Assistant SENCo

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant SENCo from 2nd November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You would be working in a unique federation of dynamic, high achieving cross-phase schools. You would be part of a friendly team in a well-resourced, popular and highly regarded school.

This role would suit an HLTA, TA, Teacher or Administrator who is used to dealing with a wide range of SEND issues and who is keen to broaden their experience. The role would involve working alongside pupils and staff in lessons, to support planning, developing and quality assuring adapted provision as well as assisting the SENCo in all aspects of provision including inclusion, annual reviews, access arrangements, policies and reports, acquisition and deployment of resources and keeping staff up to date with guidance regarding SEND issues. The applicant must be organised, have a natural rapport with children and great attention to detail. Training to become a qualified SENCo is available to the successful candidate.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

• Certificate in Learning Support (or equivalent qualification) (AF, I)
• First Aid qualification or willingness to work towards it (AF, I)
• Willingness to undertake further training, as appropriate (AF, I)
• GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or equivalent or better (AF, I)

DESIRABLE

• NASENCO or NPQSEN qualification

Experience

ESSENTIAL

• Experience of working in a school environment, perhaps as a Level 2 Teaching Assistant or Level 1 SEN Teaching Assistant in a mainstream school (or equivalent) (AF, I), or as a teacher

DESIRABLE

• Experience of working alongside a SENCo (AF, I)
• Experience of working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (AF, I)
• Experience of working with parents and other professionals related to the provision of SEND (AF, I)
• Experience of delivering other aspects of SEND support, such as speech and language therapy (AF, I)

Knowledge and Understanding

ESSENTIAL

• Knowledge of the roles of TAs and HLTAs in Schools (AF, I)

DESIRABLE

• Knowledge of the Code of Practice for SEND students (AF, I)
• Knowledge of access arrangements relevant to SEND students (AF, I)

Abilities and Skills

ESSENTIAL

• Good team worker (AF, I)
• The ability and willingness to work flexibly within the school (AF, I)
• A calm but authoritative manner with pupils (AF, I)
• The ability to relate well to pupils, parents and staff (AF, I)
• The ability to develop high quality learning resources, under the direction of the teacher (AF, I)
• The ability to accurately record and report on pupils’ progress (AF, I)
• The ability to follow and apply the teacher’s instructions and clearly explain these to pupils (AF, I)

DESIRABLE

• Competent user of ICT (AF, I)
• Minibus driver (AF, I)

Personal Attributes

ESSENTIAL

• Resilient (I, R)
• Reliable (I, R)
• Committed (I, R)
• Honest (I, R)
• Trustworthy (I, R)
• Dedicated (I, R)
• Patient (I, R)
• Loyal (I, R)
• Good sense of humour (I, R)
• High expectations of self and others (I, R)

Other Factors

ESSENTIAL

• Commitment to working with young people (I)
• Willingness to work in support of the inclusive ethos of the school (I)
• Willingness and ability to attend training days that are over and above the contractual employment, which will be paid (I)
• Good attendance record (R)
• Outstanding references (R)
• A commitment to high educational standards, which maximise the achievements of all pupils (I, R)
• A commitment to equality of opportunity for all pupils (I, R)
• A belief in working in partnership and as part of an established team (I, R)
• A commitment to continuous professional development (I, R)
• A willingness to reflect upon experiences in a critical and constructive manner (I, R)
• Police clearance (DBS check)

Evidence Key:

(AF) – Application Form

(I) – Interview

(R) – References