SENDco
Job description
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Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo)
Rye, East Sussex
Salary: L8 – L12
Start Date: September 2026
Full-time | Non-teaching leadership role
The Opportunity
Rye is seeking to appoint an exceptional SENDCo to lead and develop inclusive practice across the school. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and ambitious school within the Aquinas Trust, with a strong focus on improving outcomes and delivering high-quality education for all students.
This is a non-teaching role, allowing dedicated time to provide strategic leadership and make a meaningful impact across the school.
The Role
The successful candidate will:
- Provide strategic leadership for SEND and Inclusion across the school
- Lead and develop high-quality SEND provision
- Oversee EHCPs, annual reviews and statutory processes
- Work closely with senior leaders, staff, parents and external agencies
- Lead and manage the SEND team
- Promote inclusive teaching practices and improved student outcomes
This is a whole-school leadership role with significant responsibility and impact.
What We Are Looking For
Essential:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice
- Experience supporting students with a range of SEND needs
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
Desirable:
- Existing SENDCo or an Assistant SENDCo ready to step up
- SENCO qualification (NASENCO or NPQ)
- Experience leading SEND provision and supporting staff
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be:
- Passionate about inclusion and improving student outcomes
- A confident leader who can influence and support staff
- Highly organised, calm and empathetic
- Able to build strong relationships with students, staff and families
- Committed to ensuring every student can thrive
About the School
Rye is an 11–16 inclusive secondary school located in East Sussex. The school is rated Good by Ofsted and is on a strong improvement journey, with a clear focus on high standards, inclusion and student success.
Why Apply
- Opportunity to lead and shape SEND provision across the school
- Non-teaching leadership role
- Strong support from the Trust and leadership team
- Clear progression into senior leadership
How to Apply
If you are an experienced SENDCo or an ambitious SEND professional ready to take the next step in your career, we would welcome your application.
Key skills
AI-extracted from the job advert
Application advice
5 AI-generated recommendations to maximise your chances.
⭐ Highlight your QTS and SEND Code of Practice expertise at the top as these are essential requirements
📊 Quantify your SEND impact: 'Led EHCP reviews for 45 students, achieving 98% statutory compliance'
🎯 Emphasise non-teaching leadership experience as this role offers dedicated strategic time
🌐 Showcase multi-agency collaboration skills as you'll work with external professionals
🤝 Demonstrate inclusive practice outcomes and staff development achievements in SEND
Suggested CV bullets
3 bullets our AI drafted for this specific advert, mirroring its ATS keywords.
Add these 3 bullets under your most recent experience:
- •Led SEND provision for 180 students across KS3-4, achieving 96% EHCP annual review compliance within statutory timescales
- •Developed inclusive teaching framework adopted by 45 teaching staff, resulting in 23% improvement in SEND student progress outcomes
- •Managed £85,000 SEND budget and coordinated multi-agency support for 32 students with complex needs
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Dear Hiring Manager,
Rye's commitment to inclusive education and the non-teaching SENDCo leadership opportunity aligns perfectly with my passion for strategic SEND provision. My experience with SEND Code of Practice implementation and EHCP management positions me well for this whole-school leadership role.
My background in leading SEND provision and developing inclusive teaching practices has equipped me to drive meaningful outcomes for students with diverse needs whilst supporting staff development.
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Interview questions
10 questions generated from this advert.
Technical
- ›How would you implement the SEND Code of Practice across our 11-16 secondary school?
- ›Describe your approach to managing EHCPs and annual review processes
- ›How would you develop inclusive teaching practices across all subject areas?
- ›What strategies would you use to improve SEND provision quality?
- ›How would you work with external agencies to support our SEND students?
Behavioural
- ›Tell me about a time you led change in SEND provision
- ›Describe a challenging situation with a parent regarding their child's SEND needs
- ›How have you influenced teaching staff to improve inclusive practices?
- ›Give an example of when you advocated for a student with complex needs
- ›Describe how you've built relationships with external SEND professionals
STAR answer examples
Model answers using the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework. Adapt to your own experience.
Tell me about a time you led change in SEND provision
How have you influenced teaching staff to improve inclusive practices?