Learning Development Lead & Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

Join Us and Make a Difference

Leicester High School for Girls is a school that values both academic excellence and the holistic development of every student. We are seeking an outstanding and dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to lead and shape the school’s SEND provision. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact, ensuring every student with additional needs receives the tailored support they need to succeed.

As a key member of the extended leadership team, you will be at the forefront of creating an inclusive learning environment, developing innovative strategies, and working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and external professionals. Your leadership will drive a culture of high expectations, where every student is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Development

• Provide inspirational leadership for SEND across the school, promoting an inclusive and high-achieving learning environment.
• Lead the development and implementation of the school’s SEND policy, ensuring compliance with current legislation and best practice.
• Shape the strategic direction of SEND provision, ensuring high-quality support for students with diverse learning needs.
• Work closely with the Deputy Head (Academic) to design a curriculum that meets the needs of all students.
• Track and monitor the achievement of target groups, implementing interventions to address underachievement.
• Lead whole-school training and professional development, equipping staff with the skills to support students with additional needs.
• Lead the allocation of the school’s teaching assistants.

SEND Provision & Student Support

• Oversee the identification, assessment, and support of students with SEN, ensuring their needs are met through tailored interventions and high-quality teaching.
• Coordinate and oversee Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and other support mechanisms, working with external agencies where necessary.
• Identify opportunities to bid for additional support, to ensure the school can meet the needs of individuals.
• Work with teachers to embed inclusive teaching strategies that enable all students to thrive.
• Support the admissions process, ensuring early identification and provision for students who may require additional support.
• Work closely with the pastoral team to monitor and enhance the well-being of students with SEND.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build strong partnerships with parents, ensuring they are engaged in their child’s educational journey and receive regular updates on progress.
• Act as the key liaison between the school and external professionals, including educational psychologists and specialist therapists.
• Facilitate regular meetings with staff to review SEND provision, share best practices, and ensure consistent high-quality support.
• Interpret and apply recommendations from external assessments to inform and enhance SEND provision.

Monitoring, Reporting & Budget Management

• Continuously assess the impact of SEND interventions, ensuring students make measurable progress.
• Provide regular reports on SEND provision and student progress to the leadership team and governors.
• Manage the SEND budget effectively, ensuring resources are allocated to best support students’ needs.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including EHCP reviews and SEND data tracking.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent, with relevant SEN qualifications such as a PGCert SEN.
• A minimum of five years' teaching experience, with proven expertise in supporting students with SEND.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in leading SEND provision within a school setting.
• In-depth knowledge of current SEND legislation and best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and inspire confidence among students, staff, and parents.
• Qualified as a specialist assessor for access arrangements, or be prepared to undertake the relevant training.

Desirable:

• Experience working within an independent school setting.
• Familiarity with assistive technologies and innovative approaches to SEND support.
• Experience in managing a team and delivering staff training.

Why Join Leicester High School for Girls?

This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking school, where you will have the autonomy to shape SEND provision and make a genuine difference in the lives of students. We offer a supportive working environment, ongoing professional development, and the chance to work alongside a passionate and dedicated team.

If you are a compassionate and ambitious leader with a commitment to inclusion and student success, we would love to hear from you.

Application Process:

Interview Date - Wednesday 2nd April 2025

For more information or to apply, please visit our website or contact the school directly.

Leicester High School for Girls is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.