SENDCO

What skills and experience we're looking for

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the SEND policy in line with the SEND Code of Practice and other statutory duties.

• Ensure SEND priorities are embedded in the School Improvement Plan (SIP).

• Lead the ARP and ensure provision meets EHCP requirements.

• Use data to monitor outcomes and inform strategic decisions.

• Advise SLT and governors on SEND provision and statutory compliance.

SEND Provision

• Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map.

• Coordinate the graduated approach to SEND support across departments.

• Ensure effective deployment of staff and resources to meet student needs.

• Create, facilitate, monitor and evaluate the impact of interventions and support programmes.

• Ensure the school’s Local Offer is up to date and accessible.

• Lead on KS2 to KS3 transition for SEND students.

Student Support

• Identify students with SEND and assess barriers to learning.

• Lead the development and review of EHCPs and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

• Ensure student voice is central to planning and review processes.

• Support transition between key stages and settings, including post 16.

• Liaise with external agencies to secure specialist support and services.

• To hold an Access Arrangements Assessor or Dyslexia Assessor qualification would be desirable.

Staff Development

• Manage the SEND staff team effectively.

• Lead department and whole school CPD on inclusive practice and SEND strategies.

• Support staff to implement high-quality teaching for SEND students.

• Disseminate best practice and provide additional support where needed.

• Ensure staff understand statutory responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice.

• Be an appraiser.

Safeguarding

• Work with the DSL to ensure SEND students’ welfare and safety.

• Recognise increased safeguarding risks for students with SEND.

• Where appropriate, ensure safeguarding procedures are inclusive and accessible for SEND students.

• Contribute to risk assessments and multi-agency planning.

ARP Management

• Lead the ARP and oversee provision for students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs.

• Collaborate with therapists and external professionals to deliver targeted support.

• Monitor progress and ensure ARP students are integrated into mainstream learning.

• Manage ARP resources and ensure compliance with EHCP requirements.

• Liaise with Merton SEND and Admissions Panels regarding placements and reviews.

Working with Parents and External Agencies

• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers, ensuring they are fully involved in decision-making and planning for their child’s support.

• Communicate regularly with families about progress, interventions and changes to provision by using accessible language and formats.

• Lead and coordinate annual reviews of EHCPs, ensuring student and parent/carer input is central to the process.

• Work collaboratively with external professionals including educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, CAMHS and social care teams.

• Ensure timely referrals to outside agencies and follow up on recommendations to support student outcomes.

• Represent the school in multi-agency meetings, SEN panel meetings and ensure that agreed actions are implemented effectively.

• Provide guidance to parents and carers on accessing support services, including the Merton Local Offer and independent advice services.

Purpose of Job:

To work under the line management of the SLT line manager to lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the school's SEND policy, coordinating provision for students with special educational needs. The SENDCO will be responsible for identifying students’ needs, creating learning plans, advising staff and liaison with parents and carers, and external agencies to improve educational outcomes. This will include providing inclusive pedagogy and practice, supporting individuals, small groups and associated activities in accordance with school and statutory policies and procedures.

• Have a vital role to play in the school in leading and managing the Learning Support department and the ARP. The SENDCO will liaise with their SLT, the Headteacher and governing body, to determine the strategic development of SEND policy and provision across the school which includes the Additional Resource Provision for Speech, Language and Communication Needs.
• Have overall responsibility for the operation of SEND policy, provision and support for students with SEND, both those with EHC plans and those needing additional support, keeping SEND student records and reports updated. The SENDCO also has the role of the ARP Manager.
• Develop a strong working relationship with the other leaders in the Progress Centre, the Inclusion Manager and the EAL Coordinator. They will also collaborate with the Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Heads of Curriculum areas, Careers Lead and Pastoral Leaders to ensure the best possible outcomes for students with SEND.
• Be able to lead SEND teaching and learning and professional development across the school. This role will work closely with teaching staff to ensure all staff are aware of students with SEND and the strategies are implemented effectively using a graduated approach.
• Work with other staff and external agencies to ensure SEND provision and support are effective.
• Liaise with London Borough of Merton, parents and carers to support students.
• Work with their line manager and the School Business Manager to ensure effective use of resources through school budget.
• Take on the general duties of all middle leaders, including wellbeing and behaviour management of students, whole school duties, participate in the appraisal process, adherence to school policies, undertake professional development, monitor and evaluate department effectiveness.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the STPCD and have the ability to teach across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. The role will have a small teaching load.

What the school offers its staff

As part of the London Borough of Merton, employees enjoy a wide range of additional benefits, including:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) membership

• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential wellbeing support for staff and their families

• Lifestyle savings and discounts across everyday essentials and leisure activities, including:

o Supermarkets and high street retailers

o Restaurants and cafés

o Days out and family activities

• Ride to Work (Cycle to Work) schemes, enabling staff to purchase bikes via salary sacrifice

• Home and electronics salary sacrifice scheme, covering items such as white goods, technology, perfume, handbags and a wide range of shopping options.

Working with us means joining a supportive, well connected school community with excellent benefits that support your wellbeing—both inside and outside the workplace. Staff also benefit from regular professional development.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.