Senco and Inclusion Lead

Job Introduction

Portsdown Primary School and Early Years

SENCO and Inclusion Manager Job Description

Duties:
 The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those covered by the most recent School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document. It may be modified by the Headteacher, after discussion with you, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job, commensurate with the salary and job title.

Strategic direction and development:

1. Support the vision, ethos and policies of the School which secure effective teaching, successful learning and promote high levels of achievement and self-esteem for all pupils irrespective of background, ethnicity, gender or disability.
2. Help lead and manage the creation and implementation of the school strategic plan which identifies priorities and targets for ensuring pupils achieve high standards and make progress, increasing teachers' effectiveness and securing school improvement and to take responsibility for appropriately delegated aspects of it.
3. Support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the School's policies and developments and analyse their impact on pupils who have special educational needs.
4. Ensure the effective and proficient use of pupil data from a variety of sources, both internal and external, in the process of target setting.
5. Raise standards of individual pupil achievement and ensure that good attainment is maintained by providing a model of high-quality teaching – this could be through coaching and mentoring.
6. Ensure that parents are well informed about the curriculum, targets, individual pupils' progress and achievement.
7. Develop and maintain good relationships with parents, outside agencies and the local community.
8. To contribute and or attend governors’ meetings when necessary.

Teaching and learning

1. Identify and adopt the most effective teaching approaches for those pupils with special educational needs.
2. Monitor teaching and learning activities to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs.
3. Identify and teach study skills that will develop pupils' ability to work independently.
4. Liaise with other schools to ensure continuity of support and learning when transferring pupils with special educational needs.
5. Maintaining a file or Web site page of useful information for staff, parents / carers.

Recording and assessment

1. Set targets for raising achievement among pupils with special educational needs.
2. Collect and interpret specialist assessment data.
3. Set up systems for identifying, assessing and reviewing special educational needs.
4. Update the head teacher and governing body on the effectiveness of provision for pupils with special educational needs.
5. Develop understanding of learning needs and the importance of raising achievement among pupils.
6. Attend consultation evenings and keep parents informed about their child's progress.
7. Maintain a register of children with specific needs identifying provision being made.
8. Provide guidance and assist teachers in identifying children with learning, behavioural, medical or emotional difficulties and children with English as an additional language, or who are able, gifted and talented.
9. Advise and co-ordinate detailed assessments when necessary
10. Complete referral / CAF forms to request support for pupils and their families.
11. Identify, adopt and monitor the most effective teaching approaches for those pupils with special educational needs, including intervention programmes where necessary;
12. Provide training opportunities for learning support assistants and other teachers to learn about special educational needs;
13. Disseminate good practice in special educational needs across the school;
14. Identify resources needed to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and advise the head teacher of priorities for expenditure.
15. To assist the Head Teacher and Deputy Head Teacher in ensuring effective communication and liaison within the school.
16. To co-ordinate and monitor provision for Children in Need, including those looked after or subject to child protection procedures;
17. Helping class teachers to write Individual Educational Plans and to organise manageable recording systems.
18. Arrange termly intervals with staff to evaluate the evidence and progress made by SEN pupils to inform new Individual Education Plans.
19. Co-ordinating provision in accordance to the Code of Practice by calling meetings as necessary and ensuring that all involved parties (class teachers, parents, outside agencies, Learning Support Assistants and the pupil if possible) contribute if they can, to the Individual Education Plans and reviews.
20. Instigating a system of storing records alongside school managers.
21. To create a provision map and a timetable for the delivery of the provision.

Leadership

1. Ensure all members of staff recognise and fulfil their statutory responsibilities to pupils with special educational needs.
2. Provide training opportunities for learning support assistants and other teachers to learn about special educational needs.
3. Disseminate good practice in special educational needs across the School.
4. Identify resources needed to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and advise the head teacher of priorities for expenditure.
5. Undertake a teaching commitment when required and provide an outstanding professional model as a classroom practitioner.
6. Be a strong advocate for change and champion school improvement.
7. To be responsible for provision for children with Special Educational Needs and have a working knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice.
8. To be responsible for induction and appraisal of Learning Mentor, Teaching Assistants and other members of staff when applicable.
9. Support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the School's policies and developments and analyse their impact on pupils who have special educational needs;
10. To attend SEN and other meetings when requested by the Headteacher

