Job Description
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Are you an experienced, qualified teacher with a passion for removing barriers to learning? We are inviting external applicants to join our school and help shape an inclusive approach in which pupils with special educational needs and disabilities can participate, achieve and flourish.
Working closely with staff, parents, carers and other external professionals, to coordinate effective provision, support high-quality inclusive teaching and ensure statutory SEND responsibilities are met. This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership with meaningful, hands-on work with children and colleagues.
Your role
- Develop and oversee the school's SEND strategy and policy, championing a whole-school commitment to inclusion.
- Lead the Graduated Approach (assess, plan, do, review), working with teachers and senior leaders to identify pupils' needs early and strengthen classroom practice and behaviour support.
- Build effective partnerships with parents, carers and external professionals, agreeing support, sharing progress and co-ordinating referrals where needed.
- Maintain accurate pupil records and use progress data to evaluate the impact of provision, refine interventions and target resources effectively.
- Advise, support and train colleagues, sharing practical guidance and modelling effective SEND practice.
- Co-ordinate support plans, contribute to education, health and care (EHC) needs assessments and plans, and co-ordinate annual reviews, ensuring agreed actions are followed through.
- Manage SEND resources, advise on funding and help deploy support staff so that provision is matched to pupils' needs.
- Where required, design and deliver targeted interventions in and out of the classroom, alongside agreed teaching responsibilities.
What you will bring
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO).
- Experience of teaching and supporting pupils with SEND, with a strong commitment to raising attainment and helping every pupil achieve their potential.
- An understanding of pupils' differing needs, empathy and the ability to develop practical, evidence-informed approaches to removing barriers to learning.
- Knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice and statutory responsibilities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the sensitivity to navigate challenging conversations and build trusting partnerships with families, colleagues and external agencies.
- Leadership, influencing and organisational skills to inspire colleagues, secure appropriate support and balance a varied workload.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret pupil data, track progress and evaluate the difference support makes.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development, keeping specialist SEND knowledge and understanding of local and national policy up to date.
Why join Copford CofE (VC) Primary School?
We are a small rural primary school on the outskirts of Colchester with 200 pupils on roll, where you can make a real difference to children's learning and development. You will be supported by colleagues within school, with opportunities to collaborate across the Nexus partnership, share expertise and develop inclusive practice together. The role is two days per week, with working days to be mutually agreed.
If you share our ambition to help every pupil access learning and fulfil their potential, we would love to hear from you. Visits are warmly welcomed, please contact the school office on 01206 210439 or via email at office@copford.essex.sch.uk.
Information about the School
Copford VC Church of England Primary School is a caring village school near Colchester, with 202 pupils across Reception to Year 6.
Children learn in a calm, supportive environment where the whole child is encouraged to flourish academically, socially, personally and spiritually.