Special Educational Co-Ordinator; SENCO

Who We Are

Compass Community Schools is proud to announce the opening of a brand new school in Newton-le-Willows, set to welcome its first pupils in September 2026. This exciting new provision reflects Compass Community Schools’ ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education in nurturing and supportive environments. Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH).

Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support. Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.

Final date to receive applications: 20/03/26

Interview Date: WC 23/03/26

The SENCo role sits within our Senior Leadership Team and, as such, we are looking for a practitioner who shares our vision and can embody our ethos in every decision they make and every conversation they have, whether with students, parents or professionals. The staffing structure within the school ensures that the SENCo is well supported, allowing them to focus on what is most important.

The Head Teacher will provide leadership support with decision-making and problem-solving, while administrative and compliance teams help to ensure that processes run smoothly. A strong teaching and learning focus within the school will support the continued development of high-quality provision for all learners. The SENCo will lead the support of effective teaching and learning across the school, helping children to overcome a wide range of barriers to education and atypical learning journeys.

The SENCo in our setting will need to be hands‑on, solution‑focused and child‑centred – observing children in lessons and during less structured times to provide feedback, guidance and advice to staff. They will manage Annual Reviews of EHCPs, as well as coordinating assessments and applications with the Local Authority and other external professionals.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Hold an appropriate SENCo Qualification such as PGCiPP NASENCo or similar OR have experience in a SENCO role and be willing to undertake qualification within 2 years of taking up post.
• A proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice.
• An excellent, efficient and emotionally intelligent communicator.
• Sound working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• A strong desire to work inclusively within an emotionally literate environment, supporting children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
• Experience of crisis‑management/managing challenging behaviours and working with children with SEMH difficulties.
• The ambition to progress professionally within an expanding, child‑centred national organisation.
• Experience of effective working with hard‑to‑reach or disengaged families.

• Staff laptop and mobile phone
• Competitive salary
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support
• The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams
• Enhanced occupational sickness scheme
• Flexible pension
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
• Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, money off eating‑out and takeaways

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.

All school‑based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times. Compass is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.

Not Specified