Assistant SENCO - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Hope View School, Canterbury

• Ref:KCC886-6123-156S
• Posted:17/06/2026
• Pay:£25,000-£30,000 per annum (not pro rata)
• Start Date:1st September 2026
• App Close Date:30/06/2026 at 13:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, dedicated and highly organised Assistant Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), who will also serve as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), to join our thriving and inclusive school community.

About the Role

As the Assistant SENCo, you will work closely with the SENCo to ensure the highest quality of support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will be instrumental in helping to remove barriers to learning and ensuring that all pupils can achieve their potential.

In your capacity as Deputy DSL, you will support the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils across both of our sites, working alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead and staff team to promote a safe, secure and supportive environment for every child.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the SENCo in identifying, assessing, and providing for pupils with SEND throughout the school.
• Assist with the implementation and review of Provision Plans and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Contribute to the development and delivery of effective interventions and strategies for pupils with additional needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies to promote inclusive practice and positive outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to statutory SEND paperwork and annual reviews.
• Support with training and guidance for staff on SEND matters.
• Act as Deputy DSL, supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead in all aspects of safeguarding and child protection.
• Be a point of contact for safeguarding concerns, ensuring all procedures are adhered to and concerns are recorded and reported appropriately.
• Assist with safeguarding training, awareness and policy implementation across the school.
• Experience working with children or young people with SEND in an educational setting.
• A sound understanding of current SEND Code of Practice and safeguarding legislation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and external agencies.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
• A commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding every child.
• Desirable: This is a support staff role therefore a teaching qualification is not necessary however relevant qualifications in SEND and/or safeguarding (training will be provided for the right candidate).
• A supportive and welcoming school environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training.
• Friendly, experienced staff and leadership team.
• The chance to make a significant difference to the lives of young people.

Information about the school

Hope View School is an Independent Special School for boys with special educational needs including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Asperger’s Syndrome, speech, language and communication needs and moderate learning difficulties. Our Lower School is just outside Chartham and our Upper School site is in Chilham. Both sites are within close proximity to Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone, Thanet and the Medway towns (Kent). The school is equipped to accommodate a total of 130 pupils aged between 7 and 18 years old across both sites. All pupils who attend the school have an Education and Health Care Plan. Our main aims are: To ensure, as far as possible, that each pupil placed at Hope View is given every opportunity to learn, be supported and be listened to. To support pupils in the development of their Literacy and Numeracy skills by increasing reading, spelling and numerate ability ages. To ensure pupils are well equipped by the time they leave Hope View to deal with working life, college, apprenticeships and are able to make a positive contribution to society. At Hope View we have high expectations of all of our pupils as well as firm boundaries. Pupils are expected to attend all lessons, be respectful and courteous to each other and staff. They are expected to communicate with us if they have an issue or are encountering difficulties. The ethos of Hope View is Firm, Fair, Friendly and Fun! All pupils have a voice and we insist that they are listened to, advised and supported by staff and pupils alike. Home/school contact is imperative to the successful development of all of our pupils. For this reason, we insist on maintaining close contact by telephone, email or face to face with parents, carers, and professionals involved in the personal development and the welfare of a pupil. Our door is always open to visitors with or without an appointment. We encourage visitors to experience for themselves the calm atmosphere and pleasant learning environment of Hope View. Our pupils are very proud of their school and welcome the opportunity to show it off to visitors whenever they can. Hope View School is a member of the National Association of Special Schools. The school follows the National Curriculum tailored to meet the needs of our pupils. Emphasis is placed on improving pupils’ reading, spelling and numeracy skills. All pupils are assessed in these areas upon entry to the school.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mrs Carla Lorne
• Address:Station Approach, Chilham, Canterbury , Kent, CT4 8EG
• Telephone: 01227 7380000
• Email: hopeviewschool@btconnect.com

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Details & Person Specification