About This Role
About the Role
At The Pingle Academy, our SEND team is led by an Assistant Principal – SENDCO and supported by:
Assistant SENDCOs
A dedicated SEND Administrator
A highly experienced team of Teaching Assistants
Our ethos is built on teamwork, shared responsibility, and a commitment to inclusion, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. We pride ourselves on our warm, friendly team culture, where progress is celebrated and support is embedded across all areas of school life.
We work in close partnership with classroom teachers, school leaders, external agencies, and families to ensure students with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support to help them succeed.
What Do We Offer?
We are entering an exciting new phase of SEND provision at The Pingle Academy. As part of this development, we are investing in enhanced facilities and innovative support systems, including:
A brand-new sensory room
Two dedicated Hub rooms
A small-group intervention room
Three specialist spaces for emotional coaching and social skills development
A calm, secure SEND Hub providing break and lunchtime support with outdoor access
These spaces are designed to ensure that students with SEND feel safe, supported, and understood. You will play a vital role in realising this inclusive vision.
Join Our Inclusive Community
We are proud of our inclusive ethos and our commitment to supporting vulnerable learners and those with additional needs. Joining The Pingle Academy means becoming part of a caring and ambitious team and making a real difference to the lives of young people every day.
The Candidate
We are seeking a highly motivated and effective Assistant SENDCO to support the Assistant Principal – SENDCO in leading and delivering outstanding SEND provision across the academy.
Key Attributes
A clear commitment to improving outcomes for students with SEND
The ability to work collaboratively with teachers, TAs, parents, and external professionals
A proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
A commitment to professional development and CPD within the SEND field
A willingness to go the ‘extra mile’ to ensure students feel supported and understood
Your Impact
You will work with all stakeholders to ensure that students with additional needs or barriers to learning:
Receive the support and adjustments they require
Make strong academic and personal progress
Are well prepared for their next steps in education or employment
Be Part of Our Vision
If you’re passionate about SEND, inclusion, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you. Join us at The Pingle Academy and become part of a forward-thinking, inclusive community that places students at the heart of everything we do.
Why Work for Affinity?
At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.
As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.
Our People Strategy
Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:
Belongs – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.
Progresses – Staff Development and CPD
Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
Thrives – Wellbeing
We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.
What Are The Benefits of Joining Affinity?
Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model
Removal of performance-related pay
A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks
A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload
Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network
In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:
Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services
Access to Benenden Health’s self-pay private healthcare service
Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active
Cycle to Work scheme
BHSF health cash plan
Eye care vouchers
Flu vaccination vouchers
Visits
Prospective applicants are welcome to visit, and this can be arranged by telephoning 01283 216837.
To Apply
Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.
To apply, please visit our careers page: pingleacademy.com/16/current-vacancies
Closing date: 9.00am on 13th April 2026. We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process, should this be required. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.Interview date: w/c 20th April 2026.