Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCo)

An opportunity to lead inclusion at Hermitage

Inclusion is at the heart of Hermitage Primary School. We are seeking an exceptional, knowledgeable and compassionate SENCo to join our Senior Leadership Team and provide strategic leadership for SEND and inclusion across our school.

The successful candidate will play a significant role in the admission, inclusion and transition of pupils with SEND, including pupils within our Specialist Inclusion Base. Working closely with the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, staff, families and external professionals, the SENCo will champion high expectations, high-quality teaching and effective provision so that every child can participate, achieve and thrive.

The role

• lead and co-ordinate the school’s provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, in line with the SEND Code of Practice and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014;
• provide strategic leadership, advice, support and professional development for colleagues, promoting inclusive, high-quality teaching and effective reasonable adjustments;
• oversee the identification, assessment, planning, delivery and review of SEND provision, including statutory documentation, applications, records and targeted interventions;
• monitor and evaluate the progress, attainment, participation and wider outcomes of pupils with SEND, using evidence to strengthen provision and practice;
• work in partnership with pupils, parents and carers, governors, the Local Authority, health professionals and other agencies;
• support effective admissions and transitions for pupils with SEND, including those within the Specialist Inclusion Base;
• lead and support a dedicated team of staff and contribute fully to the work of the Senior Leadership Team;
• undertake the responsibilities of Designated Teacher for looked-after and previously looked-after children (LAC/PLAC), with appropriate training and support; and
• make safeguarding and the welfare of children a central consideration in leadership, decision-making and day-to-day practice.
• is a qualified teacher and an excellent practitioner and leader, with substantial knowledge and experience of SEND and inclusive education;
• has a strong understanding of the needs of autistic pupils and other pupils with additional needs, and can translate this into effective classroom practice and provision;
• has excellent organisational skills and a high level of accuracy when completing statutory documentation, applications and school records;
• can provide expert guidance, coaching and training to colleagues and promote consistently high expectations for pupils with SEND;
• can build productive relationships with families and work effectively with the Local Authority, health services and other professionals and settings;
• has strong knowledge of the National Curriculum, adaptive teaching and evidence-informed pedagogy;
• is ambitious for vulnerable pupils and committed to improving their achievement, participation, wellbeing and enrichment;
• has experience of tracking, monitoring and evaluating outcomes for pupils with SEND;
• communicates sensitively and effectively with pupils, parents and carers, colleagues, governors and the wider school community; and
• is committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

We are looking for someone who

• is a qualified teacher and an excellent practitioner and leader, with substantial knowledge and experience of SEND and inclusive education;
• has a strong understanding of the needs of autistic pupils and other pupils with additional needs, and can translate this into effective classroom practice and provision;
• has excellent organisational skills and a high level of accuracy when completing statutory documentation, applications and school records;
• can provide expert guidance, coaching and training to colleagues and promote consistently high expectations for pupils with SEND;
• can build productive relationships with families and work effectively with the Local Authority, health services and other professionals and settings;
• has strong knowledge of the National Curriculum, adaptive teaching and evidence-informed pedagogy;
• is ambitious for vulnerable pupils and committed to improving their achievement, participation, wellbeing and enrichment;
• has experience of tracking, monitoring and evaluating outcomes for pupils with SEND;
• communicates sensitively and effectively with pupils, parents and carers, colleagues, governors and the wider school community; and
• is committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

SENCo qualification

Applicants must meet the statutory requirements for appointment as a SENCo. The National Professional Qualification for SENCOs (NPQ for SENCOs) is the mandatory SENCo qualification for new SENCo appointments from 1 September 2024, subject to the applicable transitional arrangements. Where the successful candidate does not already hold an accepted mandatory SENCo qualification, they must complete the NPQ for SENCOs within the statutory timescale.

Safeguarding and safer recruitment

Hermitage Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is a core responsibility of this post. The role involves regular contact with children and is expected to constitute regulated activity relevant to children.

Appointment will be subject to the school’s safer recruitment procedures and satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with a check of the Children’s Barred

List, verification of identity and right to work in the UK, qualifications and professional status, employment history and references, and any other checks required by Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026. Where applicable, additional overseas checks will be undertaken.

In line with KCSIE 2026, the school will consider carrying out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence. Any information identified that is relevant to suitability to work with children may be explored with the candidate during the recruitment process.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Applicants are therefore required, at the appropriate stage of the recruitment process, to disclose relevant convictions and cautions, including those that would otherwise be regarded as spent, unless they are protected under the DBS filtering rules and therefore do not need to be disclosed. A criminal record will not automatically prevent appointment; any information disclosed will be considered fairly and only insofar as it is relevant to the role and safeguarding.

Equality, diversity and reasonable adjustments

Hermitage Primary School is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds. We will not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment and selection and will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. If you require an adjustment to take part in any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the school office.

Visits and how to apply

Visits to school are encouraged and warmly