Assistant Headteacher - SENCO (SEND Lead) Primary School, Accrington Start date: April 2026 (or sooner) Exclusively managed by Veritas Education Salary: Leadership Scale L8 - L12 (£61,836 - £68,233) About the Role An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for SEND (SENCO) to join a highly regarded Primary School in Accrington. This pivotal leadership position offers the chance to shape and deliver outstanding provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities, while playing a key strategic role within the Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will work closely with the Inclusion Manager (Deputy Headteacher) to drive high standards of inclusion, teaching, and learning across the school - ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage the school's SEND provision, working in partnership with the Inclusion Manager, SENDCo Assistant, and Inclusion Team. Provide professional leadership and ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning, and support for pupils with SEND. Oversee and develop SEND CPD for all staff, ensuring training needs are identified and addressed. Monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress, attainment, and provision for pupils with SEND. Support the Leadership Team with school improvement planning, self-evaluation, and governance reporting. Ensure the school's SEND provision fully meets statutory requirements, including the SEND Code of Practice. Facilitate EHCP annual reviews and ensure effective assessment, intervention, and referrals to external agencies. Champion adaptive learning, inclusion, and the development of an engaging, responsive curriculum. Foster strong relationships with parents, carers, external agencies, and the wider community to enhance pupil outcomes and wellbeing. Skills and Qualifications Essential: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS, QTLS, PGCE, or equivalent). Proven track record of outstanding teaching and effective SEND practice in a mainstream or special school setting. Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to manage staff and drive school improvement. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships with all stakeholders. Desirable: National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or willingness to complete within 18 months. Accredited training in specific areas of SEND (e.g. Autism, Dyslexia). Management or leadership qualification. Experience of carrying out the full SENCO role. Why Join This School? A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team committed to inclusive education. A culture of collaboration, professional development, and continuous improvement. The opportunity to make a significant impact on pupils' lives and whole-school SEND strategy. Excellent support and guidance provided by Veritas Education throughout the recruitment and onboarding process. To apply: For a confidential discussion about the role or to express your interest, please contact Veritas Education. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained You must have legal right to work in the UK You must be willing to attend a registration interviewVeritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these. Disclaimer 'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community