Deputy Senco

Knowledge, skills and experience

Education and Training

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusive practice.
• Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation, statutory guidance, and the graduated approach.

Desirable:

• National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) or equivalent SEND leadership qualification.
• Relevant qualification or training in SEND, inclusion, or a related area.
• Evidence of leadership or management development.
• Training or experience in areas relevant to the school's SEND provision, such as safeguarding, SEMH, autism, speech and language, or adaptive teaching.

Experience

Essential:

• Experience of working effectively with students with a wide range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
• Experience of coordinating and delivering high-quality SEND provision within a school or educational setting.
• Experience of monitoring student progress, identifying barriers to learning, and adapting provision accordingly.
• Experience of working collaboratively with teachers, support staff, families, and external professionals.
• Experience of supporting or coordinating EHCP processes, annual reviews, and other SEND-related statutory processes.
• Experience of providing advice, guidance, and practical support to colleagues in relation to SEND and inclusive practice.
• Experience of managing competing priorities and responding effectively to complex or emerging student needs.
• Experience of contributing to the development, implementation, and evaluation of SEND provision.
• Experience of promoting inclusive practice and supporting positive outcomes for students with SEND.

Desirable:

• Experience of leading or managing a SEND team, provision, or area of inclusion.
• Experience of working within a SENCO or Assistant SENCO role, or undertaking significant SEND leadership responsibilities.
• Experience of using SEND data and quality assurance processes to evaluate provision and identify areas for improvement.
• Experience of working with a range of external agencies and specialist professionals to coordinate support for students.
• Experience of supporting or leading SEND-related training and professional development for staff.

Personal Qualities

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving outcomes and removing barriers for students with SEND.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Calm, resilient, and solution-focused when responding to complex or challenging situations.
• Confident in making decisions and taking appropriate action within their area of responsibility.
• Approachable, empathetic, and able to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• A strong communicator who can provide clear, constructive advice and guidance to others.
• Collaborative and committed to working as part of a wider Inclusion and Senior Leadership Team.
• Able to balance high expectations with a nurturing, individualised approach to supporting students.
• Reflective and open to feedback, with a commitment to continuous professional development and improvement.
• Able to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgement when dealing with sensitive information and complex situations.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond positively to changing priorities and emerging needs.
• Committed to inclusive practice and to developing the capacity of all staff to support students with SEND.
• Positive, dependable, and willing to take ownership and responsibility for ensuring high-quality SEND provision.