Are you an experienced educator with a strong commitment to supporting students with special educational needs? Bitterne Park School is seeking a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to lead our efforts in creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.
As the SENCo, you will play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the needs of our students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, and parents to ensure that our students receive the appropriate support and resources they need to succeed academically and socially.
Overall Purpose of the role:
Bitterne Park School is committed to supporting the diverse needs of all our students. The SENCO will play a crucial role in ensuring that all students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have access to high-quality education, support, and inclusive learning opportunities.
The SENCO, under the strategic direction of the AHT for Inclusion, will:
Ensure that the needs of all learners are met, in keeping with the inclusive culture of the school.
Help to develop and oversee the day-to-day implementation of the school's SEND strategy and policy.
Key responsibilities of the role:
* Develop the strategic, operational and legal direction of SEND provision
* Coordinate and carry out assessments of pupils with SEND to identify needs and monitor progress - including observations in the classroom and meeting with pupils, teachers and parents.
* Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources within department
* Monitoring the impact of the inclusion department and adjusting as necessary
* Meeting all statutory and legal obligations for children with a SEND
* Advise and support colleagues on SEND best practices, including the use of interventions and strategies to support students.
* Lead and manage a of highly trained and effective support staff that are motivated and know how to work with students to support them to be successful and independent
* Work with teachers, support staff, the school leadership team, parents and relevant external agencies to develop, implement and monitor individual support/learning plans.
* Provide regular updates on pupil progress through written reports and meetings with parents.
* To ensure effective communication with those in the school and beyond, including liaising with staff and parents/carers as appropriate, and ensuring effective partnerships with external agencies and professionals
* Be instrumental in writing EHCP’s for children with complex SEND needs.
* To support key transition points for our pupils.
Operation of the SEND policy and co-ordination of provision
* Maintain an accurate SEND register
* Follow the graduated approach to SEND, maintaining and regularly reviewing individual learning support plans/ EHCPs
* Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with SEND, and advise on the graduated approach to SEND support
* Be aware of the provision in the local offer
* Be a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority (LA)
* Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEND
* Co-ordinate provision that meets the pupil’s needs, and monitor its effectiveness
* Implement interventions for pupils with SEND, and evaluate their effectiveness
* Early identification and Support for pupils with SEND
* Meet with parents and SENCOs from previous schools to assist with transition.
* Identify students with SEND through screening, teacher referral, and consultation with parents/carers.
* Ensure if the pupil transfers to another school, all relevant information is conveyed to that school, and support a smooth transition for the pupil
* Promote the pupil’s inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
* Work with the designated teacher for looked-after children (LAC), where a looked-after pupil has SEND
Leadership and management
* Work with the AHT for Inclusion to ensure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 in terms of reasonable adjustments and access arrangements
* With the AHT for inclusion, identify training needs for colleagues and consider how to meet these needs through CPD
* Promote an ethos and culture that supports the school’s SEND policy and promotes good outcomes for pupils with SEND
* Effectively line manage support staff, including appraisals.
Safeguarding
* Liaise and collaborate with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) on matters of safeguarding and welfare for pupils with SEN
* Remain alert to the fact that pupils with SEND may be more vulnerable to safeguarding challenges.
Perks
* Opportunity to lead and shape the SEND provision at Bitterne Park School.
* Supportive environment focused on professional development.
* Collaborative work culture, striving for excellence in student outcomes.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
If you are a passionate educator ready to make a difference in the lives of students with special educational needs, apply now to become our SENCo at Bitterne Park School!
At Bitterne Park, we believe in finding the ideal match for both our team and our candidates. We encourage all prospective applicants to reach out and visit the school before applying to ensure it’s the right fit for you, too.
Requirements
Qualifications & Training
* Degree (essential)
* Qualified Teacher Status (essential)
* National Award for SEN Co-ordination or equivalent, e.g., NPQ (desirable)
* Willingness to complete the NPQ SENCo within three years of appointment (essential)
Experience
* Experience teaching and supporting pupils with SEND (essential)
* Familiarity with Key Stages beyond KS3/KS4, such as Primary or Post-16 (desirable)
* Proficiency in identifying, monitoring, and providing support for students with SEN (essential)
* Knowledge of access arrangements for external exams (desirable)
Skills and Knowledge
* Solid understanding of relevant legislation, especially the SEN Code of Practice (essential)
* Insight into effective “quality first” teaching and intervention strategies (essential)
* Competency in planning and evaluating interventions (essential)
* Skills in data analysis and using data to inform planning (essential)
Personal Qualities
* Commitment to equal opportunities and positive outcomes for all pupils, aligned with the ethos and values of Bitterne Park School (essential)
* A genuine passion and belief in each student’s potential (essential)
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills (essential)
* Ability to build effective working relationships (essential)
Benefits
* Private Healthcare Options for you & your family*
* On-site Gym & Personal Training Sessions
* Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental & Adoption Leave
* Electric Car Scheme
* Self Directed CPD fund
* Charity Giving
* Cycle to Work scheme