The posting
Assistant Principal of Special Educational Needs (SENDCo)
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced SENDCo to join our team at The Chalk Hills Academy and will lead the development of our SEND team. We are an oversubscribed school and held in high regard within the community in Luton and we are seeking to appoint an ambitious, enthusiastic and dedicated SENDCo with a passion for raising standards through excellence in teaching and learning.
As well as being an excellent subject leader or pastoral leader, the candidate should have a proven track record in leading positive change and have the drive and commitment to ensure that high standards are met. The candidate will appreciate and engage with the latest research and be confident enough to deliver school wide CPD.
Our core focus, and at the heart of everyone’s responsibility, is Quality First Teaching. We are ambitious for our pupils, and we understand that this is underpinned by the high-quality lessons that are delivered, day in, day out. We make no exceptions and no deals in our approach to Teaching, because we know that it is right for our context. Staff and students of The Chalk Hills Academy are aligned to our Playbook approach and are reaping the benefits. Any new applicants will receive an enhanced on-boarding and induction process to support staff in implementing our core teaching routines.
At The Chalk Hills Academy, our values of Integrity, Ambition, Excellence are underpinned by very high expectations and drive in everything that we do. We have a powerful culture which is warm but strict, based on clear routines, systems, and structures. As a result, our teachers enjoy their teaching with impeccable behaviour in lessons and hardworking, highly motivated pupils.
The successful candidate will
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) & (NASENCO) or National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators.
Possess a deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act, with the ability to translate complex needs into actionable classroom strategies.
Lead the strategic direction for SEND, ensuring that Chalk Hill’s commitment to excellence is embedded in the support for all pupils with additional needs. You will be the named SENDCo and be supported by a Assistant SENDCo.
Work in close partnership with the PP Lead to operationalise our Pupil Premium strategy, ensuring it is implemented on the ground to reduce barriers for socioeconomically disadvantaged pupils.
Be an expert in co-production, building powerful relationships with parents, carers, and external partners to ensure our students' aspirations are at the heart of every decision.
Have the analytical skill to use qualitative and quantitative data to identify emerging needs and trends, such as SEMH or EBSNA both quickly and accurately to ensure a sustained difference.
Have experience of a large multicultural school
The ability to upskill classroom teachers and Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) on Quality First Teaching strategies.
Resilience & Emotional Intelligence, Exceptional Diplomacy, Solution-Focused Mindset & Authority with Empathy
Be an experienced leader who can manage staff and support colleagues to achieve targets set.
Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Have excellent communication skills and enthuse staff and implement ideas
Job specifics
Start Date: January 2027 or following notice period
Salary: AS Leadership 10 -14 £65,297-£71,998 dependent on experience
Job role: Full time, Permanent
The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding and welfare of children is paramount and all our staff share this view. Applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding and child protection checks including with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
