Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

Job title: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
Hours: 8:00 - 16:15, 0.6 FTE, normally three days per week
Contract: Permanent, term time only
Reporting to: Head of SEN

Moon Hall School is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable and highly motivated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to join our specialist team. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated SEND professional to make a meaningful impact within a school where supporting pupils with additional learning needs is central to everything we do.

The SENCo will provide operational leadership and coordination of SEND provision across the school, ensuring that pupils’ individual needs are accurately identified, understood and effectively supported.

Working closely with the Head of SEN, academic and pastoral leaders, teachers, therapists, parents and external professionals, the SENCo will ensure that statutory SEND responsibilities are met and that provision for pupils with EHCPs and additional needs is effectively coordinated, monitored and reviewed.

To comply with safer recruitment practices, all applicants are requested to complete the following Application Form.

About Moon Hall

Moon Hall is a specialist school providing a tailored education for pupils whose primary need is dyslexia. We also support pupils with a range of co-occurring needs, including ADHD, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.

Our specialist approach means that SEND is not an additional provision at Moon Hall. It sits at the heart of our teaching, pastoral care, and curriculum.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Lead and coordinate SEND provision across the school under the direction of the Head of SEN.

• Oversee EHCPs, Annual Reviews and statutory SEND processes.

• Monitor the progress and provision of pupils with SEND, ensuring that support is effective and outcomes are achieved.

• Work collaboratively with teaching, pastoral and therapy teams to identify and address barriers to learning.

• Provide advice, guidance and training to colleagues on effective SEND practice.

• Build positive partnerships with parents, Local Authorities and external professionals.

• Contribute to admissions, transition planning and the review of prospective pupils' needs.

• Maintain accurate SEND records and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• Significant experience supporting pupils with SEND.

• Strong knowledge of EHCPs, Annual Reviews and the SEND Code of Practice.

• Excellent organisational, communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families and external agencies.

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable

• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or equivalent.

• Experience within a specialist SEND or SpLD setting.

• Experience supporting pupils with dyslexia and associated learning differences.

• Experience managing complex EHCP provision.

Further Information

A comprehensive Job Description and Person Specification, including the full range of responsibilities associated with this role, are available in the applicant information pack and should be reviewed before applying.

Safeguarding

The SENCo will:

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all pupils.

• Work in accordance with Moon Hall’s safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.

• Recognise the additional safeguarding vulnerabilities that can affect children with SEND.

• Report concerns promptly through the school’s safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain appropriate professional confidentiality and information-sharing practices.

• Complete all required safeguarding training and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant statutory guidance.

General responsibilities

• Uphold Moon Hall’s ethos, values, policies and professional standards.

• Maintain positive and professional relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and external professionals.

• Attend relevant meetings, training and school events appropriate to the role and working pattern.

• Keep knowledge of SEND legislation, guidance and effective practice up to date.

• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the level and purpose of the post.

Working pattern

This is a 0.6 FTE post, normally worked across three days per week. The specific working days will be agreed with the successful candidate, taking account of the operational requirements of the School.

Given the statutory nature of the role, some flexibility may be required around Annual Reviews, Local Authority deadlines, parent meetings and other significant SEND commitments. The responsibilities will be structured so that they are realistically achievable within the 0.6 FTE allocation.

Safeguarding statement

Moon Hall is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, including a check of the Children’s Barred List, and other appropriate pre-employment checks.

Moon Hall is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment.