Key Role Information

Salary
£Leadership L1 – L5 (£51,773 - £57,137)
Job type
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
09/11/2026 12:00
Interview
18 November 2026
Contract term
AYR - All year round
Pay grade
Leadership | L1 - L5
Department
Leadership
Key stage
Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2
Hours per week
32.50
Weeks per year
52.143
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

SENCO / Inclusion Lead

Permanent, 32.5 hours,

Leadership L1 – L5 (£51,773 - £57,137)

To start January 2027 or as soon as possible

We are looking for an experienced professional to lead provision in our highly inclusive school and nursery setting. As SENCO and Inclusion Lead you have the opportunity to work with a broad range of pupils with varying needs, shape an extensive and skilled workforce, liaise with a multitude of local agencies and partners, direct and map provision across the school and shape the future direction of the school alongside the leadership team.

To succeed in this role, you will be a highly effective teacher who has expertise in one or more areas of SEND. The National Award for SEN Co-ordination or NPQ SENCO (or currently accessing the programme) or prior experience in a SENCO role is essential for this role as is an up-to-date knowledge of the current national education agenda.

For further information or to discuss the post please contact Mr John Armitage, Headteacher 01325 380784 or by e-mail to jarmitage@rydal.nalp.org.uk.

Information for applicants, including the job description and person specification for this role and an on-line application form, can be viewed at https://nalp.face-ed.co.uk/vacancies If you have any difficulties completing the on-line application form, please contact Sam Recruit on 01924 907319 or the People Team on people@nalp.org.uk.

Closing date: Monday 9th November 2026 (12pm)           Interviews: Wednesday 18th November 2026


Qualifications

Good Honours Degree essential
Qualified Teacher Status for Primary Educationessential
Additional professional qualifications or currently working towards (NSENCO, NPQ)desirable
Evidence of further professional development e.g Leadership trainingdesirable
A qualification in a specific SEN e.g dyslexia or ADHDdesirable

Skills

Experience

Successful school experience demonstrated through work or teaching practiceessential
Knowledge of Key Stage 1, 2 and EYFS principles and practiceessential
Up-to-date knowledge & understanding of the current national education agendaessential
Experience of working with a range of external agencies, including those associated with safeguardingessential
Expertise in one or more areas of SENDessential
Good knowledge of child developmentessential
Knowledge and understanding of data analysis and the ability to use data to set targets for improvementessential
Confident use of IT essential
Able to demonstrate highly effective whole class teachingessential
Thorough knowledge of research informed approaches to inclusive teaching and learningessential
Previous experience as SENCO or as part of an SEN Team
Knowledge of statutory requirements for supporting pupils with medical needs
Experience of delivering specific intervention programmes
Experience of teaching phonics

Leadership

Able to motivate and inspire by setting and following high standardsessential
Able to initiate and manage change and improvement in pursuit of strategic objectivesessential
Able to challenge and support colleagues in order to raise standards throughout the schoolessential
Experience of successfully leading and managing staff to work both individually and in teamsessential
An ability to collect and weigh evidence, make judgements and take decision in line with good educational practiceessential
The ability to think creatively and imaginatively to solve problems and identify opportunitiesessential
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a range of audiences and to take into account the views of othersessential
Effective negotiation and consultation skillsessential
High level of personal effectiveness including ability to plan, prioritise and organise work effectively and meet deadlinesessential
Ability to support and held develop a vision for high-quality education which promotes inclusionessential
Ability to engage with parents/carers and encourage them to take an active part in the life of the school and their children’s educationessential
Energy and enthusiasm for ensuring children succeedessential
Evidence of supporting staff to provide effective teaching and learning

Personal Attributes

Recent and relevant school leadership experienceessential
Reliability and integrityessential
Good sense of perspective including balancing personal and professional lifeessential
Ability to work in ways that promote equality of opportunity, participation, diversity and responsibilityessential

Special Requirements

Well-presented letter outlining skills, experience and educational philosophyessential
Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with childrenessential
Suitability to work with children/young people essential
The ability to communicate at ease and provide advice in accurate spoken English essential

About Us

The Rydal Academy

Mr John Armitage

jarmitage@rydal.nalp.org.uk

Rydal Road
Darlington
Durham
DL1 4BH
Mr John Armitage
jarmitage@rydal.nalp.org.uk

Safeguarding Information

An enhanced DBS check is required for this post and the successful applicant will either need to apply for a DBS or give Northern Arch Learning Partnership consent to check their status if they are registered with the DBS Update Service. The Trust complies with the Code of Practice issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

An online search will be undertaken for shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process and candidates will have the chance to discuss any issues of concern that may arise during this search at interview.

The Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.