Seeking Advice for SEN Recruitment in the UK

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out to the community for some insights as I’ve recently transitioned to a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Devon, UK, after several years in a global corporate recruitment environment. Our school caters to students with diverse needs, including autism, ADHD, and PMLD, making it essential for us to find dedicated and qualified staff.

I’m aiming to enhance our recruitment strategy and expand our reach, but we’ve encountered a few challenges along the way:

  • Attracting qualified teachers or those interested in becoming SEN educators who may not be aware of the necessary steps to enter this field.
  • Operating in a more rural area, which can limit our talent pool.
  • Effectively communicating the benefits of working in SEN education while keeping recruitment costs within budget.

I would greatly appreciate any tips or strategies that others in similar positions have found effective, specifically regarding:

  • Recruitment platforms or job boards that excel at promoting SEN roles.
  • Engaging potential candidates through social media (any success stories you can share would be fantastic!).
  • Ideas for fostering long-term relationships with SEN professionals or student teachers.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer! 😊

By RCadmin

One thought on “Anyone in the UK Special Educational Needs (SEN) Sector Recruitment have any advice/tips?”
  1. Hi there!

    Welcome to the SEN sector! It’s great to see you looking to enhance your recruitment strategy. Here are some suggestions based on your challenges:

    Recruitment Platforms:

    1. Specialist Job Boards: Websites like Specialisterne and SENJOBS can be great for reaching candidates specifically interested in SEN roles.
    2. Local Education Authorities: Check if local councils have job boards for schools; they often cater to teaching positions in rural areas.
    3. University Career Centers: Reach out to universities that offer education degrees; they often have platforms to advertise positions which can attract soon-to-be graduates looking for their first roles.

    Social Media Engagement:

    1. Showcase Success Stories: Share testimonials from current staff about their experiences and the impact they have on students. Video content can be particularly engaging.
    2. Job Spotlight Posts: Use Instagram and Facebook Stories to highlight current job openings, with visuals of the school environment and staff.
    3. Live Q&A Sessions: Host live sessions on platforms like Facebook or Instagram where potential recruits can speak directly with current teachers about their roles and experiences.

    Building Long-Term Relationships:

    1. Networking Events: Organize or participate in local SEND events, conferences, or workshops. This can help you connect with professionals in the field.
    2. Mentorship Programs: Develop a mentorship initiative within your school for new educators or student teachers, encouraging a supportive community.
    3. Stay Connected: Create a newsletter for past candidates and applicants, keeping them in the loop with school updates, achievements, and job opportunities.

    Highlighting Benefits:

    1. Work-Life Balance: Emphasize the support systems in place, small class sizes, and the rewarding nature of working with SEN students.
    2. Professional Development Opportunities: Promote any training programs or qualifications your school offers for continuous learning and growth in the SEN field.

    I hope these ideas spark some inspiration for your recruitment strategy! Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss further.

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