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 Scale)

Role Overview

An inclusive secondary school in Merton is seeking a dedicated, strategic, and qualified SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) to lead their Learning Support department ASAP. In this key leadership role, you will determine the strategic development of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the school. You will oversee EHCP processes, manage additional support resources, lead team members within the learning support department, and work closely with teachers, parents, and external agencies to ensure every pupil with SEND achieves their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational management and strategic vision of the school’s SEND policy and provision in accordance with the SEND Code of Practice.

• Manage the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) annual review process, funding applications, statutory assessments, and provision mapping for all pupils on the SEND register.

• Coordinate, deploy, and line manage Teaching Assistants and Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) within the Learning Support department.

• Advise and train teaching staff on adaptive teaching strategies, Quality First Teaching, and effective differentiation to meet diverse learning needs in the classroom.

• Act as a key liaison for external support services, including Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, CAMHS, and Merton Local Authority SEND teams.

• Analyse SEND pupil progress data to measure the impact of interventions and report regularly to the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body.

Key Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or QTLS in the UK.

• National Award for SEN Co-ordination (NASENCO) or the new NPQ for SENCOs (or a commitment to complete within statutory timescales).

• Proven teaching experience in a secondary setting with a strong track record of supporting pupils with complex learning, communication, or SEMH needs.

• In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP administrative processes, and statutory local authority frameworks.

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with families, colleagues, and external specialists.

• Legal right to work in the UK.

School Highlights & Benefits

• Well-resourced Learning Support department with dedicated intervention suites and assistive technology.

• Supportive Senior Leadership Team committed to inclusion, staff well-being, and continuous leadership CPD.

• Competitive Outer London pay scale with an additional SEN allowance reflecting experience and responsibilities.

• Excellent Merton location with convenient London Underground (Northern Line), Tramlink, and National Rail links, plus free on-site staff parking.

• Enrolment in the Teachers' Pension Scheme.

Application

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