Senior SENCO – Lead Inclusive SEND in Secondary School

SENCO – Secondary School

Ilford, East London
Competitive salary, dependent on experience
Full-time | Permanent

Start date:

September 2026 (or sooner for the right person)

Ready to lead SEND provision in a school where inclusion isn’t just a buzzword on a PowerPoint slide?

We’re working with a welcoming and ambitious secondary school in Ilford looking for a passionate SENCO to join their leadership team. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who knows that great SEND support can completely change a young person’s school experience, and who wants the time, backing, and trust to do the job properly.

The school is well-led, community-focused, and genuinely committed to creating an environment where every pupil feels seen, supported, and able to thrive. You’ll be joining a team that believes inclusion belongs in every classroom, not tucked away in a policy document.

• Leading and developing the school’s SEND provision across KS3 and KS4
• Supporting teachers with inclusive classroom strategies and interventions
• Working closely with families, external agencies, and pastoral teams
• Managing EHCP processes, reviews, and SEND documentation
• Championing pupil wellbeing, progress, and accessibility across the school
• Helping shape a positive, inclusive culture where students can flourish

• Holds QTS and the National Award for SEN Coordination (or is willing to complete it)
• Has experience working within a secondary school setting
• Understands the challenges and rewards of supporting pupils with additional needs
• Communicates clearly and compassionately with staff, pupils, and parents
• Can balance strategic leadership with hands-on support
• Brings calm, confidence, and a good sense of humour to busy school days

• Supportive SLT who genuinely value SEND provision
• Opportunities for further leadership development
• A collaborative staff team that shares ideas and supports one another
• Excellent CPD and training opportunities
• A school culture built on kindness, consistency, and high expectations

We know changing roles is a big move, especially when you’re already spinning more plates than the school canteen t’s why we keep things simple, supportive, and honest from day one.

✔ Weekly pay through PAYE, no umbrella companies
✔ FREE access to our online CPD Academy
✔ Personalised support from a dedicated consultant
✔ Opportunities in mainstream, SEND, and alternative settings
✔ Streamlined registration and local opportunities
✔ Referral scheme, earn rewards for referring friends

Interested? Apply now or get in touch to find out more about this fantastic SENCO opportunity in Ilford.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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