Overview
and Responsibilities
SENDCO
Location : Horsham, West Sussex
Contract Type : Permanent, full-time
Hours : hours per week
Salary : £, - £, (M1 – UPS2) depending on experience
Start Date: As soon as possible
Aurora Vincent House School
As part of our growth strategy, Aurora is really pleased to be opening a brand new SEND Secondary School in 5 in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex for young neurodivergent people aged -. Most of our students are coming to us from mainstream education to have access to an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes with a focus on meeting their sensory needs and support for their emotional wellbeing. Many of our students would have previously camouflaged at school or had freeze/faun responses or sometimes flight; Vincent House School will provide an accepting and safe, welcoming place for young people to thrive.
The Role:
This is a fulltime SENDCO role in a specialist school where you will work within a transdisciplinary model with integrated therapy and a unique universal offer, liaising closely with the onsite therapy team led by a clinical psychologist. You will lead on educational interventions and specialist assessments. The role will include training and supporting all staff to support student needs and ensure their EHCP is appropriate, resourced, evaluated and reported upon.
As SENDCO you will also be a valuable member of the senior leadership team working collaboratively to engage students and their families. You will shared responsibility for comprehensive training of all staff regardless of their role. This is an exciting and rare opportunity where you would be integral to setting up a unique SEND provision and building a bespoke curriculum with the support of Aurora.
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Vincent House School when required. Please see the link below for our full job description:
Skills and Qualifications
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
1. A strong understanding of the SEND code of practice
2. An understanding of a range of interventions and assessments particularly in Literacy
3. Enthusiasm and a growth mindset
4. Ability to work independently and collaborative with a range of disciplines
5. Previous successful support of neurodivergent students
6. A willingness to continue their in-depth knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity
7. Experience of supporting families with children and young people with SEND.
It is also preferable for candidates to have experience:
8. of working in a SEND provision
9. supporting students with high anxiety or experiencing mental health difficulties
10. working with students aged -
11. in access requirements
12. safeguarding duties
Candidates must:
13. have either a SENCO qualification OR have SENCO experience and be willing to complete the new NPQ SENCO qualification within 2 years
14. prioritise safeguarding and the holistic needs of the student
15. have excellent communication skills for working with families
16. be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and neuro-affirmative practitioner
17. be proficient staff trainers and able to line manage and support Teaching Assistants
18. have good IT skills
We offer:
19. The chance to work with, and learn from, an onsite clinical team including a Clinical Psychologist as well as OT and SaLT. There are also opportunities to be involved in research that will support our students and the wider neurodivergent community in terms of specialist interventions.
20. Opportunities to work collaboratively with others schools, forums, local initiatives and a wide range of external agencies.
21. A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families within the community
22. It is an exciting time to be part of Aurora and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services
If you are interested, we strongly recommend you contact Liz in the new year to arrange an informal talk with the Headteacher who can explain the role fully
Benefits and Additional Information
You will also benefit from a generous package that includes:
23. Life assurance
24. Competitive Pension
25. Perkbox - offering high street discounts
26. Employee assistance programme
27. Car lease scheme
28. Fully funded training and qualifications
29. Bike to work scheme
30. Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.
How to Apply:
Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at