SENDCO

Job Description: SENDCo (TLR 1b)

School: Sacred Heart Catholic Academy

Trust: Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust 

Responsible to: Head of Inclusion Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 1b 

Purpose of the Role

To provide strategic leadership and operational management of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, ensuring excellence, equity, and inclusion for all pupils. The SENDCo will play a key role in driving whole-school improvement, securing outstanding outcomes for pupils with SEND, and upholding the Catholic mission of the school and Trust.

• Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership (Whole-School Impact)

· Lead and implement a whole-school SEND strategy aligned with the School Improvement Plan and Trust priorities.

· Act as a key member of the middle leadership structure, contributing to policy, self-evaluation, and school development.

· Champion inclusion, ensuring SEND is embedded across curriculum design, teaching, and assessment.

· Analyse whole-school data to identify trends, gaps, and priorities for SEND pupils.

Quality of Education

· Drive high-quality adaptive teaching across all departments to meet the needs of SEND learners.

· Monitor and evaluate the impact of teaching, interventions, and provision on pupil outcomes.

· Lead staff training and professional development to improve inclusive classroom practice.

· Ensure ambitious expectations and curriculum access for all SEND pupils.

Operational Leadership of SEND

· Oversee identification, assessment, and provision for all pupils with SEND.

· Maintain robust systems for SEND records, provision mapping, and compliance.

· Lead EHCP processes, annual reviews, and statutory responsibilities.

· Ensure full compliance with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and relevant legislation.

Line Management & Team Leadership

· Line manage and deploy Learning Support Assistants and SEND support staff effectively.

· Build a high-performing SEND team through coaching, support, and performance management.

· Ensure efficient and impactful use of SEND funding and resources.

Partnerships & Community

· Develop strong, supportive relationships with parents and carers.

· Lead engagement with external agencies and professionals.

· Represent the school at multi-agency and Trust-level SEND forums.

Safeguarding, Inclusion & Ethos

· Promote the safeguarding, wellbeing, and dignity of all pupils, particularly the most vulnerable.

· Embed the Catholic ethos in all aspects of SEND provision, promoting inclusion, compassion, and respect.

· Ensure SEND pupils are fully included in the spiritual and wider life of the school.

Trust-Wide Contribution

· Work collaboratively with SENDCos across the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust.

· Contribute to Trust-wide SEND development, moderation, and shared practice.

· Support wider school improvement where appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

· Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

· National Award for SEND Coordination (NASENCo) or willingness to achieve within statutory timeframe.

Experience

· Significant experience of teaching and supporting pupils with SEND.

· Evidence of leading and improving SEND provision with measurable impact.

· Experience of using data to drive improvement at a whole-school level.

· Experience of working with external agencies and EHCP processes.

Knowledge & Understanding

· In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2015).

· Strong understanding of inclusive pedagogy and adaptive teaching.

· Awareness of current educational priorities, including Ofsted expectations.

· Understanding of safeguarding and the needs of vulnerable learners.

Skills & Leadership

· Proven leadership ability with capacity to influence whole-school practice.

· Ability to analyse complex data and translate it into strategic action.

· Excellent communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders.

· Strong organisational and decision-making skills.

Personal Qualities

· Commitment to the Catholic ethos and mission of Sacred Heart Catholic Academy.

· Relentless focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils.

· High levels of resilience, integrity, and professionalism.

· Ability to inspire, challenge, and support colleagues.

Desirable Criteria

· Previous SENDCo experience in a leadership capacity.

· Leadership qualification (e.g. NPQSL/NPQH).

· Experience within a multi-academy trust.

· Experience contributing to whole-school improvement planning.

Safeguarding Statement

Sacred Heart Catholic Academy and the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.

 Catholic Ethos and Mission

• Support and actively promote the Catholic ethos, values and mission of the school in all aspects of professional conduct.

• Contribute to the prayer life, collective worship and liturgical celebrations of the school.

• Demonstrate, through professional example, a commitment to Gospel values.

Closing date – Tuesday 19th May 2026 Interview Date Thursday 21st May 2026

How to apply: 

 

Please use the relevant CES staff application form(Teacher) for your application.

You will also need to complete and return each of the following forms:

rehabilitation of offenders,

recruitment monitoring 

consent to obtain references.

Model_Application_Form_-_Teacher.docx

Your completed application and accompanying forms should be email to j.noon@shca.pfcmat.org by the deadline detailed above and within the job pack.

Sacred Heart Catholic Academy – Vacancies