Special Educational Needs Coordinator- July Start

CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Taskforce on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

Job Title:
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Reports to:
School Executive Director/ Head of Academic Division / Inclusion Lead

Role Summary:

The SENCO is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational coordination of provision for students with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), ensuring that all learners – including those in bilingual and multilingual contexts – have equitable access to high-quality, inquiry-based IB education. The postholder will collaborate with teachers, parents, external agencies, and school leaders while maintaining classroom teaching responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Ensure that all students with special learning needs receive support

• Update the list of students with special learning needs from the academic office and teachers
• Observe the classroom to promptly identify students with special learning needs
• Assess and categorize students into groups that require support

2. Develop and implement educational programs for students with special needs

• Evaluate students' learning needs and develop appropriate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Ensure that IEPs are effectively implemented and track students' progress
• Support teachers in developing and implementing teaching methods that are appropriate for students with special needs

3. Provide consultation and support for teachers

• Train and advise teachers on identifying and addressing the needs of students with special needs
• Provide resources and educational strategies to help teachers improve their teaching methods
• Monitor and support teachers in adjusting their teaching methods to meet students' needs

4. Interact with parents and families

• Build relationships with parents and maintain regular communication about students' progress and home support strategies
• Organize regular meetings to discuss students' learning progress and needs
• Contribute to collaborative planning meetings to model integrated SEN support.

5.Collaborate with experts inside and outside the school

• Collaborate with school specialists, psychologists, and external organizations when necessary to provide support for students
• Ensure that students have access to additional support services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc

6. Manage records and reports

• Prepare regular reports on the progress of students with special needs and report to the administration
• Manage and maintain students' academic records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with personal data protection regulations

7. Ensure an inclusive learning environment

• Propose large-scale intervention and prevention programs
• Collaborate with the safety committee to implement programs ensuring the physical and mental health safety of students
• Ensure that students with special needs are fully involved in educational and extracurricular activities
• Encourage a diverse learning environment, including inclusion and respect for the differences of all students

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Hold a degree in Education or Special Education
• PGCE/QTS or equivalent
• Experience with inquired-based approaches
• At least 3 years' teaching experience in bilingual/international schools
• Strong collaboration and organizational skills
• Knowledge of safeguarding and learning support principles

Desirable:

• Post graduate certificate in SEN or inclusive education
• Experience in bilingual (Vietnamese -English) school settings
• Training in cognative or behavioural assessment tools
• Familiarity with WIDA, MAP or similar progress frameworks.

Professional Standards:
The SENCO upholds the school’s values of integrity, international-mindedness, inquiry, and equity, and contributes to an inclusive school culture aligned with the CIS Code of Ethics.