Post Title: SENDCo
Reports to: Headteacher
Salary: UPS/ Leadership Scale Outer London (dependent on experience)
Location: Bexley
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Purpose of the Role
The SENDCo will play a key leadership role in shaping the strategic direction of the school, with specific responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Inclusion, and Additional Needs provision. This includes ensuring that all students—regardless of background or need—receive high-quality teaching, tailored support, and access to a broad, ambitious curriculum.
The role combines strategic leadership with operational responsibilities, making a significant impact on whole-school development while working directly with students, staff, families, and external agencies.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in developing and implementing the school’s vision, values, and improvement priorities.
* Lead on the school’s SEND and Inclusion strategy, ensuring compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act.
* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SEND provision, driving continuous improvement.
* Report regularly to Governors on SEND, inclusion, and safeguarding matters.
SENDCo Responsibilities
* Identify, assess, and review the needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
* Coordinate provision for pupils with SEND, including those with EHCPs, and oversee high-quality interventions.
* Work with classroom teachers to ensure adaptive teaching and appropriate scaffolding across all subjects.
* Manage and deploy support staff effectively to meet pupil needs.
* Lead and coordinate the statutory processes for EHCP applications, annual reviews, and transitions.
* Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external agencies.
Teaching, Learning & Assessment
* Maintain a teaching timetable (negotiated with the Headteacher) to model excellent practice.
* Promote high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment for pupils with SEND.
* Support staff with training and coaching in inclusive classroom strategies.
* Track progress and outcomes for pupils with SEND, using data to inform interventions.
Wider Leadership
* Lead on areas of whole-school responsibility as agreed (e.g., Safeguarding Deputy DSL, Pupil Premium, or Mental Health & Wellbeing).
* Contribute to staff recruitment, professional development, and performance management.
* Promote a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and respect across the school community.
* Deputise for the Headteacher as required.
Person Specification
Essential
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
* National Award for SEN Coordination (or willingness to achieve within 3 years).
* Proven track record of successful leadership in SEND and inclusion.
* Deep knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, Equality Act, and current educational policy.
* Experience of leading teams and developing staff practice.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships with pupils, families, staff, and external agencies.
* Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Desirable
* Experience as part of a school leadership team.
* Evidence of whole-school impact in raising standards and improving outcomes.
* Experience of managing budgets and resources related to SEND.
* Additional qualifications or training in specialist areas (e.g., autism, SEMH, speech and language).