We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to join our dynamic and supportive team. As a SENCO, you will play a key role in ensuring that all students with special educational needs are supported to achieve their full potential. You will work closely with teachers, parents, and external agencies to create personalized learning plans, offer guidance, and promote an inclusive learning environment. Your expertise will help foster a positive, supportive atmosphere where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of students and be a crucial part of our school's commitment to inclusivity and high-quality education.
You will be fully supported by our leadership team to make a success of the role. Your induction will include access to an experienced external mentor, an experienced SEN administrator as well as supportive line management and access to the NPQSENCO qualification.
You will have a low teaching load to allow you to cope with the demand of the post.
You will also work closely by our quality of education team, behaviour teams and lead practitioner for SEN to ensure that we fully align our approaches for SEN with the rest of the school provision.
This role has the potential to become an Assistant headteacher role for the right candidate.
Applications and considered from existing SENCOs and those wishing to train for the role. Applicants with either a primary or secondary background are encouraged.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 26th February.
School tours are encouraged, please contact Kelly Fossett on kfossett@nwschool.org.uk for further information.
Our School:
Northwood School is a highly successful 11-18 school with just over 1,000 students. In September 2024 we moved to become part of the Partnership Learning Trust which comprise 18 schools across London.
The school is popular and inclusive with a truly comprehensive intake. In October 2024 OFSTED confirmed that we have maintained our Outstanding judgement from our previous Inspection. Our philosophy places students at the centre of our work, creating a calm and caring environment where they can learn and thrive. Our exceptional outcomes (top 10% in the country at key stage 4 and top in the borough at key stage 5 in 2023) are testament to the success of this approach. This has not happened by accident. It has been achieved through the dedication of talented staff and students, alongside a strong and supportive Governing Body.
Northwood School offers:
* Support and coaching for all new members of staff
* A well-established induction programme
* Professional development with progression- we have a range of recruitment and retention opportunities as well as an established associate programme to support staff to be ready for their next step
* A commitment to consultation and collaboration to put staff well-being at the heart of what we do- examples include Golden ticket days, centralised detentions run by middle and senior leaders, marking from home opportunities and a feedback policy that removes unnecessary marking.
* Bike to Work scheme
* Varied day and residential trips, both abroad and in the UK
* The full support of the Headteacher, senior leaders and colleagues- our aim is to allow professionals to teach through strong behaviour management and support structures.
* Fantastic and modern facilities including a newly referbished staff room and access to our sports facilities.
* -A wellbeing programme spaced across the year to allow staff to come together and socialise, additional opportunities including staff yoga.
OFSTED 2024 Quotes
* Pupils thrive here. They embrace their school values and are proud to be part of its strong and caring community. All staff have high expectations for pupils to succeed and grow in every aspect of school life
* Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They are polite and respectful. They are also caring and supportive of each other. They share the high expectations that leaders and staff have for them and appreciate their support.
* Staff, including those new to teaching, receive ongoing high-quality training. Staff feel valued and supported by leaders in managing their workload.
Staff Quotes from our recent Edurio Survey
* Students are amazing, the majority of them are working very hard to achieve their goals. Being a new starter at the school, I appreciated all the support that was put into place ( coaching program, department meetings, line manager meetings), also, the quality of the CPD sessions was outstanding and very useful in our practice.
* It feels sustainable for me to work here and have a family which is something I really value, as I LOVE my job and love being a parent so I am grateful for the balance. The Leadership Group feel supportive and approachable to enable me to have some work / life balance
* There is a genuine care for staff well being. Staff and students are pleasant to be around and make this a kind and caring work environment.
* The level of staff support with behaviour issues and the good-natured and understanding level of feedback on performance that is not overly forensic or overcritical, which creates a lower-pressure working environment, happier teaching and consequently a happier school.
Why not use the TES application form and apply now!
Northwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers, social media checks and a criminal record check with the Data Barring Service.
We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we have sufficient suitable applications. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit an application as soon as possible.