Head of SEND & Inclusion

Job Description

HEAD OF SEND & INCLUSION

Required for September 2026

MS/UPS plus SEN Allowance 1 (£2,787)

The Governors of St Helen's Catholic Primary School wish to appoint a Head of SEND (SENCo) with demonstrable experience as an excellent practitioner and teacher for this rewarding SENCO role.

We are seeking to appoint a strategic and outstanding practitioner, who is passionate about SEND and Inclusion. You will be SEN qualified and possess the vision and skills to work with the Senior Leadership Team in improving standards of teaching and learning for all children. You will play a central role in ensuring that every child with SEND receives the support they need to thrive.

We want our Head of SEND & Inclusion to:-

· Be a qualified SENCo with strong knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice

· Provide strategic and operational leadership for SEND and inclusion across the school

· Teach and work directly with pupils with SEND, including those with complex needs in the SEND provision

· Lead and manage a team of Inclusion Assistants, ensuring high‑quality training and effective deployment

· Model and promote outstanding inclusive teaching practice for staff

· Oversee SEND assessment, provision, EHCP processes and partnerships with external agencies, including SEND OPs

· Lead and develop the school's Thrive programme, and be willing to undertake Thrive Practitioner training in the future

· Contribute actively to the Senior Management Team, school improvement and safeguarding

· Demonstrate a collaborative, resilient and inclusive leadership style with high aspirations for all pupils

· Have high aspirations for themselves and use resources, intellect, creativity, and innovation to be successful

· Be passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare and wellbeing of children and staff

We can offer you:-

· Enthusiastic, caring children who are proud of their school

· A welcoming Catholic ethos rooted in inclusion, care and high expectations

· A supportive Senior Leadership Team and committed Inclusion Team

· Strong governance and Trust support

· High‑quality professional development opportunities across the Trust and Diocese of Brentwood

Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school and should contact Claire Fantini, HR Manager, at the Assisi Registered Office on 01702 344933 or by email on recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com to arrange a visit.

To be considered for this vacancy, all applicants must complete the CES Teaching Staff Application Form available on the school website vacancy page https://st-helens.southend.sch.uk/ and submit it to recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com.

Assisi Catholic Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre-employment checks and Enhanced DBS clearance. References will be sought and an online search carried out on applicants as part of our due diligence.

Closing Date: 10th May 2026 Formal Interviews: w/c 18th May 2026

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Information about the School

St Helen’s Catholic Primary School is the oldest Catholic primary school in Southend and has been on the present site since 1973. We are pleased to have served our community for so long. We hope to deliver our mission statement as written by the pupils, to show respect to ourselves, everyone in our school and wider community and most of all to God our Father in heaven.