Pre-Prep School SENCo

Runnymede College, a prestigious British International school located in Spain, is committed to delivering high-quality education grounded in the British National Curriculum.

We are currently seeking a full-time Pre-Prep School Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to join our dedicated team starting in September 2026.

Pre-Prep School Special Educational Needs Coordinator - Position Summary

Reporting to: Deputy Head (Pastoral), Deputy Head (Academic)

Key Internal Relationships:

Head of Pre-Prep, Headmaster, Assistant Headmistress of Prep and Senior SENCos, School Counsellor, Nurse Learning Support Teacher, External Therapists, Class Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Heads of Department

1. Role Objective:

The Pre-Prep SENCo is responsible for ensuring exceptional support and provision for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the Pre-Prep School (Pre-Nursery to Year 3). This role will lead the identification, coordination, and execution of SEND support within an inclusive early years and Key Stage 1 environment. The position combines strategic oversight of SEND provision with a teaching commitment in Pre-Prep, facilitating close involvement in classroom practices and tracking student progress. The SENCo will work alongside teaching staff, senior leaders, the school counsellor, external professionals, and families to ensure early identification, effective interventions, and comprehensive support for students.

i). Core Responsibilities

• Promote a school environment that values inclusion, early intervention, and high aspirations for every student.

• Oversee SEND provision throughout the Pre-Prep School, assuring effective internal support and optimal use of external resources.

• Maintain the Pre-Prep SEND register, ensuring all records, documentation, and support plans are accurate and up to date.

• Act as the main point of contact for SEND referrals from teachers, determining appropriate next steps and levels of support.

• Coordinate and supervise the work of external therapists operating within the school.

• Build supportive and effective relationships with students with SEND and their families.

• Provide guidance and support to teachers to foster inclusive practices in the classroom.

• Stay updated on advancements in SEND practices relevant to early years and Key Stage 1.

• Collaborate closely with the Prep and Senior School SENCo teams to ensure smooth transitions and continuity.

ii). Teaching, Learning, and Intervention

• Fulfill a teaching commitment within Pre-Prep as per the agreed timetable.

• Deliver targeted learning support interventions for individual students and small groups, overseeing the work of the Pre-Prep learning support teacher.

• Assist teachers in adapting teaching methods, learning experiences, and classroom environments to meet diverse needs.

• Lead professional development sessions in Pre-Prep and contribute to whole school training.

• Exhibit inclusive practices and effective differentiation in Pre-Prep classrooms.

• Work in partnership with teachers to integrate strategies recommended by external professionals into daily teaching.

• Collaborate with SENCos and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to promote consistency in adaptive teaching methods.

iii). Pupil Progress and Wellbeing

• Monitor and address new referrals from teachers and concerns raised by parents.

• Review observations, assessments, reports, and teacher feedback to identify student needs.

• Support the emotional wellbeing of students with SEND, working closely with the school counsellor.

• Ensure that students with SEND have appropriate and regularly updated Student Support Plans.

• Engage with students, when appropriate, to promote self-awareness and confidence.

iv). Tracking & Monitoring

• Track the progress of students on the SEND register, monitoring their academic, social, and emotional development.

• Collaborate with teachers to plan, assess, and evaluate provisions for students with SEND.

• Review the effectiveness of interventions and adjust provisions as needed.

• Improve standards of inclusion, attainment, and achievement for students with SEND through careful monitoring and support.

• Provide reports and updates to the Head of Pre-Prep and Senior Leadership Team as required.

• Work with SENCos and SLT to evaluate the progress of SEND students throughout the school, ensuring every child reaches their potential.

v). Reporting and Communication

• Ensure effective communication with parents regarding SEND provision and student progress.

• Participate in parent meetings and contribute to review discussions as needed, including Pre-Prep parents’ evening.

• Assist teachers in effectively communicating with parents about SEND concerns and strategies.

• Contribute to parent information sessions regarding SEND and inclusion.

vi). External Liaison

• Serve as the primary liaison for external professionals working with Pre-Prep SEND students.

• Coordinate assessments, reports, and follow-up recommendations from external agencies.

• Ensure that external guidance is communicated clearly to staff and consistently put into practice.

• Support the organization of external support and assessments as needed.

vii). Other Duties:

• Provide short-term teaching cover within Pre-Prep as necessary.

• Contribute to specific initiatives targeting particular cohorts.

• Undertake any other responsibilities related to the role as requested by Senior Leadership.

The ideal candidate will have:
Essential
• A solid honours degree from a British University.

• A PGCE or equivalent qualified teacher status.

• Experience teaching children aged 2–8.

• Extensive knowledge of SEND and inclusive practices in early years and KS1.

• Experience delivering interventions and assisting classroom teachers.

• Native proficiency in spoken and written English.

• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

Desirable
• National Award for SEND Coordination (NASENCo) or an equivalent qualification.

• Experience in a SENDCo or leadership role focused on inclusion.

• Experience collaborating with external therapists and authorities.

• Proficiency in Spanish.

• Background as part of a senior safeguarding team.

• Experience within a UK-based Private School or British International Overseas School.

Personal Qualities
• Child-centered, compassionate, and empathetic.

• Collaborative and solution-focused.

• Flexible, proactive, and highly organized.

If you meet the above criteria and are enthusiastic about contributing to the growth and success of young learners at Runnymede College, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

Please complete the application form and upload your CV and cover letter, including contact details for references.

Application deadline - Friday 17th April 2026.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted, with initial interviews conducted via Zoom on a rolling basis. The final round of interviews will occur in person at Runnymede College in Madrid. The School reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date. If you do not receive a response within six weeks of your application, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Hiring decisions are made based on the skills, experience, and attributes necessary for the role. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

Runnymede is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be prepared to undergo child protection screening appropriate for the position, which includes checks with previous employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office.