SENDCo / SENCo

About the role

We are looking for a friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our staff team as a SENDCo. This role is well suited to both an experienced Teacher, who is looking to take the next step into SEND leadership, or an individual with experience as a SENDCo. We value the flexibility required for the role of SENDCo and as a result, this post is not assigned to a class. However, cover teaching will be required.

The SENDCo responsibilities include:

• Being part of the school’s Senior Leadership Team
• Using initiative and leadership to enhance and raise standards within SEND
• Development, application and review of a SEND School Development Plan  
• Building effective partnerships with stakeholders, including children, parents and governors, as well as external SEND agencies
• Coordinating the resources for teaching and learning
• Monitoring and evolving the curriculum offer for children with SEND  
• Tracking progress and attainment of children and arranging any appropriate interventions
• Providing support and guidance for the staff team
• Line managing support staff appraisals
• Attending meetings and leading staff CPD as appropriate

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Qualified Teacher Status
• Completed the relevant SEND leadership qualification or have a willingness to complete the SENCO NPQ for SEND leadership 
• Experience of working with children with SEND and EAL
• Understanding of the SEND code of practice and relevant legislation
• Excellent classroom teacher with a strong knowledge of high-quality teaching and learning
• The ability to apply research-informed strategies to improve outcomes for SEND and EAL pupils
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• A commitment to inclusion and high expectations for all pupils
• The ability to effectively manage administrative tasks related to SEND
• A strong commitment to the values and ethos of the school, ensuring inclusivity and high expectations for all
• The ability to lead training for staff on SEND and EAL strategies
• The ability to inspire and motivate colleagues to develop SEND and EAL provision
• The ability to work well in a team
• A forward-thinking innovative attitude
• Effective interpersonal skills
• A good sense of humour

Desirable criteria:

• National Award for SEND Coordination or SENCO NPQ
• Experience as a SENDCo or in a leadership role
• Experience of leading a range of interventions and strategies to support SEND and EAL pupils
• Experience of coaching or mentoring other staff to improve teaching practice
• Experience of leading research-based initiatives within a school setting
• Experience of working with Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, and other professionals
• Experience of contributing to whole-school development linked to values and ethos

Millfield is a well-established two form entry First School in Buntingford. We offer a positive, nurturing and caring ethos with happy, well-motivated children who are excited about their learning. We have high expectations of our children and know that great teaching helps all children to achieve. This is why we want our SENDCo to be first and foremost an excellent teacher who has high expectations, breaks down barriers and is research informed so they can guide our staff to support all pupils.

As well as being part of a great team, there are many other benefits that come from working at Millfield, including:

• motivated and enthusiastic children
• a caring and supportive staff team committed to excellence
• working with research informed leaders, who will only make decisions in the best interest of children
• a tailored programme of CPD as we are keen to develop the talents of our staff
• an inclusive and therapeutic practice
• support and initiatives for well-being
• a supportive relationship with the governing body
• a positive partnership with parents/carers and the local community
• care and affection from our school therapy dogs (if desired!)
• being part of a cluster of schools who support and work together

We highly recommend viewing our school website to find out more about Millfield First & Nursery School and welcome you to visit Millfield for a tour to see us in action!

We welcome applicants that are looking for either a part-time or full-time position. The post is to start in September 2025 (or earlier if available) and is offered on a fixed term contract of one year in the first instance with potential to become permanent. The selection process will be carried out by interview.

Millfield First & Nursery School is committed to safeguarding children and young people.  All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.  Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.