Special Educational Needs & Disability Coordinator (SENDCo)
Compass Community puts children first through a therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.
About the role
Exciting opportunity for an experienced SENDCo to work with a caseload of pupils across a number of schools, supporting Head Teachers and Executive Head Teachers to meet our vision to create ‘Exceptional Schools’. Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. The work is varied, challenging, and, as a trauma and attachment‑informed organisation, all staff receive extensive therapeutic training and support.
The staffing structure around our family of schools means that Regional SENDCos are well supported, allowing them to focus on what is important. An Assistant Director and a Lead SENDCo will support decision‑making and problem‑solving. Regional SENDCos will hold responsibility for a caseload of pupils over a number of schools. Executive Head Teachers or Head Teachers are in post at every school. Admin and compliance teams keep things running smoothly, a specialist Head of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum drives the quality of education, and you will also work with a broader team of Regional SENDCos across the country.
Responsibilities
The SENDCo will lead the support of effective teaching and learning across all allocated sites, aiding children to overcome barriers to education and atypical learning journeys. SENDCos must be hands‑on, solution‑focused, and child‑centred – observing children in class and at leisure to provide feedback, support and advice. They will manage Annual Reviews of EHCPs as well as assessments and applications across a range of LA teams.
* Quality assurance of SEND provision in allocated schools.
* Review of caseload of EHCPs by statutory deadlines.
* Exam access arrangements.
The Regional SENDCo will:
* Oversee and map SEND provision in Compass Schools in their region.
* Advise on screening of new admissions alongside Head Teachers.
* Ensure appropriate baseline and progress data is collected and monitored for all pupils.
* Liaise with involved professionals to ensure assessment is accessed to identify, investigate and meet SEND needs.
* Maintain the SEND register and summary SEND information for all pupils in the region.
* Work closely with Executive Heads, Head Teachers, and Therapeutic Pastoral Leads to ensure EHCPs are followed so that pupils’ needs are met.
* Set up ILP templates and check these are appropriately reviewed.
* Ensure recommended strategies and interventions are implemented by Teachers and Support staff via ILP production and maintenance.
* Ensure statutory EHCP review deadlines are met by holding Annual Reviews and liaising with Local authorities and all involved parties.
* Ensure Compass policy and processes are followed, using the appropriate Compass templates directed by the National SEND Lead.
* Visit allocated schools in person regularly each term to carry out learning walks, book looks and inspection of ILPs alongside Head teachers to quality‑assure SEND provision by Teachers and support staff.
* Deliver CPD and training as indicated by quality assurance checks and needs of pupils.
* Communicate with Teachers to identify and write applications for Exam access arrangements.
* Ensure Assessment for access arrangements where appropriate is completed in a timely manner using identified Compass assessors.
* Maintain access arrangement records for exam centres within the region, working with Exam Officers to make applications and put adjustments in place for exams.
* While the Regional SENDCo will have broad responsibility for the oversight of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability, class teachers hold responsibility for the day‑to‑day education and support and progress of pupils within their classrooms.
Person Specification
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
* Holds an appropriate SENDCo qualification such as PGCiPP, NASENDCo, or similar, or has experience in a SENDCO role and is willing to undertake NPQ SENDCo qualification within 2 years of taking up the post.
* Proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice.
* Excellent, efficient and emotionally intelligent communication skills.
* Sound working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
* Strong desire to work inclusively within an emotionally literate environment, supporting children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
* Experience of crisis‑management, managing challenging behaviours and working with children with SEMH difficulties.
* Ambition to progress professionally within an expanding, child‑centred national organisation.
* Experience of effective working with hard‑to‑reach or disengaged families.
Benefits and Rewards
* Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities.
* Small class sizes with specialist TA support.
* Chance to be part of an expanding national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential.
* Enhanced occupational sickness scheme.
* Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision.
* Life assurance scheme.
* Engagement and retention budgets for every staff member.
* Cashback for various medical appointments & treatments including optical and dental with MediCash.
* Win up to £150 per month in our REACH awards.
* Receive £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years) and £600 (10 years) service awards, plus up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice.
* Salary sacrifice schemes, including childcare vouchers, technology and cycle‑to‑work.
Safeguarding
Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use. All school‑based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.
Equal Opportunity
Compass is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences to support our children and young people.
About You
Not specified.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Education and Training | Industries: Individual and Family Services
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