Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)
Recruitment Pack
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL SCHOOL
Your child at our heart
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)
RECRUITMENT PACK
About Salisbury Cathedral School
Salisbury Cathedral School (SCS) is a wonderful school with an enviable reputation in the area for providing children with a nurturing, varied and enriching education in the most beautiful environment, surrounded by woodland and nestled under the sheltering presence of Salisbury Cathedral.
We hold your child at our heart and seek to make every day a wonderful opportunity to explore curiously, connect meaningfully and live vibrantly. We support everyone in our community to embrace opportunity and each new day is approached with energy, gratitude and an exciting sense of possibility. We encourage our children to be curious, creative and caring; to hold a wonder about the world around them and to be ambitious for themselves and for others.
Our vibrant learning culture gives children extensive opportunities to discover and develop their talents in academic fields, in sport, in the creative and performing arts, and in the wider community. The breadth of timetabled and extracurricular opportunities we offer rivals many larger schools and our dedicated team delivers the highest quality teaching, inspiring our pupils to bring the best in everything they do.
Our staff are known for their energy and commitment, each day striving to achieve the highest educational outcomes and bringing out the best in each child. Our personalised learning approach and ethos of always giving of your best ensures our pupils have the strongest start in life. We pride ourselves on the close relationships we build with each of our pupils and their families. We get to know their strengths, we are by their side through their struggles, we celebrate their achievements and we support them in their transition to exciting futures.
We believe that every child has something valuable to offer and that in our setting, guided by expert staff, we can find and nurture a child’s gift and give each child the confidence to tackle life’s challenges with spirit and determination. Based on their achievements at SCS, our pupils earn places at a variety of senior schools, often with generous scholarships.
Staff
At SCS, we look for energetic, ambitious and skilled people to work in our School. We expect our staff to play a full and positive part in the life of the School, and to contribute to the co-curricular programme. Teaching staff ensure good communication with parents, including the writing of reports; work together to create and deliver excellent schemes of work; and fulfil cover and other duties both within and after the school day.
All members of staff at SCS are expected to be fully supportive of the aims and ethos of our School and to share pastoral responsibility. They work towards encouraging each pupil to have the chance to develop to their full potential. Each staff member is expected to put children first and value each child highly, treating every pupil in a respectful and professional manner. Staff should support the school in its intention to celebrate progress and achievement, fostering a love of learning amongst pupils.
All those employed at SCS work to provide a positive environment where all children have an extensive and balanced learning opportunity. Staff members ensure they are inclusive of all pupils and promote the educational, emotional, physical, social and spiritual development and well-being of our children.
Job Description
Position: Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
Line Manager: Deputy Head Academic
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 0.8 to full time
Salary: SCS Scale at the point appropriate for your
qualifications & experience
Start Date: Monday 7th September 2026
Salisbury Cathedral School is looking for an inspirational and highly motivated SENCo to join its staff and inspire young minds. Salisbury Cathedral School has long had a very strong reputation for an excellent academic provision that includes securing places for our children at the top Senior Schools in the South East and the country, as well as winning numerous academic and extra-curricular scholarships. It is a school rightly known for the warmth and strength of its community.
Nestled in the heart of the Cathedral Close in Salisbury, our School is surrounded by idyllic woodlands and has access to all the School's beautiful grounds and facilities – the perfect place for taking learning outdoors, building on our vision for teaching and learning to be active, engaging and not just classroom based!
The successful candidate will join a happy and thriving community. At SCS, we have a genuine team spirit and every single person is uniquely valued for who they are and what they bring to our community.
Blending tradition, informality and innovation, we work hard to offer a vibrant and stimulating professional environment.
This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment at any time, after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks, but sets out the main expectations of Salisbury Cathedral School in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.
Overarching responsibilities:
The SENCo is responsible for leading the Learning Support Department (LSD); for all aspects of the learning support throughout the School; ensuring we are providing an excellent provision to support our pupils and curriculum. To provide continual improvement of the quality of provision offered to all children with learning needs or a disability.
