SENDCo (Special Education Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)

Job purpose:

To provide strategic leadership and operational management of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the Academy, ensuring excellence, equity, and inclusion for all pupils. The SENDCo will play a key role in driving whole-school improvement, securing outstanding outcomes for pupils with SEND, and upholding the Catholic mission of the school and Trust.

Duties and responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership (Whole-School Impact)

Lead and implement a whole-school SEND strategy aligned with the School Improvement Plan and Trust priorities.

Act as a key member of the middle leadership structure, contributing to policy, self-evaluation, and school development.

Champion inclusion, ensuring SEND is embedded across curriculum design, teaching, and assessment.

Analyse whole-school data to identify trends, gaps, and priorities for SEND pupils.

Quality of Education

Drive high-quality adaptive teaching across all departments to meet the needs of SEND learners.

Monitor and evaluate the impact of teaching, interventions, and provision on pupil outcomes.

Lead staff training and professional development to improve inclusive classroom practice.

Ensure ambitious expectations and curriculum access for all SEND pupils.

Operational Leadership of SEND

Oversee identification, assessment, and provision for all pupils with SEND.

Maintain robust systems for SEND records, provision mapping, and compliance.

Lead EHCP processes, annual reviews, and statutory responsibilities.

Ensure full compliance with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and relevant legislation.

Line Management & Team Leadership

Line manage and deploy Learning Support Assistants and SEND support staff effectively.

Build a high-performing SEND team through coaching, support, and performance management.

Ensure efficient and impactful use of SEND funding and resources.

Partnerships & Community

Develop strong, supportive relationships with parents and carers.

Lead engagement with external agencies and professionals.

Represent the school at multi-agency and Trust-level SEND forums.

Safeguarding, Inclusion & Ethos

Promote the safeguarding, wellbeing, and dignity of all pupils, particularly the most vulnerable.

Embed the Catholic ethos in all aspects of SEND provision, promoting inclusion, compassion, and respect.

Ensure SEND pupils are fully included in the spiritual and wider life of the school.

Trust-Wide Contribution

Work collaboratively with SENDCos across the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust.

Contribute to Trust-wide SEND development, moderation, and shared practice.

Support wider school improvement where appropriate.