Herzlia Weizmann Primary seeks a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, start date January 2026

United Herzlia Schools, a prominent independent Jewish Day School in Cape Town, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) for a full-time, permanent position at Herzlia Weizmann Primary. This crucial role, commencing in January 2026, requires a registered Educational Psychologist with a strong background in school environments and learning support, offering an opportunity to shape inclusive education practices and support student success within a vibrant educational setting. For more details on this rewarding opportunity, visit the original vacancy here.

Vacancy key details

• Job title: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
• Institution: Herzlia Weizmann Primary, part of United Herzlia Schools
• Location: Sea Point, Cape Town
• Contract type: Full-time permanent post
• Commencement date: January 2026
• Application closing date: 10 October 2025
• Required qualifications: Must be a registered Educational Psychologist.
• Required experience: School-related experience, previous teaching or learning support experience, and knowledge of inclusive and supportive education policy and practice.
• Key responsibilities: Includes managing WCED applications for examination dispensations, implementing concessions, managing Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), creating and integrating supportive education interventions, monitoring pupil progress, conducting classroom observations and assessments, being part of a multi-disciplinary Educational Support Team, providing small group or whole class instruction on study/thinking skills, offering ongoing educational and technical support to teachers, staff training, coordinating internal referrals, liaising with external therapists, coordinating parent meetings and teacher case-conferences, and managing and supporting facilitators.
• Institution address: Sea Point, Cape Town

Simple summary of the vacancy

This vacancy at Herzlia Weizmann Primary, a part of the esteemed United Herzlia Schools in Sea Point, Cape Town, is for a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). It is a full-time, permanent position set to begin in January 2026. The school is looking for a highly skilled individual who is a registered Educational Psychologist and has substantial experience within a school environment, including prior teaching or learning support roles.

The SENCO will play a pivotal role in managing and enhancing the educational support for all pupils, addressing both learning barriers and extension needs. Key duties will involve handling applications to the WCED for examination dispensations, meticulously implementing concessions, and overseeing Individualised Education Plans. The role also requires creating, managing, and integrating various supportive education interventions, while continuously monitoring pupil progress. Classroom observations, psychoeducational assessments, and active participation in a multi-disciplinary Educational Support Team are also core components of this position. Furthermore, the SENCO will be responsible for delivering small group or whole class instruction on vital skills such as study techniques and executive functioning, providing ongoing professional development and support to teachers, coordinating referrals, and acting as a crucial liaison between teachers, parents, and external therapists. Management and support of facilitators also fall under this extensive role. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to an inclusive and supportive learning environment, and for those looking for impactful educational and teaching jobs, this role stands out.

How to apply

• Complete the online application form by clicking here.
• Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date of 10 October 2025.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Submitting a CV does not guarantee an interview.
• United Herzlia Schools reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Applicants must be willing to undergo thorough screening, including checks with past employers, as the school is committed to safeguarding children’s welfare.
• All personal information provided will be handled in accordance with POPIA for recruitment purposes.

Advice for potential candidates

• Q: What are the absolute must-have qualifications for this role?
  A: You must be a registered Educational Psychologist. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
• Q: Is prior teaching experience essential?
  A: While the vacancy states “previous teaching or learning support experience,” having both would be highly beneficial, demonstrating a strong understanding of classroom dynamics and diverse learning needs.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my knowledge of inclusive education policy?
  A: Be prepared to discuss relevant policies and how you have implemented inclusive practices in previous roles, providing concrete examples.
• Q: What should I highlight in my application regarding my experience?
  A: Focus on specific examples where you’ve managed Individualised Education Plans, coordinated interventions, supported teachers, or conducted assessments within a school setting.
• Q: How can I stand out if I am shortlisted for an interview?
  A: Research United Herzlia Schools’ ethos and values. Be ready to articulate how your philosophy aligns with their commitment to educational support and safeguarding.
• Q: What kind of assessment or observation experience is valuable?
  A: Emphasise experience with psychoeducational or scholastic assessments and classroom observations, explaining how these inform your support strategies.
• Q: Is it important to show experience with a multidisciplinary team?
  A: Absolutely. Highlight any collaborative work with other professionals (therapists, teachers, psychologists) to demonstrate your teamwork capabilities.
• Q: How can I show my commitment to professional development?
  A: Mention any staff training you have delivered or professional development you have undertaken related to special educational needs.
• Q: What if I don’t hear back after applying?
  A: The vacancy explicitly states that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. It’s best to assume your application was not successful if you don’t hear from them.
• Q: What is the significance of the January 2026 start date?
  A: This indicates the school is planning well in advance, so demonstrate your long-term commitment and availability for this timeframe.
• Q: Will my application be kept confidential?
  A: Yes, United Herzlia Schools will ensure confidentiality in line with POPIA, using your information solely for recruitment purposes.
• Q: Where can I find more educational and teaching jobs like this?
  A: You can explore various platforms and school websites for similar opportunities in the education sector.