SENCO

About the role

Are you passionate about inclusion and committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential?

We are looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic and inspirational SENCO to join our team at Leavesden Green JMI School and Nursery.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who believes that every child deserves to feel valued, understood and supported, and who has the vision, knowledge and determination to make a real difference to the lives of children with additional needs.

Working closely with pupils, families, teachers, support staff, senior leaders and external professionals, you will lead and develop our SEND provision, champion inclusive practice and ensure that every child receives the support they need to flourish.

We are looking for someone who combines strong professional knowledge and organisational skills with compassion, enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for all children.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO:

• Puts children at the heart of every decision and is passionate about securing the best possible outcomes for every pupil.

• Has experience of working with children with significant and complex needs. This would be extremely beneficial, although we would also welcome applications from candidates with the right skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to develop their experience in this area.

• Has a thorough understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and effective provision for children with a range of additional needs.

• Can lead, develop and evaluate high-quality SEND provision across the school.

• Is an excellent communicator who can build positive, trusting relationships with parents, carers, staff and external agencies.

• Can inspire, support and empower colleagues to develop inclusive teaching and learning.

• Is confident in supporting children with complex needs and identifying and removing barriers to learning.

• Is organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities effectively.

• Has a positive, solution-focused approach and the ability to lead and influence change.

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Leavesden Green JMI School and Nursery is a welcoming and inclusive school where children are at the centre of everything we do.

We believe that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests and potential. We are committed to creating an environment where all children feel safe, valued and included, and where individual differences are recognised and celebrated.

Our school is a community in which relationships matter. We value the contribution of our children, families and staff and recognise the importance of working together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

We are proud of our dedicated staff team, who work hard to provide a positive, caring and stimulating environment in which children can learn, develop and thrive.

We are looking for someone who shares these values and will play an important role in continuing to develop our inclusive ethos.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Enthusiastic, engaging and rewarding children who make every day worthwhile.

• A friendly, committed and supportive staff team.

• Supportive senior leaders and Governors who recognise the importance of inclusion and high-quality SEND provision.

• The opportunity to shape and develop SEND practice across the school.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued career progression.

• A school that values teamwork, collaboration and the wellbeing of its staff.

• The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to children's lives.

THE ROLE AND WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

We recognise that flexibility can be important when considering the next step in your career. We are therefore open to offering two possible working arrangements:

Option 1 – SENCO (3 days per week)

Three days per week dedicated to leading and managing the school's SEND provision.

Option 2 – SENCO and Class Teacher (5 days per week)

Three days per week undertaking SENCO responsibilities, alongside two days per week of classroom teaching.

We are keen to appoint the right person and would welcome applications from candidates interested in either arrangement. We are happy to discuss the working pattern and responsibilities with prospective applicants.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and shortlisted candidates will be asked to share any relevant criminal history prior to interview.

The successful applicant will also be subject to enhanced DBS and barred list checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.