Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCO) (Watton)
| Posting date: | 23 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) + TLR1 £10,174 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 February 2026 |
| Location: | Watton, Thetford |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Inspiration Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | JAN20262064 |
Summary
Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) + TLR1 £10,174
Start Date: April 2026
Over the last three years we have seen our pupils with SEND go from strength to strength. This has been the result of fantastic teamwork not just within the SEND team but across the school community as we endeavour to maximise our universal provision so that targeted support can be just that. Wayland Academy is looking for an enthusiastic, inspiring, and ambitious qualified teacher to sustain and build on our work to date and join us as a special education needs coordinator, supporting pupils with special educational needs and helping them to achieve their full potential. The successful candidate must be passionate about changing lives and outcomes of young people, and keen to develop as a practitioner.
What You’ll Be Doing
- To support and/or lead the implementation of a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- To lead on and promote high teaching standards, pupil achievement and progress for pupils with Special Educational Needs.
- To offer active support for SEN pupils regarding the Academy’s Policies and Procedures, taking into account Teachers’ Standards Teaching as required.
About You
The successful candidate will be a strong leader with deep knowledge of SEND policies, balancing compassion for students and families with organisational skills to implement effective support and be able to collaborate with parents, staff and external agencies. They will have empathy, patience, adaptability, excellent communication and problem-solving skills. They will also have commitment to inclusion and ensure every child thrives.
Essential:
- Qualified Teacher Status
- Experience of working / teaching / caring for children of relevant age
- Experience of working in partnership with parents
- Ability to make decisions, identify and solve problems based on thorough analysis and sound judgement.
- Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities
- Knowledge of the monitoring, assessment and recording of pupils' progress
- Knowledge of the statutory requirements of legislation concerning equal opportunities, health and safety, SEND and child protection
Desirable:
- Qualified or working towards National award for SENDCo
We offer:
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
- Free parking at most sites
- Personalised CPD and development programmes
- A structured and specific induction programme.
* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.
About Us
Wayland Academy is an oversubscribed, high-performing secondary school at the heart of Norfolk, known for its positive atmosphere and low staff turnover. In 2025, 64% of students achieved grades 9-5 in English and Mathematics, and the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.61 in 2024, positioning it among the highest-performing secondary schools in Norfolk and Suffolk.
At Wayland Academy, staff believe that every student is entitled to the highest-quality education, unlocking their potential for excellent grades and a future of their choice. Our curriculum vision reflects the Academy’s role in the community, promotes understanding and enrichment, and prioritises students’ reading, vocabulary, and fluency in both spoken and written language. We take both learning and pastoral care seriously, ensuring that our students leave confident, capable, and ready to thrive in the wider world.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.
The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
The most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2023 gave Wayland Academy an overall grade of ‘Good'. “School and Trust leaders form a strong and cohesive team which has driven, and continues to secure, school improvement.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Julie Amys, PA to Principal (JulieAmys@inspirationtrust.org).
Closing date for applications: 12pm on Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Start Date: April 2026
Over the last three years we have seen our pupils with SEND go from strength to strength. This has been the result of fantastic teamwork not just within the SEND team but across the school community as we endeavour to maximise our universal provision so that targeted support can be just that. Wayland Academy is looking for an enthusiastic, inspiring, and ambitious qualified teacher to sustain and build on our work to date and join us as a special education needs coordinator, supporting pupils with special educational needs and helping them to achieve their full potential. The successful candidate must be passionate about changing lives and outcomes of young people, and keen to develop as a practitioner.
What You’ll Be Doing
- To support and/or lead the implementation of a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- To lead on and promote high teaching standards, pupil achievement and progress for pupils with Special Educational Needs.
- To offer active support for SEN pupils regarding the Academy’s Policies and Procedures, taking into account Teachers’ Standards Teaching as required.
About You
The successful candidate will be a strong leader with deep knowledge of SEND policies, balancing compassion for students and families with organisational skills to implement effective support and be able to collaborate with parents, staff and external agencies. They will have empathy, patience, adaptability, excellent communication and problem-solving skills. They will also have commitment to inclusion and ensure every child thrives.
Essential:
- Qualified Teacher Status
- Experience of working / teaching / caring for children of relevant age
- Experience of working in partnership with parents
- Ability to make decisions, identify and solve problems based on thorough analysis and sound judgement.
- Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities
- Knowledge of the monitoring, assessment and recording of pupils' progress
- Knowledge of the statutory requirements of legislation concerning equal opportunities, health and safety, SEND and child protection
Desirable:
- Qualified or working towards National award for SENDCo
We offer:
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
- Free parking at most sites
- Personalised CPD and development programmes
- A structured and specific induction programme.
* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.
About Us
Wayland Academy is an oversubscribed, high-performing secondary school at the heart of Norfolk, known for its positive atmosphere and low staff turnover. In 2025, 64% of students achieved grades 9-5 in English and Mathematics, and the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.61 in 2024, positioning it among the highest-performing secondary schools in Norfolk and Suffolk.
At Wayland Academy, staff believe that every student is entitled to the highest-quality education, unlocking their potential for excellent grades and a future of their choice. Our curriculum vision reflects the Academy’s role in the community, promotes understanding and enrichment, and prioritises students’ reading, vocabulary, and fluency in both spoken and written language. We take both learning and pastoral care seriously, ensuring that our students leave confident, capable, and ready to thrive in the wider world.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.
The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
The most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2023 gave Wayland Academy an overall grade of ‘Good'. “School and Trust leaders form a strong and cohesive team which has driven, and continues to secure, school improvement.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Julie Amys, PA to Principal (JulieAmys@inspirationtrust.org).
Closing date for applications: 12pm on Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.