SENDCo
Hours: 19.5 hours (3 days per week – days to be discussed and decided with the successful candidate)
Contract: Fixed Term until 31 August 2027
Salary: Leadership Scale, Range L1 – L5
Salary (FTE): £51,773.00 - £57,137.00
Actual Salary: £31,063.80 - £34,282.20
Start Date: 1 September 2026 (or earlier if possible)
Are you an experienced and passionate SEND leader ready to make a transformational impact?
We are seeking an exceptional SENDCO to join our senior leadership team, champion inclusive practice, and ensure every pupil with SEND receives the support, challenge and care they deserve to flourish.
This is a strategic and highly influential role, ideal for an experienced SENDCO or an aspiring leader who has a strong track record of improving outcomes for children with high level needs. You will hold responsibility for our Inclusion Hub which supports 16 high needs children with Autism in receipt on an EHCP. You will retaining a small teaching commitment in the Inclusion Hub to stay closely connected to classroom practice and pupil experience.
The Role
As SENDCO, you will shape and lead the provision, systems, culture and teaching that enable pupils with high needs SEND to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
You will:
- Lead on the strategic development of SEND provision in the Inclusion Hub
- Oversee high quality teaching and targeted interventions for pupils in the Inclusion Hub
- Work closely with teachers, teaching assistants and leaders to embed inclusive practice
- Coordinate EHCP processes, personalised plans, assessments and reviews
- Strengthen partnerships with pupils, families, external agencies and the wider community
- Contribute fully as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, influencing whole school direction and improvement
- Maintain a teaching responsibility as part of the role, modelling best practice
This role offers the opportunity to make a measurable difference to children’s lives while contributing to the strategic leadership of the school.
We are looking for a leader who:
- Is an experienced SENDCO, with the NASENCO qualification/ NPQ SENDCO, or actively working towards it
- Has a deep commitment to inclusion and high aspirations for all pupils
- Has excellent knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and strong assessment skills
- Can inspire, develop and support staff through strong relationships and clear systems
- Thrives in a diverse school community and understands the opportunities and challenges it brings
- Is reflective, resilient and motivated by improving life chances for the most vulnerable
- Values the Christian ethos of our Church of England school while warmly embracing pupils of all faiths and none
We can offer:
- A strategic leadership role at the heart of our school’s development
- A place on a supportive, collaborative and forward thinking Senior Leadership Team
- A committed staff team who care deeply about the pupils and community they serve
- A school rooted in strong Christian values, serving a vibrant and diverse community
- Opportunities for professional growth across our Trust
- Excellent CPD opportunities
- Access to wellbeing support
- 24-hour confidential helpline and counselling
- Healthcare cash plan
- Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Discount retail platform with access to hundreds of discounts.
Our School
Fishponds is a large, exciting, multicultural and multi-faith Church of England Primary School community in the city of Bristol. Our values and ethos are based on love and our close-knit team really do go the extra mile to engage our children in the exciting opportunities on offer at Fishponds. In March 2022, we received a ‘Good’ grading in all areas from Ofsted. We have developed a curriculum designed to meet the needs of our children and provide an inclusive environment for all.
Our school is committed to working closely with the local community and has strong links with the neighbouring Easton Family Centre and our partner Lighthouse Schools Partnership.
The Trust
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) is a Multi-Academy Trust which has experienced rapid growth since it started in 2016. There are currently 34 schools in the Trust.
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is cross-phase and includes Infant, Junior, Primary and Secondary schools. The Trust is a mixed MAT and includes both non-denominational and Church of England schools.
We encourage you to browse our website for more information about the Trust: Lighthouse Schools Partnership - Home
If you are a leader who believes that every child deserves high expectations, strong relationships and the chance to flourish, we would love to hear from you.
Visits and Applications
Visits to the school are warmly encouraged.
Closing Date: 29 May 2026 at 9am
Interviews: To be confirmed
Early applications are encouraged. The school reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement, should the school be able to identify an appropriate candidate.