Job Description

SENCO (Secondary School) - Tower Hamlets
Location: Tower Hamlets, East London
Contract Type: Interim - Temp (September 2026 - December 2026)
Future Opportunity: Potential to become a permanent role from January 2027
Daily Rate: Competitive - dependent on experience

Your New Role
Hays Education are proud to be working with a dynamic and inclusive secondary school in Tower Hamlets to appoint an experienced and driven SENCO. This is an interim Leadership opportunity for the Autumn term 2026, with a clear pathway to transition into a permanent post from January 2027 for the right candidate.

This role offers a fantastic long-term opportunity for an outstanding practitioner with a passion for inclusion to lead and further develop SEND provision within a diverse and ambitious school community.

About the Role

As SENDCo, you will take strategic and operational responsibility for SEND across the school, ensuring that students with additional needs receive outstanding support and achieve strong outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the implementation and ongoing development of SEND provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice
• Identifying, assessing, and supporting students with SEND, including oversight of EHCPs and annual reviews
• Driving high-quality teaching and learning through coaching, mentoring, and professional development of staff
• Monitoring progress and attainment of students with SEND, using data to inform interventions and improve outcomes
• Working closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure coordinated and effective support
• Managing and developing support staff to deliver impactful interventions
• Contributing to whole-school teaching and learning initiatives

Experience & Qualifications:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Degree or equivalent qualification
• Experience working in SEND within a secondary school setting, ideally at SENDCo level
• NASENCo, NPQ SENCO qualification (or willingness to undertake)
• Experience assessing for Exam Access Arrangements (desirable)
• A proven track record as an outstanding classroom practitioner
• Evidence of raising standards beyond your own classroom

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills with experience coaching, mentoring, and supporting colleagues
• Excellent understanding of outstanding teaching and learning practices
• Ability to monitor progress, design effective interventions, and raise attainment
• Skilled in working with parents and external stakeholders to support student success
• Experience conducting lesson observations and providing constructive feedback
• Ability to build strong professional relationships across teams
• Confident in leading SEND strategy and contributing to whole-school improvement

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Up-to-date knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
• Awareness of current developments in SEND and inclusive education
• Strong understanding of assessment, attainment data and its use to drive improvement
• Commitment to inclusive education and removing barriers to learning

Other Requirements:

• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Flexibility and adaptability within a leadership role
• Understanding of the wider educational landscape and school systems

What the School Offers

• A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team
• A strong culture of inclusion and collaboration
• Opportunities to shape and enhance SEND provision
• Excellent transport links within East London
• A genuine opportunity to secure a permanent leadership position

Why Work with Hays Education?

• Access to exclusive leadership opportunities not advertised elsewhere
• Expert, dedicated consultants who understand the education sector
• Competitive daily rates, paid to scale where applicable
• Ongoing support throughout your placement and beyond
• Clear pathways into long-term and permanent roles

Safeguarding
Hays Education and the school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Apply now
This is a high-impact interim role with long-term potential-ideal for an experienced SEND professional ready to take the next step in leadership.

Apply today or contact Aamir at Hays Education on or (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)