Job Introduction
Full Time
Start Date: September 2026
WE CANNOT PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS POSITION
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Special Educational Needs Leader (SENDCo) to join our dynamic team as a lead practitioner. As a SENDCo, you will play a crucial whole school role in ensuring that all students with special educational needs (SEND), including those with hearing loss, receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive academically and socially. You will lead by example in upholding our core values of care, character, and academic excellence.
You will be a key leader within the school and line manage a large, dedicated special educational needs team, including an assistant SENDCo (In Training) who supports the daily running of this crucial area. The SEND area has recently been relocated into a larger facility with additional dedicated rooms to support small group work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Management:
- Lead the development and implementation of the school's SEND policy, embracing our value of academic excellence, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
- Coordinate and oversee the provision of support for students with SEND, working collaboratively with teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies.
- Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the AEN (SEN) policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual students, including those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
- Effectively lead a large team including an Assistant SENDCo, ELSA, Teacher of the Deaf and 14 Learning Support Assistants, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.
- Maintain a current and clear understanding of legal requirements of the SEND Code of Practice and related legislation and guidance to ensure the school is compliant in its core purpose of promoting equality and excellence for all.
- Line manage the exam access coordinator who works within the SEND team.
- Assessment and Identification:
- Implement effective systems for identifying and assessing students with SEND, including those with hearing loss, demonstrating our commitment to academic excellence.
- Work closely with teaching and support staff to develop One Page Profiles (OPP) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
- Specialist Provision for Hearing Impaired:
- Line manage the teacher of the deaf, who oversees Cove School's specialist provision status for hearing loss students to ensure tailored support and accommodations.
- Collaborate with specialist staff and external experts to enhance the learning experience for students with hearing loss, emphasizing our commitment to care and academic excellence.
- Quality First Teaching:
- A key remit of this role is to ensure that all teachers adapt their lessons accordingly to ensure that students with SEND achieve their full potential.
- Provide guidance and support to teaching staff in implementing inclusive teaching practices, fostering an environment where every student can succeed.
- Training and Development:
- Provide training and support for teachers and support staff to enhance their understanding and ability to meet the needs of students with SEND.
- Demonstrate personal drive to continually improve, staying informed about the latest research and best practices in the field of special education, embodying a commitment to academic excellence.
- Stay up-to-date with current educational research for best practices in SEND, continually looking to develop and enhance our SEND provision.
- Parental and Community Engagement:
- Foster positive relationships with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in their child's education, emphasizing our value of care.
- Collaborate with external agencies and organizations to enhance support services for students with SEND, showcasing the character of Cove School within the broader community.
Professional Development and Collaboration:
- We offer a vibrant CPD programme, including bespoke leadership programs at all levels (Ofsted 2020).
- Collaborative partnerships with other local secondary schools and Hampshire local authority.
Qualifications:
- Qualified teacher status (QTS) with significant experience in special education.
- National Award for SEND Coordination (NPQSENCo) or equivalent qualification. If not, training can be provided for someone willing to engage with this master’s level qualification.
- Strong understanding of SEND legislation, policies, and best practices.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, reflecting our values of care and character.
Personal Attributes:
- Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with students with SEND, embodying the value of care.
- Proactive and collaborative team player, contributing to the character-driven culture at Cove School.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills, aligning with our commitment to academic excellence.
- Personal drive to continually improve, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Stay up-to-date with current educational research for best practices in SEND.
In return you can expect:
- Access to an exceptional Professional Studies Programme
- Access to CPD from PiXL, Hampshire Local Authority, External bespoke CPD, and an in-house CPD
- To be part of a school which has a real ‘team approach’ where you will be valued and supported
- A well-resourced curriculum area including your own laptop
- Contribution to the Teacher’s Pension Scheme
- Lifestyle discounts through our employee ‘Lifestyle Savings Platform'
- Access to free counselling service via our provider ‘Health Assured’
- Onsite parking
- A dedicated Teaching and Learning training room
- A staff room with complimentary refreshments and food provided on whole school events such as Parents’ Evenings
If you are interested in becoming part of our team, building on our success and joining us on our exciting journey to become an outstanding school, we would love to hear from you.
For further information regarding Cove School, please visit our website www.coveschool.uk
For an application form, please visit our vacancies page on our website here: https://www.coveschool.uk/join-us/work-with-us
If you currently work in a school, please ensure one of your references is from your current Headteacher.
WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT APPLICATIONS USING OUR APPLICATION FORM NOT CVs.
Please submit your application as soon as possible as we may invite candidates to interview before the closing date.
Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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.
