Lead SENCO

Educate U is an independent specialist school providing high quality education for children and young people aged 5 -16 with a wide range of complex needs. These needs include children diagnosed with ASC, ADHD or who have high anxiety and attachment and trauma barriers to learning. All our students have an EHCP.

Job Desciption

We are seeking to appoint an experienced and knowledgeable Lead SENCO to join our Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will lead and manage SEND provision across the school, ensuring that pupils with additional needs receive appropriate, high-quality support in line with statutory requirements and the school’s inclusive, trauma-informed approach.

The Role

The Lead SENCO will be responsible for the strategic development and day-to-day operation of SEND provision. This includes ensuring compliance with the SEND Code of Practice, overseeing EHCP processes, and supporting staff to deliver effective, inclusive teaching.

The role includes line management of the SEN team and working closely with external agencies, families, and the local authority. The postholder will also contribute to whole-school improvement as a member of SLT.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage SEND provision across the school
Coordinate and lead Annual Reviews
Oversee the implementation of the SEND policy and ensure compliance with statutory requirements
Coordinate and quality assure EHCP annual reviews and associated processes
Monitor the progress, attainment, and provision for pupils with SEND
Use data to inform planning and evaluate the impact of interventions
Line manage the SEN team, including intervention staff and support roles
Support staff in developing inclusive teaching practices
Lead CPD relating to SEND, SEMH, and trauma-informed approaches
Coordinate access arrangements for examinations and assessments
Maintain accurate and confidential SEND records
Liaise with parents/carers, external professionals, and the local authority
Contribute to Ofsted and Local Authority reviews, including named responsibility areas
Support the development and maintenance of the IQM Centre of Excellence award
Lead on assessment and profiling of prospective pupils and support transition processes

Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

Hold the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) (desirable)
Hold a recognised Access Arrangements qualification, or be willing to undertake this
Have significant experience working within SEND, including at a leadership level
Have a strong understanding of SEMH needs and trauma-informed practice
Be able to lead and manage staff effectively
Demonstrate the ability to use data to monitor and improve outcomes
Communicate clearly and work effectively with a range of stakeholders
Be organised, resilient, and able to manage a varied workload