Job Title: SENDCo
Job Location: The Grange School, Thatcham
Salary: Between £42,000 and £47,250 based on working 40 hours per week, 39.2 weeks of the year.
Contract Type: Permanent - Term Time Only
We are on the lookout for a passionate, dedicated, and visionary SENDCo to join our Outstanding school following an internal promotion. This isn't just a job - it's a chance to change lives and be at the heart of a school that puts inclusion, excellence, and pupil success first.
As a key member of our senior leadership team, you'll be instrumental in ensuring every child gets the support they need to thrive both academically and personally. Working closely with the Headteacher, you'll lead and shape SEND provision, collaborate with teachers to implement impactful interventions, and build strong partnerships with families and external professionals to secure the very best for our pupils.
Your influence will go beyond the classroom - you'll empower teachers, guide parents, and create a culture where every child feels seen, supported, and valued. Through tailored training, expert advice, and compassionate leadership, you'll play a vital role in unlocking potential and changing futures.
We're looking for someone who is:
* Driven by purpose - you see SEND leadership as more than a role; it's a mission.
* A true team player - collaborative, approachable, and ready to support teachers and families alike.
* A passionate advocate for every pupil - championing inclusion and ensuring no child is left behind.
A day in the life of a SENDCo will involve:
* Fostering strong relationships with pupils, parents, teachers, and external professionals by maintaining open and effective communication. Actively engaging in meetings with stakeholders, the Headteacher, and local authorities to ensure pupils' needs are prioritised and addressed.
* Providing guidance, coaching, and resources to teachers to enhance their classroom strategies, behaviour management, and curriculum planning. Working together to develop and implement meaningful, individualised learning plans for pupils.
* Offering training, advice, and consistent updates to parents, empowering them to support their children's educational and emotional development effectively. Building trust and cooperation through regular, empathetic communication.
* Leading the development, implementation, and review of EHCPs to ensure pupils meet their educational and developmental goals. Conducting assessments and providing data-driven insights to improve outcomes.
* Promoting the school's ethos by contributing to its development plan, implementing inclusive teaching strategies, and ensuring lessons are engaging and adaptable to all pupils' needs. Helping cultivate a safe, respectful, and stimulating learning environment.
To be a successful SENDCo you'll need:
* A degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with a solid understanding of the national curriculum (KS1-4), safeguarding procedures, and Ofsted. Prior experience in SEND settings and a willingness to pursue further qualifications in SEND (if not already qualified).
* Strong expertise in working with children presenting with Autism, ADHD, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). A deep understanding of effective teaching strategies and behaviour management for pupils with additional needs is crucial.
* Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to engage meaningfully with pupils, parents, team members, stakeholders, and third parties. The ability to build and sustain effective partnerships to support holistic educational outcomes.
* A motivated, empathetic, and flexible mindset, aligned with the core values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork.
In return for your time, you'll get:
* Holidays - You'll only work term time (39.2 weeks), and get paid for the additional 12.8 weeks whilst you're off.
* Pension scheme - Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
* Learning & Development Opportunities - We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for team members to develop themselves.
* Discounts - You'll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
* Wellbeing Support - Your wellbeing is always our priority. You'll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offers a monthly confidential check-in clinic and group reflective practice sessions.
* Cycle2Work - The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
* DBS - As this role requires you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
* After 12 months service - You'll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health, and wellbeing expenses (including immediate access to a GP!). You'll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts.
As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage.
At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.
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