About the School - Duncombe
Duncombe School is an Independent Day School and Pre-School, nestled in the beautiful town of Hertford, for children aged 2-11 years.
As a school we pride ourselves in nurturing our children's minds through an inspiring educational journey and we encourage every child to dream big!
We believe success and happiness are not simply defined by outstanding academic results, but by being treated and celebrated as an individual, who is encouraged to develop strength of character and explore fully their personal potential.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced SENDCo to join our fantastic team to cover a period of Maternity Cover.
This is a Full Time, Fixed Term Contract starting September 2025.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they're starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.
We protect what's special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of over 100 schools in 16 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that's, quite literally, world class.
It's an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.
About the role
As SENDCo you will be collaborating with the Leadership Team (LT) on SEND policy development. Your role includes ensuring the school's SEND policy reflects current legislation and research, developing effective learning strategies, and bridging barriers through monitoring and assessment. You will collect and interpret assessment data for SEND pupils, provide professional guidance to teachers, and ensure appropriate teaching strategies and equipment are used. Regular reviews of diagnostic tools will be conducted to avoid disadvantaging pupils with identified needs. You will profile the Learning Support Department positively, communicate pupil progress effectively, liaise with SENCos at key transition points, ensure access arrangements for assessments, and chair EHCP Annual Reviews, liaising with Local Authorities.
Who we are looking for:
* Has qualified teacher status and has classroom teaching experience
* Holds SEND qualification, e.g., National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo), SpLD certificate/ diploma, or has desire to work towards qualification
* Recent, relevant experience of teaching primary aged pupils with SEND
* Experience of conducting training/leading INSET
* Developing and implementing strategies to help children and their families
* Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2014/5)
* Understanding of 'Quality First Teaching' and the 'Graduated Approach'
To view the full Job Description, please Click Here
Benefits at Cognita
* Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
* Free lunch provided during Term Time
* School holidays and public holidays
* Free parking on site
* School fee discount
* Exclusive third-party discounts
* Professional Development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Sunday 20th April.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.