Job Title: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Location: Merton, Outer London

School Type: 11–18 Secondary School & Sixth Form

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: MPS / UPS + SEN Allowance (Outer London Pay Scale)

Role Overview

A supportive secondary school in Merton is seeking an experienced, passionate, and strategic SENCO to lead their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) department ASAP. In this leadership role, you will hold responsibility for determining the strategic development of SEND policy and provision across the school. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, class teachers, teaching assistants, and external specialists, you will ensure every pupil with additional needs receives high-quality support to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, evaluate, and develop the strategic oversight of SEND provision across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5.

• Manage statutory EHCP annual review processes, coordinate SEN support plans, and liaise with the local authority SEND team.

• Line-manage and support a dedicated team of Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) and Learning Support Assistants (LSAs).

• Advise subject teachers and pastoral teams on differentiated teaching strategies, adaptive practice, and inclusive classroom management.

• Collaborate with external agencies, including Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, CAMHS, and occupational health professionals.

Key Requirements

• Recognized UK teaching qualification with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).

• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or the Master’s-level National Professional Qualification for SENCOs (NPQ SENCO) (or a commitment to complete within statutory timescales).

• Proven experience managing SEND provision, EHCP documentation, and funding applications within a secondary setting.

• In-depth understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, statutory guidelines, and local authority reporting frameworks.

• Outstanding communication, leadership, and organization skills.

• Legal right to work in the UK.

School Highlights & Benefits

• Well-resourced Learning Support Department with a dedicated SEN hub and established team of LSAs.

• Collaborative Senior Leadership Team committed to inclusion, staff wellbeing, and professional autonomy.

• Convenient Merton location with outstanding public transport links (Northern Line, Thameslink, Tramlink, and local bus routes) plus free on-site staff parking.

• Competitive Outer London salary, additional SEN allowance, and enrolment in the Teachers' Pension Scheme.

Application

To apply for this SENCO role at a supportive secondary school in Merton, starting ASAP, please submit your updated CV as soon as possible.