Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Hours: 40 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (Term Time + Inset Days)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Gloucester
Reporting to: Headteacher
Responsible for: Learning Support Assistants and Teaching Staff

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, and highly motivated SENCO to join our committed team. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for the strategic and operational management of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the school. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring that all students with SEND achieve their full potential in a supportive and aspirational environment.

You will work closely with the Headteacher, staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure the school meets its statutory duties under the SEND Code of Practice (2015). This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner with a passion for SEND to make a significant impact on the lives of our students.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Support the development and implementation of the school''s SEN policy and provision, contributing to the School Improvement Plan and self-evaluation processes.

• Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy, coordinating provision for pupils with SEN or a disability.

• Pupil Support: Identify pupils'' SEN, coordinate effective provision, review Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, and work with parents/carers to secure relevant services.

• Staff Leadership: Provide professional guidance and training to colleagues, lead and manage Teaching Assistants (TAs), and contribute to staff appraisals.

• Partnership Working: Act as a key point of contact for external agencies, including the Local Authority, educational psychologists, and health and social care professionals.

• Compliance: Ensure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 regarding reasonable adjustments and access arrangements.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or NPQ for SENCOs (NPQSEN).

• Significant and recent experience working within a special education provision, specifically with pupils who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and/or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

• Proven leadership experience within a school environment, with a track record of leading and managing staff.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and ICT skills.

• A strong commitment to placing children and young people at the centre of all decision-making.

• A positive, proactive, and creative approach to problem-solving.

Desirable:

• Experience as a SENCO within a special school setting.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for teaching and a commitment to improving outcomes for pupils with SEND.

• High expectations for pupil attainment and progress.

• A warm, empathetic, and sensitive approach to building relationships with children and adults.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and prioritise workloads.

• A flexible and adaptable approach, with a commitment to the school''s ethos and values.

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Professional Development

We are committed to the professional growth of all staff. You will be expected to participate in the school''s appraisal procedures, engage in further training and development, and complete required annual training such as PRICE and Positive Behaviour Support.

Safeguarding

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide satisfactory references.

Application Process

To apply, please send your CV to by 06 July 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. Early applications are encouraged.