Main Purpose:
The SENCo, working with the Deputy Head Academic and will:
Determine the strategic development of learning support and SEND policies and provision in the School
Have oversight of day-to-day management of the LSD
Assist in the shaping of the teaching and learning culture within the School
Provide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and other agencies
Champion inclusion across the School
Safeguarding Responsibilities Include:
Safeguard and promote the welfare of children
Foster a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection
Provide a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk, and believe that they are being listened to
Play a key role in the prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm
Ensure sharing of key information and advocacy for SEND pupils
All staff must act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies
Strategy:
Develop and deliver a clear strategy for the provision for pupils with learning needs or a disability across the School, monitoring, and reviewing for continual improvement in the quality of provision
Contribute to School self-evaluation, particularly with respect to provision for pupils with learning needs or a disability
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and local initiatives that may affect the School’s policy and practice
Work with the Deputy Head to ensure the School meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 in terms of reasonable adjustments and access arrangements
Prepare and review information the Governing Board is required to publish
Contribute to the School’s Strategic Development Plan and whole-school policy
Management:
To organise the day to day running of the department and coordinate provision across the School
To monitor intervention groups for pupils with learning needs, and evaluate their effectiveness
Identify relevant training needs for LSD staff and class teachers
Assist in the analysis of assessment data for pupils with a learning need or a disability
In collaboration with LSD team, oversee identification of a pupil’s learning need and the School’s capacity to meet need
Oversee the maintenance of an accurate LSD register and provision map, and ensure records are maintained and kept up to date
Ensure tracking documents are updated, monitored and analysed regularly where appropriate
Manage the LSD budget within agreed limits
Review staff performance on an ongoing basis, where required
Teaching and Learning Culture:
Offer encouragement and support to all pupils with learning needs, or disability
Work closely with the Deputy Head and Head of Pre-Prep to develop whole school teaching and learning culture and approaches
Promote an ethos and culture that supports the School’s Learning Support Policy and promotes good outcomes for pupils with learning needs or a disability
Promote and encourage excellence of teaching and learning practice, thereby developing confidence through improvement and success;
Champion each pupil’s inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with a learning need or a disability, and advise on the graduated approach to LSD support
Support teaching staff and assistants and assist them in their personal and professional development through the appraisal and INSET programmes
Undertake learning walks and observations to ensure best practice
Lead INSET and other training for staff
Keep abreast of the requirements of the National Curriculum, Common Entrance and Scholarships
Guidance:
Provide guidance for parents and staff on strategies and provision for pupils, especially those with complex needs
Secure relevant services for pupils should needs require
Communicate regularly with parents or carers, as required
Review the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with parents or carers and the pupil, if necessary
Work with the Registrar when required to ensure the School can understand and meet needs of any perspective pupils
Ensure when the pupil transfers to another school, all relevant information is conveyed to them, and support a smooth transition for the pupil
Work with early years providers, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agencies
Be a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority (LA)
Foster and maintain links with external organisations to provide support for pupils
All school staff are expected to:
Work towards and support the school vision and the current school objectives outlined in the School Development Plan.
Carry out the work of this School to the best of your ability, displaying initiative and enthusiasm and recognising that its status as a reparatory and pre-prep, boarding and day school and also a choir school places additional demands and responsibilities on staff who choose to work here
Support your colleagues and their work, building on all that is good and helping to re-shape what could be better
Do all you can, by the relationships that you build with pupils, staff, parents, and the wider community, to promote the caring ethos of the School and reflect its Christian foundation
Support and contribute to the School’s responsibility for safeguarding pupils
Work within the School’s Health and Safety Policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff, pupils and visitors
Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct, and positive, courteous relations with pupils, parents and colleagues
Engage actively in the performance review process
Adhere to policies as set out in the employment handbook and operation handbook
Undertake other reasonable duties related to the job purpose required from time to time
Desired Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
Qualification and experience in Special Educational Needs Coordination, Level 5 Diploma in SpLD or equivalent
Degree
Qualified Teacher Status is essential
Experience of working at a primary level
Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
EAL experience
Understanding of what makes ‘quality first’ teaching, and of effective intervention strategies
Ability to plan and evaluate interventions
Data analysis skills and the ability to use data to inform provision planning
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to build effective working relationships
Ability to influence and negotiate
Good record keeping skills
Good administrative and IT skills
Involvement in self-evaluation and development planning
Experience of conducting training/leading INSET
Sensitivity to the needs of all pupils and an ability to adapt methods of support
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to delegate
Willingness to share outstanding practice and support the development of staff
Share a creative and enthusiastic approach to cross-curricular opportunities
Personal Qualities:
Commitment to getting the best outcomes for pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school
Commitment to equal opportunities and securing good outcomes for pupils with learning needs or a disability
Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
Commitment to safeguarding and equality
Willingness to contribute to the wider Prep School curriculum and community
Ability to communicate warmly, positively and authentically with parents about their child’s progress and potential
Maintain a positive, flexible and good-humoured approach
Consistently exhibit high standards of conduct including punctuality, professional appearance and discretion
What can we offer you?
