Head of Learning Support and SENDCO | Employment | Vacancies | Working at Ryde School

WORK AT RYDE

Head of Learning support and SENDCO
The Role Ryde School seeks to appoint an experienced and dedicated SENDCO to join our team at a prominent independent school on the Isle of Wight. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate leader to shape our SEND provision and ensure every pupil from Nursery to Upper Sixth thrives. The successful candidate will be able to take up the post in September 2026 or January 2027. The Role The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of special educational needs, a strong commitment to inclusive practices, and the ability to inspire and lead both pupils and staff. Key responsibilities will include: Leadership and Management Lead, manage, and inspire a team of learning support staff, providing regular training and professional development. Strategically oversee the school's SEND provision, including resource allocation, budget management, and policy implementation. Maintain accurate and confidential records for all pupils on the SEND register, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Act as the primary point of contact for external agencies, including educational psychologists, speech therapists, and other health professionals. Contribute to the strategic development of the School by advising the Senior Leadership Group on all SEND-related matters. Pupil Support and Assessment Identify and assess pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, working closely with teachers, parents, and specialists. Develop, implement, and monitor a range of support strategies and interventions tailored to individual pupil needs. Conduct regular reviews of pupil progress and adjust support plans as necessary to ensure effective learning outcomes. Manage and maintain the School's SEND register, ensuring it is up-to-date and reflects the diverse needs of the pupil body. Line Manage the EAA Coordinator and oversee access arrangements for internal and public examinations. Curriculum and Teaching Work collaboratively with Heads of Department and teachers to ensure the curriculum is accessible and differentiated for pupils with SEND. Provide training and guidance to staff on best practices for inclusive teaching, including strategies for supporting a wide range of needs. Stay current with developments in SEND policy and practice, ensuring the School's approach aligns with the latest regulations and best-in-class methodologies. Essential Qualifications and Experience A recognised SEND qualification (e.g., National Award for SEN Coordination). A recognised Teaching Qualification. Proven experience as a SENDCO, or significant experience in a leadership role within a school's SEND department. Experience supporting children at different stages of their education. Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to build and motivate a high-performing team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with pupils, parents, and staff. A deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation. Personal Attributes Work with integrity and be able to connect with pupils, parents and staff. Commitment to being involved in the life of a busy school. High personal and professional standards. Empathy with the values and aims of the School. How to apply Applications, which should include a short letter of suitability (no longer than one side of A4), should be addressed to Mr W Turner, Head Master, by post or emailed to tdg@rydeschool.net. Candidates must fully complete a Ryde School Teaching Post Application Form below. Please also include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees including a current employer. If you have any further questions or require further information about this post please contact our HR Manager, Mrs Tracy Green on 01983 617922 or tdg@rydeschool.net The closing date for applications is 9am on Friday 17th April 2026. Interviews will take place at the School shortly after. Early applications are encouraged as the School reserves the right to withdraw this advert should a suitable candidate be found. Head of Learning Support Application Information

Head of Learning support and SENDCO

The Role

Ryde School seeks to appoint an experienced and dedicated SENDCO to join our team at a prominent independent school on the Isle of Wight. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate leader to shape our SEND provision and ensure every pupil from
Nursery to Upper Sixth thrives. The successful candidate will be able to take up the post in September 2026 or January 2027.

The Role

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of special educational needs, a strong commitment to inclusive practices, and
the ability to inspire and lead both pupils and staff. Key responsibilities will include:

Leadership and Management

Lead, manage, and inspire a team of learning support staff, providing regular training and professional development.
Strategically oversee the school's SEND provision, including resource allocation, budget management, and policy implementation.
Maintain accurate and confidential records for all pupils on the SEND register, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Act as the primary point of contact for external agencies, including educational psychologists, speech therapists, and other health professionals.
Contribute to the strategic development of the School by advising the Senior Leadership Group on all SEND-related matters.

Pupil Support and Assessment

Identify and assess pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, working closely with teachers, parents, and specialists.
Develop, implement, and monitor a range of support strategies and interventions tailored to individual pupil needs.
Conduct regular reviews of pupil progress and adjust support plans as necessary to ensure effective learning outcomes.
Manage and maintain the School's SEND register, ensuring it is up-to-date and reflects the diverse needs of the pupil body.
Line Manage the EAA Coordinator and oversee access arrangements for internal and public examinations.

Curriculum and Teaching

Work collaboratively with Heads of Department and teachers to ensure the curriculum is accessible and differentiated for pupils with SEND.
Provide training and guidance to staff on best practices for inclusive teaching, including strategies for supporting a wide range of needs.
Stay current with developments in SEND policy and practice, ensuring the School's approach aligns with the latest regulations and best-in-class methodologies.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

A recognised SEND qualification (e.g., National Award for SEN Coordination).
A recognised Teaching Qualification.
Proven experience as a SENDCO, or significant experience in a leadership role within a school's SEND department.
Experience supporting children at different stages of their education.
Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to build and motivate a high-performing team.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with pupils, parents, and staff.
A deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation.

Personal Attributes

Work with integrity and be able to connect with pupils, parents and staff.
Commitment to being involved in the life of a busy school.
High personal and professional standards.
Empathy with the values and aims of the School.

How to apply

Applications, which should include a short letter of suitability (no longer than one side of A4), should be addressed to Mr W Turner, Head Master, by post or emailed to tdg@rydeschool.net. Candidates must fully complete a Ryde School Teaching Post Application Form below. Please also include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees including a current employer.

If you have any further questions or require further information about this post please contact our HR Manager, Mrs Tracy Green on 01983 617922 or tdg@rydeschool.net

The closing date for applications is 9am on Friday 17th April 2026.

Interviews will take place at the School shortly after. Early applications are encouraged as the School reserves the right to withdraw this advert should a suitable candidate be found.

Head of Learning Support Application Information

Important Notes for Applicants

Ryde School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Ryde School is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Ryde School does not discriminate on the grounds of race or colour, nationality or national or ethnic origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, age, and disability. Applications are welcome from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references, confirmation of qualifications and DBS clearance.

Ryde School is an equal opportunities employer.

Ryde School is a Registered Charity No. 307409