SENCO / Inclusion Leader – Mainstream Secondary School

Location: Newham, East London
Start Date: January 2027
Contract: Full-time, long-term opportunity
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you an experienced SEND professional ready to lead and develop inclusion within a mainstream secondary school?

Parker Smith Inclusion is working with a well-established and inclusive mainstream secondary school in Newham who are looking to appoint an experienced SENCO / Inclusion Leader to join their team from January 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping SEND provision within a supportive and collaborative school environment. The school has high expectations for both students and staff, with a strong commitment to understanding pupils as individuals and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to achieve their potential.

With established pastoral systems and a focus on educating the whole child, the school is looking for someone who can champion inclusion, strengthen provision and work collaboratively with teaching staff, senior leaders, families and external professionals.

The Role

As SENCO / Inclusion Leader, you will lead and develop the school's SEND provision, ensuring pupils with additional needs receive appropriate support and are able to access the curriculum successfully.

You will work closely with senior leaders, teachers, support staff and external agencies to promote inclusive teaching practices and ensure the needs of pupils with SEND remain central to school improvement.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing the school's SEND and inclusion provision.

• Overseeing the identification, assessment and monitoring of pupils with additional needs.

• Ensuring effective implementation and review of EHCPs and individual support plans.

• Working closely with teaching staff to adapt learning and develop inclusive classroom strategies.

• Supporting teachers to understand and meet the needs of pupils with SEND.

• Coordinating interventions and additional provision to improve pupil progress and engagement.

• Working collaboratively with parents, carers, external agencies and other professionals.

• Monitoring the effectiveness of SEND support and identifying areas for further development.

• Supporting the school's wider pastoral and inclusion strategy.

• Promoting a positive, inclusive culture where every student feels understood, supported and able to succeed.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a passionate and knowledgeable SEND professional who can combine strong leadership skills with a genuine commitment to inclusive education.

You will ideally have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• A recognised SENCO qualification, or be working towards the relevant qualification.

• Previous experience working as a SENCO, Deputy SENCO, Inclusion Lead or within a senior SEND position.

• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and statutory responsibilities relating to SEND.

• Experience managing EHCP processes, annual reviews and provision planning.

• The ability to support and advise teachers on inclusive classroom practice and reasonable adjustments.

• Strong communication and organisational skills.

• Experience working collaboratively with families, external professionals and multi-disciplinary teams.

• A proactive approach to improving outcomes for pupils with additional needs.

• The confidence to lead, influence and develop inclusive practice across a mainstream secondary setting.

Why Work with Parker Smith Inclusion?

At Parker Smith Inclusion, we specialise in SEND recruitment and understand the importance of finding the right leadership opportunity.

We take the time to understand your experience, career ambitions and the type of school environment where you can make the greatest impact. We pride ourselves on being an ethical and transparent consultancy, building genuine relationships with schools and educators across East London.

If you're an experienced SENCO or Inclusion Leader looking for your next opportunity from January, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch with Parker Smith Inclusion today to find out more and register your interest.