Salary: SCS Scale at the point appropriate for your qualifications and experience
A comprehensive induction programme and ongoing support
In conjunction with Education Support we are able to offer an employee assistance programme
A cycle to work scheme
Childcare voucher scheme via salary sacrifice with Edenred
Lunch provided during term time
Free on site parking
Teachers will be automatically enrolled in our Royal London pension scheme
Staff are entitled to up to 50% discount on their children's school fees
How to Apply:
If you would like to apply for this post, please complete the application form on the TES website
Closing Date: Tuesday 2 June 2026nd
Interviews: Week commencing 8 June 2026th
For any queries, please speak to: Mrs Charli Hilliard, HR Administrator: 01722 555318 or hr@salisburycathedralschool.com
Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms.
Candidates should be aware that all posts in the School involve some degree of responsibility for safeguarding children, although the extent of that responsibility will vary according to the nature of the post. Accordingly this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’, must be declared.
The successful applicant will be required to complete a disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at the appropriate level for the post.
Salisbury Cathedral School will seek references on shortlisted candidates prior to interview and may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications.
If candidates are currently working with children, on either a paid or voluntary basis, their current employer will be asked about disciplinary offences, including disciplinary offences relating to children or young persons (whether the disciplinary sanction is current or time expired), and whether they have been the subject of any child protection allegations or concerns and, if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure. If they are not currently working with children but have done so in the past, that previous employer will be asked about those issues. Where neither their current nor previous employment has involved working with children, their current employer will still be asked about their suitability to work with children, although the employer may, where appropriate, answer ‘not applicable’ if their duties have not brought them into contact with children or young persons.
Candidates should be aware that provision of false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected or summary dismissal if they have already been selected, as well as possible referral to the police and/or DCSF Children’s Safeguarding Operation Unit.
For candidates invited to interview
Interviews will be conducted in person and the areas explored will include suitability to work with children. Further details of specific interview content will be sent to selected candidates ahead of interview dates.
All candidates invited to interview must bring documents confirming any educational and professional qualifications that are necessary or relevant for the post (e.g. the original or certified copy of certificates, diplomas etc.) Where originals or certified copies are not available for the successful candidate, written confirmation of the relevant qualifications must be obtained from the awarding body.
All candidates invited to interview must also bring with them:
Photographic proof of ID (driving licence or passport)
Proof of right to work in the UK (passport, or a full UK birth/adoption certificate, together with an official document giving their permanent National Insurance number)
A utility bill or financial statement showing the candidate’s current name and address and dated within the last three months
Where appropriate any documentation evidencing a change of name
Please note that originals of the above are necessary.
Photocopies or certified copies will not be sufficient.
Conditional Offers to successful candidates
Any offer to a successful candidate will be conditional upon:
Receipt of at least two satisfactory references (if these have not already been received)
Verification of identity and qualifications
A satisfactory DBS check
Verification of professional status such as GTC registration,
QTS Status (where required)
Where the successful candidate has worked or been resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance
Verification of medical fitness in accordance with DCFS Circular 4/99 Physical and Mental Fitness to Teach of Teachers and Entrants to Initial Teacher Training
Satisfactory completion of the probationary period
Warning
Where a candidate is found to be on the DfE Barred List/List 99 or the Protection of Children Act List, or the DBS disclosure shows they have been disqualified from working with children by a Court; or found to have provided false information in, or in support of, their application; or the subject of serious expressions of concern as to their suitability to work with children; the facts will be reported to the Police and/or the DfE Children’s Safeguarding Operation Unit.
Safeguarding
Salisbury Cathedral School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We recognise that keeping children and young people safe is paramount. Preventing those who might wish to harm or abuse children from engaging in any area of responsibility at Salisbury Cathedral School, whether paid or voluntary, is a top priority. The whole School community is expected to share this commitment.
We realise that all staff, whether paid or voluntary, have a duty to keep young people safe and to protect them from sexual, physical or emotional harm. Children have the right to be safe and to be treated with respect and dignity. Therefore, trusted adults are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils and adopt a child-centred approach considering, at all times, the best interests of the child. Failure to do so may be regarded as professional neglect.
Equal Opportunities
Salisbury Cathedral School is committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all people who work and study at the School. We respect and value the diversity of our staff and pupils.
We seek to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse community at large, as we value the individual contributions of all people. We will treat all employees with respect and dignity and provide a working environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
We will not tolerate any form of behaviour or activity that discriminates on the grounds of gender, marital status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, religious belief, ethnicity, age, disability and unrelated criminal convictions.
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL SCHOOL
Your child at our heart
Salisbury Cathedral School, 1 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EQ. www.salisburycathedralschool.com