Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)

How to Apply - Only applications received on Bracknell Forest application forms will be considered.

Safeguarding Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. This position requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check because it involves contact with (or access to data concerning) children.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. If you are successful in being shortlisted for this position, you will be required to complete a self-declaration formTo find out more about the application process for working with children, young people and adults at risk visit https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/jobs/policies-relating-job-applications/applications-work-those-risk

The Bracknell Forest Safeguarding Board (BFSB) oversees the safety and well-being of children in Bracknell Forest - https://bracknellforestsafeguarding.org.uk/

Equal Opportunities - We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to providing equality of opportunity to all. Our aim is to treat all employees and prospective employees with integrity, respect and consideration.

Disability - We are a Disability Symbol User and as such have made a commitment to guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria of the person specification.

We will make reasonable adjustments to help a person with a disability through the application & selection process and, if successful, to assist you in carrying out the duties of your job.

Pre–employment medical check - As a condition of the Offer of Employment, the successful applicant will be asked to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire form.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess whether you have any medical problems that may affect your ability to undertake the role. If necessary reasonable adjustments or modifications will be suggested to assist you in carrying out the duties of the job.

References - On your application form you will be asked to provide the names and addresses of two people who will provide a reference. At least one must be from your current employer, completed by a suitable person with appropriate authority. We take up references for all shortlisted candidates and wherever possible we like to apply for these prior to interview.

Employment - Any candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria.

The Pines Primary School - Mainstream SENCO

MPS/UPS + SEND allowance

Full-time (part-time considered)

Do you want to make a real difference to children’s lives? Do you want to work with likeminded people who put children at the heart of what they do? Do you like working hard and seeing the impact of your work? If you have answered YES to any of these, then we might be the right fit for you.

The Pines Primary School is a 1-form entry primary school (2-form in KS2) with a Specialist Resource Provision and a Nursery. We have children from a wide range of backgrounds and also have an above national % for pupils with SEND. We are proud of what we do to make a difference to the lives of children and their families. We use an approach of continuous provision in EYFS and KS1 as we believe in the importance of learning through play. We have also recently introduced OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) into our lunchtimes. At The Pines, we believe children can thrive when their needs are met and when they have high quality provisions throughout the school.

We are looking for a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator) who shares our values, has energy and resilience and a willingness to try new ideas and we want people who will bring the joy.

We need a SENCO who:

• Has up to date SEND experience, with a record of high-quality practice (all key stages considered);
• Has high expectations of self and others and is on a constant journey of self-improvement;
• Is flexible and able to work well with others;
• Has a clear understanding of SEND Code of Practice and other documentation linked to Annual Review processes;
• Has a clear understanding of supporting pupils with SEND;
• Has a clear understanding of and experience of using a range of assessment tools;
• Is able to support staff and direct them to appropriate training tools;
• Understands the importance of ongoing assessment to determine children’s next steps in learning;
• Is driven, ambitious, has resilience and energy.

Our children would like someone who:

• Makes them feel safe and understands them;
• Is kind, even if we make the wrong choices;
• Has high expectations for us.

The successful candidate will join a team who are passionate about engaging and inspiring young people in their learning and will have experience of working with primary age range children including EYFS.

The Pines had an Ofsted inspection in 2023 and received a GOOD grading.

We are well resourced and we have extensive outside space along with a gym, 2 halls and rooms for ELSA and other interventions. There are currently 300 children on roll.

At The Pines there has been rapid improvement in the quality of education, behaviour & attitudes and personal development. We will continue to focus on improving the outcomes for our children. This is an exciting time to join us and our amazing team.

We can offer you:

• Supportive SLT, governing body and staff (we really do work as a team);
• A dedicated day a week working from home;
• Access to Vivup employee assistance programme;
• An inclusive ethos;
• Happy, motivated children who enjoy coming to school;
• A commitment to professional development for all staff;
• A team who value the importance of educating the whole child.

Closing date: 2nd February 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy before this date should a suitable candidate be found.

Interviews: Week commencing 9th February 2026

Start date: April 2026 or September 2026

Visits are actively encouraged. Please contact Steph Chandler, School Business Manager, should you require any further information (SBM@thepinesschool.org.uk).

At The Pines we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.