High School Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCO / SENCO)

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a committed and seasoned High School Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who is enthusiastic about creating a nurturing, inspiring, and inclusive educational environment for all learners. This role presents an excellent opportunity to lead inclusive initiatives throughout the High School while making a meaningful impact on students with diverse learning needs.

At St Andrews International School Bangkok, we believe that effective education begins with understanding each individual student. Our classrooms are crafted to be welcoming and stimulating spaces where students are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow. Our educators bring this vision to fruition through their creativity, dedication, and emphasis on personalized learning.

Inspiring Learning and Development
Recently recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Inclusion Quality Mark and awarded the International Provision of the Year at the 2024 NASEN Awards, St Andrews takes pride in its inclusive ethos that values the uniqueness of each student. Our goal is to provide an international education within a safe, joyful, and engaging environment that caters to every individual’s needs.

As the SENCO, you will lead the High School Learning Support team and advocate for exceptional inclusive practices throughout the school. Collaborating closely with the Whole School Director of Learning Support, you will help establish a cohesive approach that aligns strategic vision with effective classroom practices.

Your responsibilities will involve supporting both the academic and personal development of students with additional needs, while guiding colleagues in adapting teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles. By partnering with teachers, Heads of Phase, and specialist staff, you will help create inclusive learning experiences that empower every student to achieve their maximum potential.

Leadership and Mentorship
The SENCO will provide professional leadership to the High School Learning Support department, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture. You will lead a dedicated team of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), High-Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs), and educators.

Maintaining high professional standards across the department is crucial for optimizing student outcomes, making prior experience in team leadership essential. Your duties will include managing staff schedules, overseeing departmental documentation, facilitating team meetings, and ensuring the efficient deployment of support staff.

Moreover, the SENCO will mentor Learning Support teachers across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, promoting their professional growth and identifying emerging leadership talent within the team. Through classroom observations and constructive feedback, you will encourage exemplary practices in inclusive teaching and learning.

Student Support, Communication, and Advocacy
At St Andrews, we understand that strong partnerships with families and professionals are vital for student success. You will lead discussions with parents, teachers, and external specialists to ensure a coordinated approach to student support.

You will supervise the preparation and monitoring of Individual Learning and Health Care Plans (ILHCP) and Student Support Plans (SSP), ensuring that clear objectives and effective support strategies are established. Additionally, you will produce high-quality written reports on student progress in alignment with school policy.

Furthermore, you will provide strategic oversight of learning support interventions across the High School, ensuring consistency with academic pathways, including IGCSE, the IB Diploma Programme, the IB Career-related Programme, Functional Skills, and school-specific initiatives.

Systems, Processes, and Resource Management
Working alongside the Whole School Director of Learning Support and Lead LSAs, you will assist in managing departmental resources and budgets to ensure effective support for students with additional needs.

You will also contribute to developing robust procedures for High School admissions and learning support provisions, ensuring that the department cultivates a safe, calm, and supportive learning environment.

Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Professional SENCO qualification such as NPQSENCO, NASENCO, or iSENCO (or actively pursuing)
• Proven experience in leading teams of educators and support staff (UK experience preferred)

Desirable Qualifications
• Level 7 Assessor certification
• Master’s degree in SEND or a related field

Professional Competencies
• Thorough understanding of pathways such as IBDP, IBCP, BTEC, or Functional Skills
• Ability to lead with integrity, resilience, and a clear moral purpose
• Commitment to research-informed teaching practices and inclusive education
• Familiarity with strategic and operational leadership in an international school context

Collaborating as a Professional Team Member
Being a part of St Andrews means embracing shared goals and positively contributing to our school community. You will engage in curriculum development, take part in professional learning opportunities, and maintain high standards of assessment and reporting.

Professional Development
We are dedicated to professional growth and provide access to Nord Anglia University’s development platform. Teachers collaborate through Professional Learning Communities, Triads, and WalkThrus, with opportunities for leadership development and postgraduate education.

Building a Welcoming School Community
St Andrews is a vibrant and inclusive environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and engagement. Teachers play an essential role in the broader life of the school through extracurricular activities, community events, and our lively House system.

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
St Andrews International School Bangkok is a dynamic and progressive institution catering to over 2400 students from Early Years to Year 13 across two central Bangkok campuses. We offer a British curriculum with an international perspective, culminating in IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme.

Our inclusive ethos ensures that every student receives the necessary support to reach their potential. Recently recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Inclusion Quality Mark and awarded International Provision of the Year at the 2024 NASEN Awards, we take pride in delivering exceptional support for students with diverse learning needs.

Safeguarding
St Andrews is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff members are required to share this commitment. No appointment will be finalized without satisfactory references, a ten-year criminal record check, and relevant safeguarding clearances, which include an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC).

Application Process
If you are interested in this position, please complete the application process via the Nord Anglia Education careers website:

https://careers.nordangliaeducation.com/

For further inquiries, please reach out to recruitment@standrews.ac.th