SENCO Lead

We are establishing a new Alternative Provision setting in Wolverhampton for young people who may not be thriving within mainstream education and require a more personalised, supportive and structured learning environment.

The school has not yet opened. Building and refurbishment work at our Wolverhampton site is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026. We are aiming to be fully ready to submit our application for Ofsted registration in October 2026.

The provision will initially operate as an Alternative Provision setting, with the longer-term objective of becoming a registered independent school.

We have already appointed a Headteacher, who is leading the early development of the school, including policies, procedures, curriculum planning and preparation for registration.

The school is supported by Pathway Group, a sister organisation with more than 20 years of experience within further education, skills, employability and supporting learners from a wide range of backgrounds.

We are now looking for an experienced and committed SENCO Lead to join the organisation at an early stage and help shape the school’s SEND provision from the ground up.

The Role

The SENCO Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities across the provision.

You will work closely with the Headteacher to develop the school’s SEND strategy, policies, systems and interventions. You will help ensure that learners receive the right support, staff understand individual learner needs and the school is prepared for its Ofsted registration application.

This role would suit someone who enjoys building systems, improving provision and working as part of a small team. You will have the opportunity to influence how the school operates rather than simply inheriting established processes.

Key Responsibilities

– Lead the development and implementation of the school’s SEND strategy.

– Support the Headteacher with the preparation of the Ofsted registration application and ensure that SEND arrangements meet the expected standards.

– Develop and maintain appropriate SEND policies, procedures, referral processes and record-keeping systems.

– Identify and assess learners with special educational needs, learning difficulties or additional support requirements.

– Review learner information, previous education records, Education, Health and Care Plans and professional assessments.

– Develop and coordinate individual support plans, provision maps and appropriate interventions.

– Ensure that reasonable adjustments are made to teaching, learning, assessment and the wider school environment.

– Work closely with teaching staff to ensure that lessons are accessible, inclusive and appropriately differentiated.

– Provide guidance, coaching and training to staff regarding SEND, behaviour, communication needs, trauma-informed practice and inclusive teaching.

– Monitor learner progress and evaluate the impact of interventions and additional support.

– Coordinate annual reviews and contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan review processes where applicable.

– Build effective relationships with parents, carers, local authorities, schools, social workers, educational psychologists and other external professionals.

– Support referrals to specialist services and ensure recommendations are implemented appropriately.

– Contribute to safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and learner welfare arrangements.

– Maintain accurate, confidential and inspection-ready SEND documentation.

– Support the recruitment and development of teaching assistants, learning support staff and specialist practitioners as the provision grows.

– Contribute to the development of the school curriculum and ensure it meets the needs of learners with SEND.

– Support the school’s transition from an Alternative Provision setting to a registered independent school.

– Keep up to date with relevant SEND legislation, statutory guidance and good practice.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who can bring professional knowledge, structure and practical leadership to a new organisation.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Previous experience working as a SENCO, SEND Lead, Inclusion Lead or in a similar position.
• Experience supporting children or young people with a range of special educational needs.
• Experience within Alternative Provision, SEND, mainstream secondary education or an independent school environment.
• A relevant SENCO qualification, such as the National Award for SEN Coordination or NPQ for SENCO, or a willingness to complete the required qualification.
• Qualified Teacher Status or an appropriate teaching qualification is desirable.
• A good understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, Education, Health and Care Plans and statutory review processes.
• Experience developing SEND policies, provision maps, support plans and intervention programmes.
• The ability to communicate effectively with learners, families, staff, local authorities and external professionals.
• Strong organisational, record-keeping and case-management skills.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding and the challenges faced by learners who have experienced exclusion, disrupted education, trauma or unmet needs.
• The confidence to work independently while contributing positively to a small leadership team.
• A practical, solution-focused mindset and the ability to build systems in a new organisation.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a new school at the beginning of its journey.

You will work alongside the Headteacher and wider leadership team to shape the SEND provision, influence the school’s policies and culture, and help create an environment where young people can rebuild their confidence and progress.

We are open to discussing both part-time and full-time arrangements. At this stage, our priority is finding the right person who understands the challenge, believes in the vision and wants to help grow the organisation.

The role may begin before 1 October 2026 to support the school’s mobilisation, policy development, learner support systems and Ofsted registration preparations.

Safeguarding

Pathway AcademyZone is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undertake appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references, identity checks and verification of qualifications.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced SEND professional who is looking for a new challenge and would like to be part of a small team building a new Alternative Provision and independent school, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a short supporting statement outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.