Special Educational & Disabilities Coordinator; SENDCo

Special Educational Needs & Disability Coordinator (SENDCo)

Compass Community puts children first through a therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.

Exciting opportunity for an experienced SENDCo to work with a caseload of pupils across a number of schools, supporting Head Teachers and Executive Head Teachers to meet our vision to create ‘Exceptional Schools’. Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.

The work is varied, challenging, and, as a trauma and attachment‑informed organisation, all staff receive extensive therapeutic training and support.

The staffing structure around our family of schools means that Regional SENDCos are well supported, allowing them to focus on what is important. An Assistant Director and a Lead SENDCo will support decision‑making and problem‑solving. Regional SENDCos will hold responsibility for a caseload of pupils over a number of schools. Executive Head Teachers or Head Teachers are in post at every school.

Admin and compliance teams keep things running smoothly, a specialist Head of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum drives the quality of education, and you will also work with a broader team of Regional SENDCos across the country.

The SENDCo will lead the support of effective teaching and learning across all allocated sites, aiding children to overcome barriers to education and atypical learning journeys. SENDCos must be hands‑on, solution‑focused, and child‑centred – observing children in class and at leisure to provide feedback, support and advice. They will manage Annual Reviews of EHCPs as well as assessments and applications across a range of LA teams.

• Quality assurance of SEND provision in allocated schools.
• Review of caseload of EHCPs by statutory deadlines.
• Exam access arrangements.

The Regional SENDCo will:

• Oversee and map SEND provision in Compass Schools in their region.
• Advise on screening of new admissions alongside Head Teachers.
• Ensure appropriate baseline and progress data is collected and monitored for all pupils.
• Liaise with involved professionals to ensure assessment is accessed to identify, investigate and meet SEND needs.
• Maintain the SEND register and summary SEND information for all pupils in the region.
• Work closely with Executive Heads, Head Teachers, and Therapeutic Pastoral Leads to ensure EHCPs are followed so that pupils’ needs are met.
• Set up ILP templates and check these are appropriately reviewed.
• Ensure recommended strategies and interventions are implemented by Teachers and Support staff via ILP production and maintenance.
• Ensure statutory EHCP review deadlines are met by holding Annual Reviews and liaising with Local authorities and all involved parties.
• Ensure Compass policy and processes are followed, using the appropriate Compass templates directed by the National SEND Lead.
• Visit allocated schools in person regularly each term to carry out learning walks, book looks and inspection of ILPs alongside Head teachers to quality‑assure SEND provision by Teachers and support staff.
• Deliver CPD and training as indicated by quality assurance checks and needs of pupils.
• Communicate with Teachers to identify and write applications for Exam access arrangements.
• Ensure Assessment for access arrangements where appropriate is completed in a timely manner using identified Compass assessors.
• Maintain access arrangement records for exam centres within the region, working with Exam Officers to make applications and put adjustments in place for exams.
• While the Regional SENDCo will have broad responsibility for the oversight of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability, class teachers hold responsibility for the day‑to‑day education and support and progress of pupils within their classrooms.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Holds an appropriate SENDCo qualification such as PGCiPP, NASENDCo, or…