Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO)

Job starts                 August 2025

Location                   Penang, Malaysia

Contract type           Full Time

Contract term:          Fixed Term 

An amazing opportunity as a SENCO awaits you in Malaysia!  

Purpose of Role  

To determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the school and to be responsible day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual students with SEN or a disability.

Tenby Schools Penang

Located in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Tenby Schools Penang stands out for its state-of-the-art STEAM Engine building, bringing Robotics, Virtual Reality, Music and Technologies into everyday learning, making it one of the leading schools in Malaysia for STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics-focused education.

If you're looking for a vibrant, progressive, and supportive school community, we encourage you to explore more about Tenby Schools Penang. Visit our website at http://www.tenby.edu.my/penang or follow us on social media to stay updated.

Key benefits 

• A culture of engagement and trust, where staff contributions are recognized and valued.
• A passionate and motivated team of professionals who put children at the heart of decision-making.
• An embedded whole campus commitment to professional development and a commitment to serving others.
• Access to expertise, best practice sharing and learning opportunities across countries and cultures. 
• A commitment to employee well-being.

Role of the SENCO

Duties and responsibilities - Strategic development of SEN policy and provision

• Have a strategic overview of provision for students with SEN or a disability across all schools on our campus, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision.
•  Contribute to school self-evaluation, particularly with respect to provision for students with SEN or a disability.
•  Make sure the SEN policy is put into practice and its objectives are reflected in the school improvement plan (SIP).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and local initiatives that may affect the school’s policy and practice.

Operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of provision

• Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map.
• Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching students with SEN or a disability and advise on the graduated approach to SEN support.
• Advise on the use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet students’ needs effectively, including staff deployment.
•  Build partnerships with local providers in order to support inclusive practice.
• Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and other external agencies.

Support for pupils with SEN or a disability

•  Identify a student’s SEN.
•  Co-ordinate provision that meets the students' needs and monitor its effectiveness.
•  Secure relevant services for the student.
• Ensure records are maintained and kept up to date.
•  Review the Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with parents or carers and the student.
•  Communicate regularly with parents/carers.

Leadership and management

• Contribute to the SIP and whole-school policy.
• Identify training needs for staff and how to meet these needs.
•  Lead INSET for staff.
•  Share procedural information, such as the school’s SEN policy.
•  Promote an ethos and culture that supports the school’s SEN policy and promotes good outcomes for students with SEN or a disability.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified teacher status
• Qualification for SEN co-ordination
•  3- 5 years of Teaching experience
• Experience of working at a whole-school level
•  Involvement in self-evaluation and development planning
•  Experience of conducting training/leading INSET
•  Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice

We offer: 

This is a two-year contract with an option to renew at the end. Benefits include:  

• Competitive salary
• Fee discount for children of employees
• Medical outpatient and insurance benefits 
• Personal Accident insurance coverage
• Generous contributions to an Employee Provident Fund (EPF) up to 23% of salary per annum (11% employee contribution + 12% employer contribution) payable as a lump sum on leaving Malaysia.
• Fee reduction for children of employees 
• Flight and shipping allowance at the beginning and end of the contract
• Support with accommodation for the first two weeks after your arrival

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles   

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  

All postholders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.   

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging  

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background, or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply. 

How to apply:  

Interested candidates are invited to send in a letter of application including the reasons for applying together with a comprehensive CV, a recent passport-size photograph, and contact details of three referees (one of which must be from your current school) to hr.penang@tenby.edu.my  

For more information about Tenby schools please visit our website at www.tenby.edu.my

Early application is encouraged as we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date of 30 December 2024. Shortlisted candidates should be available for interview at the beginning of January 2025.