Senco - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Ripplevale School and College - Rochester, Rochester

• Ref:MED887-6006-140T
• Posted:30/06/2025
• Pay:MPS + TLR £3,500
• Start Date:September 2025
• App Close Date:11/07/2025 at 12:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Your new school

Ripplevale School and College, is a thriving independent special school, for 170 students aged 6 to 25 years old, located in the historic town of Rochester. As part of the Ripplevale family of schools, we provide a holistic, child centred approach to meeting the needs of our students, most of whom have an Education and Health Care Plan. Identified needs may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, speech, language and communication difficulties, DCD, sensory, and high levels of anxiety.

Your new role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and highly organised SENCO to join our dedicated team from September.

As SENCO, you will play a central role in ensuring every learner receives the tailored support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. You will lead on coordinating provision for learners with special educational needs across the school and college, working closely with staff, families, external agencies and local authorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic development of SEN policy and provision across the setting.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of SEN support, ensuring high standards and effective delivery.
• Coordinate and contribute to the writing and reviewing of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Work collaboratively with teaching and therapy staff to implement and monitor Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Liaise with families, external professionals, and the Trans-Disciplinary Team to ensure cohesive support for each learner.
• Oversee assessments, reviews, and annual reviews in line with statutory requirements.
• Provide support and guidance to staff to ensure 

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds the National Award for SEN Coordination (or is willing to undertake it).
• a thorough working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, an excellent understanding of the multi-agency process, and other relevant statutory guidance
• Senior or middle leadership experience as a SENCo
• excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• a good sense of humour and an excellent ability to build strong working relationships with a range of people
• a proven track record of working with and supporting vulnerable pupils and students with a range of SEN needs
• extensive safeguarding knowledge and experience, 

Safeguarding recruitment statement

Ripplevale School Rochester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Ripplevale School Rochester is required to conduct online searches about you as part of their shortlisting process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Information about the school

Ripplevale Rochester is an independent specialist provision for students aged 6 to 25 who have been diagnosed with various needs, which may include ASD, dyslexia, speech, language and communication difficulties, DCD, sensory, social, emotional and other learning difficulties along with high levels of anxiety. The school is set in an historic Medway town and enjoys the outstanding community facilities and links that the towns of Chatham and Rochester have to offer.

Ripplevale provides a holistic child centred approach to education underpinned by our team of 98 Teachers, Teaching assistants, Administrators and Therapists, all working in a caring and nurturing environment, with a common belief that all students have the opportunity to make progress and experience success everyday, in a safe, caring, nurturing and secure environment.

Our site boasts well-resourced classrooms, small class sizes, music and drama facilities, Science labs, Therapy rooms, amazing vocational teaching areas such as our hair and beauty studios, a coffee shop, catering kitchens, as well as numerous areas for children to have fun and enjoy social times. Staff are both welcoming and friendly at this independent school and there is a collaborative approach where resources and best practices are shared.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Brett Coventry
• Address:13 New Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1BG
• Telephone: 020 3818 7040
• Email: ripplevale@hays.com