Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Reporting to: The Principal
Start: September 2026

The Sir Donald Bailey Academy is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and suitably qualified SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our teaching team. Please note this position does not carry a class responsibility.

Informal visits are recommended. To arrange a visit please contact Jo Knapp via e-mail  j.knapp@theforgetrust.co.uk to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Trust Mission Statement

We aim to develop learning communities that support every child to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes to lead a happy and fulfilling life. 
Our vision of “Forging Learning Communities” relates to all levels of the trust, whether within the classroom, the key stage, across year groups or between clusters of academies. It is our ambition to create communities that seek continuous improvement in teaching, learning and curriculum-development to enable all children to flourish and discover their own unique potential.  

We aim to ensure that children experience kindness, understanding and a sense of belonging throughout the school day to ensure they are able to engage fully with the learning process.  

All partner schools pledge to achieve the Trust’s mission through following our nine guiding principles:

• Academies as safe emotional spaces
• Invest time in relationships (every child known, appreciated and understood)
• Active engaged learners with the skills to work and get along with others
• Honest, open communication
• Evidence-based approaches
• Do what matters
• Get it right early
• Empower staff to build capacity
• Collaborate and share to develop and build best practice 

Main purpose:

• To work collaboratively with other trust leaders and SEND Coordinators to implement the SEND Policy and contribute to its strategic development;
• To oversee the day-to-day operation of the policy with the aim of raising pupil achievement for pupils with SEND;
• Ensure effective inclusive practice for pupils on the SEND register in order for them to be independent.
• The SENDCo will be expected to fulfil the responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the STPCD.
• To deliver and support the delivery of pastoral provision as directed by the principal.
• To be aware of and assume the appropriate level of responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and to report any concerns in accordance with the school’s safeguarding policies.

Duties – General:

• Check (alongside SLT) on provision of pupils with SEND to ensure that progress for SEND pupils is maximised.
  
• Ensure school carries out its statutory responsibilities in relation to children with EHC Plans.
  
• Support all staff and provide CPD so that they have a good understanding of SEND.
  
• Analyse and interpret relevant school, local, trust and national data for SEND.
  
• Liaise with staff, parents, external agencies and other schools to coordinate their contribution, provide maximum support and ensure continuity of provision with the aim for SEND children to be as independent as possible. 
  
• Being a Key member of the Safeguarding Team.
  
• To identify and work with vulnerable pupils to overcome their barriers to learning.
  
• To respond appropriately to complex and difficult situations including safeguarding issues.
  
• To work with other school professionals to promote the inclusion and achievement of all pupils within the school.
  
• To work with other lead professionals within the safeguarding team to ensure that the appropriate procedures are followed in accordance with `Keeping Children Safe in Education` legislation.
  
• To keep abreast of the relevant legislation particularly with regards to safeguarding. 
  
• To develop constructive and professional relationships with external agencies. including the multi‐ agency teams, police, health and social services. 
  
• To attend ICPC, RCPC, TAF and Core group meetings.

Closing Date: Friday 15th May 
Interview date: Tuesday 19th May

Please apply via the website or send completed application forms to office@sirdonaldbailey.co.uk.

In addition to the duties specified, you may be asked to undertake any other duties which may reasonably be regarded as within the nature of the duties and responsibilities/grade of the post as defined. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All posts will be subject to receipt of satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure, medical and reference checks. All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education”.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.
All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.