Maintenance of Professional Standards

1. Keep yourself fully appraised and aware of educational and other appropriate developments whether national or local, and assess their impact on the School and the Team for which you are responsible.
2. Ensure the highest standards of professional conduct and confidentiality at all times, and in particular when with other staff of the School.
3. Ensure the development and maintenance of a team culture that enables all members of the Inclusion Team to be effective in their respective roles;
4. Ensure the development and maintenance of a collaborative culture which demonstrates loyalty and integrity towards school leaders

Making referrals

1. Referring a child for Statutory Assessment and collecting the necessary evidence, to show that the child concerned has significant needs and that the school has done all that it could reasonably expected to do to meet the child’s needs.
2. Drawing up the school's educational advice if a referral is accepted.
3. When a child obtains an EHCP, conducting a post-statement planning meeting and helping to form annual objectives and short-term targets.

Annual statement reviews

1. Carrying out annual and interim reviews of EHCP children. In doing this the SENCO must obey the legal requirements for running the meetings and sending minutes to those concerned.

Transition

1. Liaising with feeder schools and schools in the next phase with regard to those with Special Educational Needs in order to ensure continuity of care.
2. Ensuring that when a pupil leaves the school, all their records are passed to the next school that they attend.
3. Advising and helping staff in the new school, to understand the educational implications of various conditions and the needs of individual children, also support teachers to think of ways of adapting the curriculum, teaching or classroom.

Pastoral Support Programmes 

Helping pastoral staff to devise, run and monitor any Pastoral Support Programmes.

Child protection

To have due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to follow the child protection procedures adopted by the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children's Board and the school's safeguarding policy.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Undertake any other reasonable professional task as directed by the Headteacher

Signed ___________________________________________ Date _____________________

Headteacher _____________________________________ Date _____________________

SENCO and Inclusion Manager Person specification

Full-time SENCO and Inclusion Lead – M4 to UPR3 + TLR
Start date: September 2025

Are you a passionate educator with a heart for inclusion and a talent for helping every child flourish? Do you have a knack for unpicking the complexities of SEND provision and a drive to make a tangible difference in children’s lives? If so, Portsdown Primary School wants you!

We’re seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and Inclusion Lead to champion our SEND provision. This is a mainly non-teaching, full-time role, giving you the time and capacity to focus on what truly matters – supporting children to achieve their full potential.

We recently advertised this position but due to unforeseen circumstances had to pause the process. We are still keen to ensure we find the right person to lead our inclusive practice with passion and expertise. Could that be you?

Who are we?

Portsdown Primary is a vibrant, inclusive community, nestled on the Portsmouth-Hampshire border near QA Hospital. Our March 2024 Ofsted inspection rated us ‘Good’ in all areas, recognising our commitment to high-quality education and our strong, nurturing ethos.

Who are we looking for?

We’re on the lookout for someone who:

• Has experience as a SENCO, either in a substantive or acting role, or a strong background in supporting children with SEND.
• Holds the NASENCo qualification – or is willing to complete the NPQ for SENCos within three years (we’ll support you).
• Has led whole-school initiatives beyond subject leadership.
• Has successful teaching experience in the primary phase.
• Believes in the potential of every child and is committed to helping them thrive.
•  Loves sharing ideas and working collaboratively in a strong, supportive team.
• Builds positive relationships with families, staff, and external partners.

What’s in it for you?

At Portsdown Primary, we offer more than just a job:

• Incredible children who are curious, kind, and eager to learn.
• A happy school filled with experienced, supportive colleagues who will make you feel right at home.
• A leadership team and governing body who genuinely care and understand the demands of the role.
• Plenty of opportunities for professional growth, including high-quality SENCO training and development.
• A school culture that prioritises well-being, creativity, and collaboration (because life’s too short for anything less).
• Supportive families who work with us to give their children the best possible start.
• A warm, inclusive environment where diversity is valued and celebrated.

How to Apply

Fancy joining our brilliant team? We’d love to hear from you! Visits to the school are warmly encouraged – come and see what makes Portsdown Primary so special.

Please complete the online application form and email it to admin@portsdown.portsmouth.sch.uk by 12pm on Thursday 24th April 2025. Interviews will take place later that week.

Portsdown Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will need to undertake an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks. Before appointment, you’ll need to disclose any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.