Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

Role Overview

The role involves overseeing, coordinating, developing, and evaluating the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy and practice in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team and in line with the SEN Code of Practice. It includes supporting the development of alternative and additional learning opportunities for students who face challenges accessing mainstream education, building strong partnerships with external agencies, and providing direct learning and behavior interventions through both push-in and pull-out models. Additionally, the role is responsible for leading ongoing staff training and professional development to strengthen teaching, learning, and behavior support across the school.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Lead and develop SEN policy and practice across the school
• Coordinate inclusive provision and alternative learning pathways
• Manage and develop a whole-school approach to intervention and support
• Build strong partnerships with external agencies, including the Ministry of Education

Student Support and Intervention

• Oversee the SEN Register and ensure accurate student data
• Lead the development and review of Learning Support Plans (LSPs) and IEPs
• Provide direct intervention through push-in and pull-out support
• Monitor student progress and adapt provision based on data
• Ensure appropriate accommodations for internal and external assessments

Staff Support and Development

• Deliver professional development and coaching on inclusion, differentiation, and behavior support
• Support staff in implementing accommodations, interventions, and effective classroom strategies
• Lead and manage the Learning Support team, ensuring quality and consistency

Behavior, Pastoral and Safeguarding

• Lead and develop a school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) approach
• Support social-emotional and behavioral needs of students
• Act as Safeguarding Lead, ensuring policies and procedures are followed
• Contribute to student wellbeing, attendance, and engagement

Administration and Collaboration

• Lead School-Based Support Team (SBST) meetings and coordinate support services
• Manage schedules for interventions, support staff, and external providers
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding progress and support plans
• Support admissions, re-enrollment decisions, and transition planning

Key Outcomes

• SEN policy and practice are effectively implemented and aligned with the SEN Code of Practice across the school
• Students with additional needs make measurable progress through targeted interventions and appropriate accommodations
• High-quality Learning Support Plans (LSPs) and IEPs are consistently developed, implemented, and reviewed
• Inclusive teaching practices are embedded across classrooms, supported by effective staff training and coaching
• Strong collaboration is established between school staff, parents, and external agencies
• Safeguarding and student wellbeing procedures are consistently upheld
• The Learning Support team operates effectively, with clear systems, high accountability, and ongoing development

Personal Specifications

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified teacher with SEN Specialization (or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a school setting, including leadership responsibilities
• Strong background in supporting diverse learning needs across age groups

Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical and communication skills
• Expertise in data analysis, target setting and intervention planning
• Ability to coach staff and lead whole school improvement

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to inclusion and raising achievement for all students
• Passion for removing barriers to learning
• Strong team player with collaborative mindset