Deputy SENDCo / Deputy Head of ALF
Oakwood School, Horley, Surrey, RH6 9AEThis job expired on 13 October 2025
Job start date
1 January 2026
Closing date
13 October 2025 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
26 September 2025
Job details
Job role
- SENCO (special educational needs coordinator)
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- TMPS/UPS - Fringe plus TLR 2a
Additional allowances
TLR 2a
What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you passionate about supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Oakwood School is offering an exciting opportunity for an existing or aspiring professional to join our inclusive community as a Deputy SENDCo from January 2026. Applications are welcome from experienced teachers and suitably experienced non-teaching staff.
The role:
As Deputy SENDCo, you will work collaboratively with our SENDCo and another Deputy SENDCo to ensure the delivery of our Special Educational Needs provision is both effective and compassionate. This position could be an introduction to SEND leadership, making it ideal for individuals seeking to expand their experience in this vital area of education, or it could be an opportunity for a new challenge within your existing Career in Special Educational Needs.
Key responsibilities:
Support the SENDCos in developing and implementing the school's SEND strategy.
Assist with the coordination of support for pupils with SEND.
Contribute to the assessment and monitoring of pupil progress.
Liaise with teachers, parents, and external agencies to create tailored support plans.
Help to foster a supportive environment that enables all students to achieve their potential.
Possibility of working closely with the designated teacher for LAC.
About you:
A strong commitment to inclusive education and the well-being of students with SEND.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
A proactive approach to problem-solving and working as part of a team.
Relevant experience in education, with a desire to specialise in SEND.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is desirable but not essential.
What the school offers its staff
In return, we offer:
A supportive and collaborative working environment.
Opportunities for professional development and training in SEND.
Experience in a leadership role within a dynamic SEND department.
A chance to make a significant impact on the lives of our students.
Discounted gym membership.
Supportive wellbeing committee.
Free on-site parking.
Electric charging point.
Close proximity to the mainline station.
Plentiful staff enrichment activities.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Oakwood School
- Organisation type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- Size
- 1610 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Oakwood School website
- Email address
- recruitment@oakwood.surrey.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01293 785363
Oakwood is a large and expanding school of over 1600 students. We have split the population into ‘Years’ which enables the students to be cared for in smaller units. Each student also belongs to a House and we encourage a community ethos. The students are loyal and enjoy the friendly rivalry around House activities. Their personal development is also central to the school ethos.
Our priority is to shape our school to fit the students’ needs and aspirations, rather than fit students to the school. For this reason, we adopt the Pathways Approach, where we help students ‘Learn to Learn’. Opportunities for elements of vocational pathways exist as well as accelerated progress and Gifted and Talented opportunities.
Arranging a visit to Oakwood School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@oakwood.surrey.sch.uk.
School location
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