Job Introduction
We are looking for an enthusiastic, aspirational person to join our team at The Vyne School as Special Needs Coordinator for September 2025.
The Senco with the support of the Headteacher and Governing Body, is responsible for inspiring and motivating the school community to develop effective ways of overcoming barriers to learning and promoting effective teaching and learning for children with special needs (SEND) or vulnerabilities,
This is a key role for the and the successful applicant will be directly involved in driving the school forward. If you have the skills, determination and experience to support us in raising standards then we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
The SENCo, under the direction of the Headteacher, will:
● Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEND) policy and provision in the school and ensure all statutory responsibilities are met
● Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the SEND policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEND & behavioural needs and the deployment and development of The Learning Support team
● Line Manager to Learning Resource Provision Manager
● Provide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and other agencies
General Responsibilities:
Strategic development of policy and provision:
● Have a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEND & behavioural needs across the school, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision
● Contribute to school assessment & reporting processes, particularly with respect to provision for pupils with SEND & behavioural needs
● Ensure policy is put into practice, take part in policy development and ensure that the objectives of these policies are reflected in the school improvement plan, where relevant
● Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of national and local initiatives which may affect the school’s policy and practice
● Evaluate whether funding is being used effectively, and propose changes to make use of funding more effective
● Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map(s)
● Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with SEND or a disability, and advise on the graduated approach to SEND support
● Advise on the use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively, including staff deployment
● Be aware of the provision in the local offer
● Work with other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agencies
● Be a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority
● Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEND and other vulnerable groups
● Coordinate appropriate adjustments and interventions for pupils and evaluate their effectiveness
● Manage the access arrangements testing and application process for examinations within the centre
Candidates should have:
Essential Qualifications and Knowledge:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): In mainstream schools in England, a SENCO must be a qualified teacher.
- National Professional Qualification for SENCO (NPQ SENCO): This is now the mandatory qualification for SENCOs in mainstream schools in England, replacing the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) from September 1, 2024. New SENCOs must complete this within three years of taking up the post.
- Understanding of SEND: A deep awareness of different learning difficulties and disabilities, classified as SEND, and the ability to ensure equity for each child based on their individual needs.
- Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice: A thorough understanding of the legal framework and best practices related to SEND.
- Curriculum and Pedagogy: A good understanding of curriculum and pedagogical issues related to extending pupil performance and the development of thinking skills for students with SEND.
- Assessment and Evaluation Skills: The ability to conduct relevant assessments to determine SEND needs and monitor progress. This includes analysing assessment data and understanding how to use it to inform interventions.
- Knowledge of Local Offer: Awareness of the provision available in the Local Offer and the ability to work with professionals providing support to families.
- Safeguarding Knowledge: A full understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures and their responsibilities in relation to child protection.
What can we offer you?
- Full support from a dedicated and visible team of senior leaders and pastoral managers
- A friendly, supportive staff team and wider community
- Excellent student behaviour with a first-class behaviour for learning system which means that teachers can teach, and students can learn
- An excellent CPD package for staff encouraging you to be outward looking
- A meaningful approach to staff wellbeing enhanced by a range of staff benefits, including a recognised wellbeing period each week, support with work life balance and family commitments
Please email Mrs Helen Hall, the Personnel Officer at h.hall@vyne.hants.sch.uk for further details. Applications should be on the Hampshire County Council application form for Teaching Staff. In the personal statement section applicants should outline what an outstanding SENco looks like and what skills and qualities you would contribute to the team. Also, it must reference what applicants have done so far to prepare for the role.
If you are interested in joining us and would like to talk about the role prior to submitting your application, please contact Nicola Pearce, Headteacher n.pearce@vyne.hants.sch.uk or on 01256 473003 to discuss.
CLOSING DATE: 12 noon Friday 16th May 2025
INTERVIEW DATE: W/C 19th May 2025
The school reserves the right to interview before the closing date should there be significant interest in the post from suitable individuals.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
