SENCO

Overview

SENCO

Be responsible for the SEND strategy and lead strategic oversight of provision across High Well School, including any satellite provision.
Identify and adopt the most effective teaching approaches for pupils with SEND
Monitor teaching and learning activities to meet the needs of pupils with SEND
Identify and teach study skills that will develop pupils' ability to work independently
Liaise with other schools to ensure continuity of support and learning when transferring pupils with SEND
Set targets for raising achievement among pupils with SEND
Collect and interpret specialist assessment data – eg Boxall Profiles
Set up systems for identifying, assessing and reviewing SEND
Update the Headteacher and governing body on the effectiveness of provision for pupils with SEND
Develop understanding of learning needs and the importance of raising achievement among pupils
Attend consultation events and keep parents informed about their child's progress
Encourage all members of staff to recognise and fulfil their statutory responsibilities to pupils with SEND
Provide training opportunities for learning support assistants and other teachers to learn about SEND
Disseminate good practice in SEND across the school
Identify resources needed to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and advise the Headteacher of priorities for expenditure
Support the aims and ethos of the school
Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance
Attend and participate in community activities and networking across the LA
Uphold the school's behaviour code and uniform regulations
Participate and lead in staff training
Attend and run team and staff meetings

Develop links with governors, LEAs and neighbouring schools
Hold a NASENCo qualification, or similar
Have a strong knowledge of SEMH needs and trauma informed approaches
Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced adversity
Have experience supporting pupils with SEND, ideally within a specialist or SEMH context
Primarily this role is non-teaching, with the understanding that flexibility is required as needed. The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those covered by the latest School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document. These may be modified by the Headteacher, with your agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job, commensurate with the salary and job title.

Personal attributes

Person Specification:

SENCO Person Specification: Essential & Desirable Criteria Grid

Criteria	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications	Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or relevant professional qualification appropriate to the specialist setting	Completed NASENCO or NPQ SENCO
	NPQ SENCO or willingness to complete within statutory timescales	DSL or Deputy DSL training
Leadership & Management Experience	Significant experience working with children and young people with SEND and SEMH needs	Previous SENCO experience in a special school, SEMH provision or Alternative Provision
	Experience of leading and developing SEND provision	Experience of tribunal processes and mediation
	Experience of monitoring, evaluating and improving provision and outcomes	Experience contributing to strategic school improvement at leadership level
	Ability to influence practice and lead change across multidisciplinary teams	Experience leading provision across multiple sites or satellite provision
SEND Knowledge	Excellent knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice	Knowledge of attachment and developmental trauma approaches including PACE
	Strong understanding of EHCP processes and statutory responsibilities	Advanced knowledge of specialist SEMH assessment tools (e.g. Boxall Profile)
	Strong understanding of SEMH needs and intervention strategies
	Understanding of autism, ADHD, SLCN, learning difficulties and sensory needs
	Knowledge of inclusive teaching, adaptive approaches and reasonable adjustments
SEMH & Trauma-Informed Practice	Strong understanding of trauma-informed, attachment-aware and relational approaches	Experience implementing restorative practice across a whole-school setting
	Understanding of behaviour as communication and strategies to support emotional regulation	Experience working in areas of high deprivation and social disadvantage
	Experience supporting highly vulnerable pupils and families
Multi-Agency Working	Experience working effectively with external agencies and professionals	Experience chairing complex multi-agency meetings
	Ability to coordinate referrals and implement recommendations from specialists
	Experience contributing to TAC, CIN, CP and safeguarding meetings
Safeguarding	Good understanding of safeguarding legislation and practice	DSL/Deputy DSL experience
	Ability to work effectively with vulnerable learners and families	Experience leading safeguarding interventions where SEND is a key factor
Communication & Partnership Working	Excellent communication and interpersonal skills	Experience presenting to governors, local authority panels or tribunals
	Strong report-writing skills
	Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with parents/carers
	Ability to lead review meetings and difficult conversations sensitively
Data & Quality Assurance	Ability to analyse data and evaluate impact	Experience using provision mapping systems and intervention tracking tools
	Experience monitoring provision through quality assurance activities
	Ability to use evidence to drive improvements in outcomes
Training & Staff Development	Ability to deliver professional development and coaching to staff	Experience leading whole-school SEND training programmes
	Ability to promote inclusive practice across the school
Personal Qualities & Competencies	Commitment to inclusion, equity and high aspirations for vulnerable learners	Experience of working successfully within SEMH special school culture
	Emotional resilience and professional integrity
	Strong relational skills and ability to build trust quickly
	Understanding of the impact of trauma, adversity and poverty on learning and wellbeing
	Ability to manage competing priorities and complex cases effectively
	Commitment to restorative, strengths-based and child-centred practice

Employment Checks

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, online searches in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, and all other pre-employment safeguarding checks.

The following employment checks are required prior to firm offer:

Identity Check
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Children’s Barred List
Section 128 Check
Prohibition from Teaching Check
Enhanced DBS Check (with Barred List)
Evidence of entitlement to work in the UK
Childcare Disqualification Declaration (where applicable)
Evidence of Essential Qualifications
Two satisfactory professional references (including current or most recent employer)
Employment History
Social Media screening
Confirmation of medical fitness/ clearance for employment
Professional Registration with appropriate bodies (where applicable)
Lived or worked abroad declaration (where applicable)

Salary & Benefits

School Group: 5

Age Range: 9 -16 years

Number on Roll: 108

Indicative Pay Range:

Main Pay Scale / Upper Pay Scale plus SEN allowance / TLR where applicable

Location

High Well School sites

Supporting documents

Deadline and how to apply

Closing date for applications: 30th November 2026 12:00pm

Interview date: 10th December 2026

Start date: 1st April 2027 or earlier if possible

If, after reading this SENCO advert you feel you would like to arrange a tour of the school, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Hayley Brown Tel: 01924 571200. School visits are recommended prior to application.

If you have the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to undertake the role we would be delighted to receive your completed application form which should be submitted to recruitment@highwell.org.uk

Application forms are available to download from the High well School website:

High Well School - Vacancies

or via Wakefield Council jobs portal: Search for Jobs

Equal opportunities

Wakefield Metropolitan District Council is committed to promoting equality, inclusiveness and social justice for all its citizens and staff. We will work positively to achieve this by challenging all forms of discrimination, exclusion and injustice. The Council values the rich social and cultural diversity of the district's communities. We will make sure that our workforce and our services reflect that diversity and community needs.

To assist Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness in relation to equal opportunities, and for no other reason, applicants are requested to complete and return the Recruitment Monitoring Form. The details supplied are held in confidence and are not used in anyway in the recruitment and selection process.

As a Disability Confident Symbol User Wakefield Metropolitan District Council is committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum (essential) criteria.

Job reference: HWS SENCO NOV2026