Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo)

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) with SLT Responsibilities 
Salary: Main Pay Scale to Upper Pay Scale (Depending on Experience) 
MPR 1-6 £31,650 - £43,606 / UPR 1-3 £45,646 - £49,084
Teaching & Learning Responsibility Pay: TLR 2b £5,647
Contract: Permanent (52 weeks)
15 – Hours
Start Date – 28th April 2025

Kirkby Church of England Primary School are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) to join our vibrant and inclusive team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated professional with a passion for supporting students with special educational needs to make a positive impact on their educational journey.

Purpose of the Role:
To coordinate the provision of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) within the school, ensuring that all students with additional needs are fully supported in their academic, social, and emotional development. The SENDCo will work closely with teachers, parents, external agencies, and senior leadership to ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and provide an inclusive educational environment.

The SENDCo has an important role to play in determining he strategic development of SEND policy and provision in school, and in the day-to-day coordination of specific provision that is made to support individual pupils with SEND. 

To be most effective in their role, it is recommended that they should be part of the SLT. As such, they should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and experience of school management and leadership, as well as their ability to liaise and work with others to achieve equality of opportunity for all pupils at the school, including those identified with SEND.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Management:
•    Lead the provision of high-quality SEND support throughout the school.
•    Work closely with teaching staff to develop and implement individual learning plans for students with SEND.
•    Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure that the needs of students with SEND are met.
•    Provide guidance and support to staff on strategies and interventions for SEND students.
•    Monitor and evaluate the progress of students with SEND, adjusting support as necessary.
•    Oversee the allocation of resources to ensure that SEND provisions are effective and well managed.
•    Ensure compliance with all legal requirements regarding SEND provision.
•    Lead the development and implementation of the school’s SEND policy and ensure it is compliant with the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
•    Oversee the identification, assessment, and provision for students with SEND.
•    Contribute to the school's strategic vision for inclusive education.
•    Monitor the effectiveness of SEND provision and ensure continuous improvement in SEND practice.
•    Manage the SEND budget and ensure resources are allocated efficiently.

SEND Provision and Support:
•    Coordinate and oversee the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), SEND support plans, and other relevant documentation for students with SEND.
•    Provide expert advice to teaching staff regarding best practices and interventions for students with SEND.
•    Work closely with subject leaders to ensure adaptive teaching and that students with SEND have full access to the curriculum.
•    Support the development of strategies for students with specific SEND needs such as dyslexia, autism, ADHD, physical disabilities, or sensory impairments.

Staff Training and Development:
•    Provide training and guidance to staff on issues related to SEND, including legal requirements, differentiation techniques, and evidence-based interventions.
•    Promote a culture of inclusion by embedding SEND awareness in staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
•    Support new staff members in understanding the school’s SEND policy and procedures.

Communication and Collaboration with External Agencies:
•    Liaise with external agencies such as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, and local authority SEND services to ensure the best support for students.
•    Ensure the appropriate referrals are made to external professionals for further assessment and support when necessary.
•    Support the preparation and implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for students as needed.

Parental Engagement:
•    Develop strong partnerships with parents and carers of students with SEND, keeping them informed of their child's progress and any concerns.
•    Organise and facilitate meetings with parents and external professionals to discuss and plan support for students with SEND.
•    Ensure regular communication between home and school to provide continuity of support.

Monitoring and Reporting:
•    Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of students with SEND, ensuring timely interventions and adjustments.
•    Track student outcomes and report on SEND data to the Senior Leadership Team and governing body.
•    Ensure accurate and up-to-date record-keeping of SEND provision and progress.

Policy Compliance and Safeguarding:
•    Ensure compliance with all relevant SEND legislation, local authority guidelines, and the SEND Code of Practice.
•    Promote a safeguarding culture within the school, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable students are met.
•    Lead on the annual review of SEND policies and practices to ensure they align with current best practices and legal requirements.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications & Experience:
•    Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
•    National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) 
•    Experience of working with students with a wide range of SEND needs.
•    Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
•    Experience in a teaching or leadership role, with a focus on supporting students with SEND.
•    Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and current educational policies relating to SEND.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with students, parents, and professionals.
•    Strong organisational and leadership abilities, with a commitment to inclusion and equality.
•    Ability to monitor and track the progress of SEND students, implementing strategies for improvement.

Skills & Knowledge:
•    Excellent understanding of different types of SEND, including autism, dyslexia, and physical disabilities.
•    Ability to assess and monitor student progress effectively and implement appropriate interventions.
•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with students, staff, parents, and external agencies.
•    Ability to manage and allocate resources effectively.
•    Strong organisational and time-management skills.

Desirable:
•    Experience of working with students who have complex needs.
•    Knowledge of managing EHCPs (Education, Health, and Care Plans).
•    Experience in delivering SEND training and development to staff.

Other Information:
•    A commitment to promoting an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
•    Ability to work collaboratively within schools’ ethos.
•    Regular training and professional development opportunities will be provided.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended as required. It represents the key duties and responsibilities associated with the role of SENDCo at Kirkby Church of England Primary School.

Why Join Us:
At Kirkby Church of England Primary School, we are committed to providing the best possible education for all students, ensuring they reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every child is supported in their learning journey.

We can offer you:
•    Colleagues who want to do their best for the pupils.
•    Enthusiastic, well-behaved children who want to learn.
•    A happy, positive, vibrant working environment.
•    Talented, enthusiastic and supportive colleagues who are committed to continuous improvement. 
•    A broad and balanced curriculum in all year groups.

If you are a passionate SENDCo looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you. 

How to Apply:

Application form can be downloaded from the school website: https://www.kirkbycofe.co.uk 

please email completed applications to the school email address kirkbyce.school@knowsley.gov.uk 

Closing date of applications: 14/03/2025
Shortlisting: 17/03/2025
Interviews: 24/03/2025

Visits to school are welcomed from 03/03/2025 – 07/03/2025 from 9.30am – 11.30am and 1.30pm – 2.30pm. to arrange a school visit please email kirkbyce.school@knowsley.gov.uk 

Kirkby C of E Primary School is committed to safeguarding, to promoting the welfare of our children and adhering to the Equality Act 2010. In joining our school, you will join a team of dedicated professionals, committed to safe-guarding children and their families’. The successful candidate will be required t6o undertake and enhance Disclosure and Baring Service Check. To comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 al prospective employees will be required to supply evidence of edibility to work in the UK. By engaging in this recruitment process, shortlisted candidates consent to an online search in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Statutory Guidance 2022