Job Description

Fairways Primary School is seeking a skilled, passionate and approachable SENCo to join our vibrant, nurturing community. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes every child deserves to thrive - and who has the expertise, creativity and determination to make that happen. You will be stepping into a well-established, highly valued SEND provision, following the retirement of our much‑loved SENCo after many years of dedicated service. As a full-time member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will have the time, support and autonomy needed to lead SEND effectively and ensure we meet our statutory duties with rigour and compassion.

Inclusion sits at the heart of Fairways. We are proud of our culture where every child is seen, known and valued, and where diversity is celebrated. We are looking for a SENCo who will champion inclusive practice across the school - someone who believes that high-quality, inclusive teaching is the foundation of excellent SEND provision and who will work collaboratively to ensure every pupil can access learning, feel a sense of belonging and achieve their very best.

We are looking for someone who

- Holds the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO)
- Can confidently fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the SENCo role in line with the SEND Code of Practice
- Is an excellent primary practitioner with consistently strong classroom practice, who can coach and support colleagues to develop inclusive, high-quality teaching with high expectations for all pupils.
- Has a deep, unwavering commitment to inclusion and equity, championing high expectations and effective provision for all learners - whether or not they are on the SEND register.
- Builds positive, trusting relationships with children, families, staff and external professionals
- Will contribute to the wider strategic leadership of the school as a member of SLT, including acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the strategic development and day-to-day implementation of SEND and inclusion policy and provision across the school.
- Champion a culture of inclusive, high-quality teaching with high expectations for all pupils, ensuring adaptive practice meets a diverse range of needs - whether or not pupils are on the SEND register.
- Oversee and quality assure provision for pupils with SEND or additional barriers to learning, ensuring strong universal provision and targeted support where required.
- Coach and support teachers to develop inclusive classroom practice through modelling, professional development, and robust monitoring activities (lesson observations, learning walks, book scrutiny, pupil voice and data analysis).
- Monitor progress, attainment and wider outcomes for pupils with SEND and other vulnerable groups, using evidence and data to evaluate impact and inform next steps.
- Manage statutory processes, including EHCP applications, annual reviews and multi-agency engagement, ensuring full compliance with the SEND Code of Practice.
- Maintain an accurate and up-to-date SEND register and provision map, ensuring clarity of support and accountability for impact.
- Lead, deploy and performance manage a large, skilled team of Teaching Assistants to ensure effective, evidence-informed intervention and classroom support.
- Work in partnership with families, building strong, trusting relationships and ensuring parents and carers feel informed, supported and meaningfully involved.
- As Deputy DSL, fulfil the responsibilities outlined in the latest version of Keeping Children Safe in Education, particularly those identified in Annex C: Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- As Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, act as the central advocate and champion for LAC, ensuring high aspirations, effective Personal Education Plans (PEPs) and strong multi-agency collaboration.
- Contribute to whole-school leadership as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, shaping school improvement priorities, policy development and staff development with inclusion at the core.

We offer
- A warm, welcoming school with a genuine family feel
- Children who are kind, calm and who live our core values of respect, responsibility and perseverance
- A governing body with strong expertise in and passion for SEND
- Senior leaders who genuinely value and prioritise SEND and inclusion
- A full-time, non-teaching role that provides the time and support needed to lead SEND effectively

Join us
If you're ready to help shape an inclusive future for our community, we'd love to hear from you. Visits to the school are warmly encouraged during the week beginning 2nd March. Please contact the school office on 01702 525693 to arrange.
Fairways Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Information about the School

Fairways is a two form entry primary school set in extensive beautiful grounds in Leigh on Sea that celebrates individuality, champions potential, and works tirelessly to ensure every pupil feels seen, supported, and valued. Our pupils love coming to school; they are respectful and learn in a kind, and calm place where they flourish in their learning and their relationships. In addition to our fourteen classes we have a speech and language resource base which is an integral part of the school; the resource base children are included in all aspects of school life, with some fully included in mainstream classes.

The governors and staff at Fairways believe that the school should provide a stimulating and challenging environment where a lifelong passion for learning is nurtured.

Fairways Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references.