Land Your First SEND Job in Croydon: A Practical Guide

Embarking on a career in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be incredibly rewarding, giving you the chance to make a real difference in young people’s lives.

If you’re looking to land your first SEND role in Croydon, it helps to understand the local landscape and what schools are really looking for. With growing demand across the borough, there are plenty of opportunities to get started, even if you’re new to the field.

This guide breaks down the key steps to help you secure your first role with confidence, including:

• Why Croydon is a great place to start your SEND career

• Qualifications vs experience: What you actually need

• How to gain relevant experience

• Making your application stand out

• Preparing for interviews and observations

• Networking and job search strategies

• How to take your next step 
  

Why Start Your SEND Career in Croydon?

Croydon offers a wide range of SEND opportunities across different types of schools, including:

• Alternative Provisions and Behavioural - SEMH Schools

• SEND Schools supporting pupils with PMLD, SLD, MLD and ASD

• Mainstream schools with SEND provisions

• SEND Colleges and Schools Residential Units

This variety means you can find a setting that suits your skills and interests.

The borough has a strong focus on inclusive education, and demand for SEND support continues to grow.

Across England, around:

• 14.9% of pupils have Special Educational Needs

• 4.0% have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

SEND support is a key priority in schools, and skilled staff are in high demand. Taking time to understand how different schools support SEND will help you target your applications more effectively.

Qualifications vs Experience: What Do You Actually Need?

To work as a Qualified Teacher in the UK, you’ll need QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).

However, many SEND roles, especially Supply and Support positions — don’t require a QTS.

For many SEND roles, what really matters is:

• Experience working with children or adults with SEND

• A patient, adaptable, and proactive attitude

• A genuine interest in supporting additional needs

To strengthen your profile, you could consider SEND-focused training such as NASENCo or short CPD courses.

Areas of training often include:

Neurodiverse & Behavioural Needs

• Autism (ASD)

• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), including behavioural challenges

Learning Difficulties

• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)

• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)

• Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)

Sensory & Communication Needs

• Hearing Impairments

• Visual Impairments

• Speech and Language Difficulties

Gaining Relevant Experience

Practical experience is one of the most important things schools look for when hiring for SEND roles.

If your teacher training didn’t include much SEND exposure, there are still plenty of ways to build it.

You could:

• Work as a Teaching Assistant (TA)

• Take on Supply roles in SEND settings

• Volunteer in schools or care environments

• Support individuals with additional needs in community settings

This helps you develop practical skills such as:

• Understanding EHCPs

• Supporting behaviour effectively

• Adapting to different learning styles

Schools highly value candidates who understand the day-to-day reality of supporting pupils with SEND.

Make Your Application Stand Out

Your CV and application are your first opportunity to stand out, so keeping them clear, relevant, and tailored is key.

Focus on highlighting:

• Any SEND-related experience (including voluntary work, placements,TA roles or personal/family experience)

• SEND-specific modules or training from your education

• Your understanding of inclusive education and differentiated learning

• Behaviour management skills and adaptability

• Your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Tailor each application to the school and role — referencing their SEND provision or approach can make a real difference. Generic applications are easy to spot and often overlooked.

Preparing for Interviews and Observations

SEND interviews are often practical and scenario-based. Schools want to see how you respond in real situations.

Be prepared to talk about:

• Supporting different types of SEND (e.g Neurodiverse & Behavioural Needs, Learning Difficulties and Sensory & Communication Needs)

• Your approach to behaviour management

• How you adapt learning for individuals

• Working with staff, parents, and external professionals

You may also be asked to complete a teaching observation.

Focus on:

• Clear structure and simple instructions

• Adapting tasks for different ability levels

• Keeping pupils engaged

• Creating a calm, supportive environment

It’s not about being perfect — it’s about showing awareness, flexibility, and empathy.

Networking and Job Search Strategies

Finding your first SEND role often comes down to being proactive and using the right channels.

Start with:

• School websites and job boards

• Education-specific platforms

• Local education or SEND events

You can also build connections by:

• Speaking to staff during placements

• Connecting with others in education

• Letting people know you’re actively looking

Working with an education recruitment agency like Humly can help you:

• Access a wide range of local SEND roles

• Gain experience through flexible supply work

• Find long-term opportunities that suit your goals

A proactive approach will significantly improve your chances of securing a role.

Ready to Get Started?

Starting a career in SEND can feel overwhelming at first, but Croydon offers plenty of opportunities to take that first step.

You don’t need to have everything figured out from day one, the most important thing is getting started with the right mindset, gaining relevant experience, and taking a proactive approach to your job search.

If you’re ready to take the next step, you can view and apply for current SEND roles in Croydon and surrounding areas here