, trauma-informed, and relational approach to support the diverse

needs of our learners.

? Work closely with external agencies including educational psychologists, CAMHS,

social workers, and health professionals.

? Lead on the development and monitoring of personalised learning plans, risk

assessments, and support strategies.

? Ensure student voice is central in the planning and review of provision.

Staff Development and Support:

? Provide training, guidance and coaching to staff to support effective classroom

practice for pupils with SEND.

? Lead and manage any learning support staff or pastoral teams linked to SEND.

? Promote high expectations and consistent approaches across the school.

? Encourage reflective practice and continuous professional development related to

SEND and inclusion.

Parental Engagement and Transition:

? Build strong, trusting relationships with families, offering clear communication and

meaningful involvement.

? Support transitions into and out of the provision, including reintegration to

mainstream or onward placements.

? Represent the school in multi-agency meetings and ensure effective action planning

from these engagements.

Person Specification:

Qualifications and Training:

? QTS and experience teaching or working with young people with SEND (required).

? NASENCO qualification (or willingness to complete within 3 years).

? Relevant safeguarding training.

? Experience working in alternative provision or a similar setting is desirable.

Skills and Experience:

? Proven experience working with pupils with complex needs, SEMH, and/or

behavioural challenges.

? Deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and graduated approach.

? Ability to write and implement high-quality support plans and EHCP reviews.

? Confident working collaboratively with staff teams, families, and external

professionals.

? Evidence of improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.

Personal Qualities:

? Resilient, compassionate, and solution-focused.

? Able to remain calm and authoritative in challenging situations.

? Committed to promoting equality, safeguarding, and the best interests of every pupil.

? Strong communicator and team player, able to influence and inspire others.

Additional Information:

? This is a dynamic role in a developing school. The successful candidate will need to

be flexible, creative, and ready to shape systems and culture from the ground up.

? Teaching responsibilities may be part of the role depending on need and the

strengths of the successful applicant.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 39,880.00-55,687.29 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 23/05/2025