Special Educational Needs Coordinator SENCo

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and dynamic team at an exceptionally high-achieving, independent co-ed Pre-School for ages 3 - 4 and girls’ Prep School for ages 4 - 11 in the heart of Sevenoaks.

The Granville combines future-ready, forward-looking educational excellence with affectionately held traditions and a bespoke approach to both the academic and personal experiences of its pupils.

We are seeking an exceptional SENCo and Head of Learning Development and someone who has insight and enthusiasm as well as the personal qualities to inspire trust among staff, parents and pupils alike.

You will be responsible for overseeing the provision for pupils with SEND within the school, ensuring that all children at The Granville School receive appropriate support to achieve their academic and personal goals, whilst also promoting an inclusive learning environment by supporting and empowering their colleagues.

Job Description: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership of SEND across the school, promoting inclusion and high-quality provision for pupils with SEND.

• Support the Headteacher in determining the strategic development of SEND across the school and ensuring the SEND policy is up to date and adhered to by all staff.

• Ensure that the school meets its statutory obligations regarding SEN under the Equality Act, 2010 and SEND Code of Practice, 2014.

• Support all adults within school in understanding the needs of pupils with SEND and delivering regular professional development sessions for teaching staff and assistants.

• Ensure effective records are kept so all staff are aware of the SEND register, class provision maps and pupil one page profiles.

• Co-ordinate SEN provision across the school, including Pre school ,at Wave 2 and 3 across the school.

• Work with parents, staff and external professionals to ensure high-quality provision for pupils with SEND and any recommendations are embedded into a pupil’s daily support.

• Develop a collaborative and supportive relationship with parents ensuring they are central to their child’s SEND support within school.

• Liaise with external professionals such as Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Paediatricians and child therapists and, where appropriate inviting them into school.

• Interpret and share information from specialist assessment reports from external professionals and use this information to inform SEND provision and additional support.

• Carry out observations and assessments at the earliest opportunity to support understanding of additional needs and ensure support is put in place.

• Develop a close working relationship with the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure staff are supported and potential SEND needs are identified and supported as early as possible.

• Monitor academic progress of pupils with SEND through whole school and SEN-specific data to track progress.

• Work closely with the Pastoral Head to monitor the wellbeing of pupils with SEND.

• Plan, deliver and review targeted learning support lessons for individuals and groups as part of the schools SEND provision plan.

• Meet with parents of pupils on the SEND register on a regular basis, usually once a term.

• Collate evidence to support access arrangement requests for pupils sitting external school entrance examinations and the Kent Test.

• Support the smooth transition to senior school for pupils with SEND by working closely with parents and collaborating with chosen senior schools.

• Ensure statutory processes are adhered to for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans.

Job Description: SENCo

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training 

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Level 5 SpLD Diploma (Specialist Teaching).

• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) (or willingness to work towards the new NPQ for SENCO’s).

Desirable

• Qualification in dyslexia teaching

Experience 

Essential

• Experience working with children with SEN in an educational setting.

• Experience of working with early years and primary-aged children.

Desirable

• Experience working with School MIS systems

• General teaching experience

Knowledge and Skills 

Essential

• Sound knowledge of the national primary curriculum and EYFS curriculum.

• Up to date knowledge of effective pedagogy to inform high quality teaching

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

• Ability to lead and inspire others.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.

• Knowledge of current SEN legislation and best practice.

• Ability to provide specialist teaching for pupils with complex SEND needs.

Desirable

• Strong I.T. Skills

• Knowledge of using technology to support learning

• Experience in EHCP process

• Experience of working with the Early Years

Personal Qualities 

Essential 

The person employed as Special Educational Needs Coordinator needs to:

• Possess excellent verbal and written skills.

• Be personable, patient and supportive as the role involves supporting pupils, parents and staff in a positive manner, as well as providing staff training.

• Have excellent people management skills and the ability to oversee SEND projects throughout the school.

• Have an ability to handle and interrupt data, including excel spreadsheets.

• Work independently and as part of a team, as well as liaising closely with the Senior Leadership Team.

• Be proactive in their role, have excellent time keeping skills have integrity and loyalty, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

• Have strong leadership skills to coach and influence teaching and learning across the school.

• Ability to see things through to completion.

We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.

Salary

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) Full time

42.5 hrs per week - 8:00am - 4:30pm - Monday - Friday Term Time Only

Salary: Commensurate with experience

The successful appointee will also be entitled to the following;

• Free school meals

• Membership of Healthcare Scheme

• Pension Scheme

• School Fees Staff Discount

• Free parking on site

This post offers a rare and exciting opportunity to join a school who are leaders in providing an independent pre-school education for girls and boys aged 3-4 and a prep education for girls aged 4-11 that is aspirational, future-facing, relevant and engenders success in all aspects of school life, while still upholding the best of prep school tradition.

The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative team. They will be dedicated to providing an excellent education for the pupils in our school.

Closing Dates: Wednesday 4th March 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 10th March 2026

Applicants will not be considered without a completed application form.