Job Title
SENCo
Location
Avonside School, Bristol BS4 5PS
Hours
40 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Salary
Up to £52,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
Contract
Permanent | Term Time Only
Start Date
May 2026
Eligibility
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
The SENCo plays a strategic and operational leadership role in ensuring that pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive high‑quality, personalised support that enables them to thrive. Working closely with the Headteacher and therapy team, the SENCo will shape and deliver the school’s SEND strategy, ensuring statutory compliance while promoting inclusive, adaptive teaching across the school. The role requires strong collaboration with staff, families, governors and external agencies to secure the best possible outcomes for pupils and to uphold the school’s responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development, implementation and review of the SEND policy and annual improvement plan, ensuring effective provision for pupils with EHC plans and alignment with the school’s wider development priorities.
* Advise staff on the graduated approach, differentiation and targeted interventions; monitor patterns of identification and progress data to strengthen inclusive, high‑quality teaching.
* Oversee baselining, screening and ongoing assessment processes; maintain accurate SEND records and detailed progress documentation to evidence impact and inform planning.
* Act as the key point of contact for parents/carers, the local authority and external agencies; facilitate smooth transitions between settings and ensure clear, consistent communication across all stakeholders.
* Coordinate and, where appropriate, deliver targeted intervention programmes, particularly in literacy and numeracy; contribute to the review and development of teaching and learning policies to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
* Ensure the school meets statutory duties, including Equality Act responsibilities and access arrangements; identify staff training needs and contribute to whole‑school CPD relating to SEND and inclusive practice.
Qualifications & Experience
* SENCo qualification (preferred)
* A sound understanding of the complexity of special educational needs
* A calm and positive attitude to all aspects of school life
About You
* Strong strategic and operational leadership skills
* Excellent collaboration and communication abilities
* Knowledge of statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010
About Us
Avonside School is a brand‑new specialist school in Bristol for young people with SEMH, autism, and associated needs. It prioritises wellbeing, personal growth and academic progress, offering hands‑on vocational pathways in construction, hair and beauty, hospitality, art, IT, and other practical skills. The school aims to empower every pupil to gain confidence, resilience and the skills needed for further education, employment and adult life.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful candidates to a fully enhanced DBS. We provide life assurance; a pension scheme with contribution options; mental health support; and a flexible benefits platform. Other benefits include numerous UK and international discounts, cycle‑to‑work and electric car purchase schemes, critical illness cover, and enhanced maternity/paternity leave with paid fertility treatment support.
Application Process
This role is open for applications until the position is filled. All selected candidates will undergo the necessary safeguarding checks and compliance checks required by law.
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