Polaris Children’s Services – Ormston School
Full Time: SENCO Role
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its young people? If so, Ormston School in Leeds could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of young people. We are currently seeking a SENCO to join our growing team from Easter 2025. This is an exciting time to join us as we further grow our Senior Leadership Team.
About the School
Located in Headingley, Leeds, Ormston School opened with its first cohort of learners in September 2024 and offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils from 5 to 18 years old. Our aim is to provide a learning environment where young people can thrive, feel supported, safe, and are then able to leave school happy with relevant experiences and outcomes to enable them to contribute to the wider community.
With significant investment and an abundance of new resources, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape and mould the school to create a supportive environment that promotes self-discipline and engagement, inspiring learning. Our mission is to provide each young person with a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement.
We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have six SEN Schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning, and encourages achievement. We’re also incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
Role responsibilities
* Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the school
* Aid in designing and delivering extra interventions to reduce the attainment gaps
* Assess and monitor the progress of pupils in line with their EHCPs
* Hold annual reviews
* Be a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
* Attend multi-agency meetings and lead on Early Help
* Hold the designated teacher position for looked after children, attending meetings
* Liaise alongside the Head Teacher, Tutor, Class Teachers, and parents to support individual learning plans
* Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and coordination of specific provisions to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability
* Maintain accurate records
* Provide support to colleagues in developing effective teaching programmes and positive behaviour management techniques around individual children
* Oversee and prepare annual reviews
* Work closely with the Tutor to ensure that the appropriate professionals are involved with the pupil’s development and mental health needs
* Be aware of the provision in the local offer
* Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agencies
* Be a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority
* Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability
* Implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN, and evaluate their effectiveness
* Coordinate provision that meets the pupil’s needs, and monitor its effectiveness
* Secure relevant services for the pupil
* Communicate regularly with parents or carers
* Ensure that if the pupil transfers to or from another school, all relevant information is conveyed to it, supporting 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 Head Teacher and Tutor, assisting in transitions and consultations
* Cover classes where appropriate during Teacher absence
* Small teaching commitment
Requirements
* Qualified Teacher Status
* National Award for SEN Co-ordination, or a willingness to complete it within 3 years of appointment
* Previous involvement in school self-evaluation and development planning
* Previous experience of teaching in an Autism/SEMH School
* Experience in conducting training/leading INSET
* Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Conduct
* Committed to professional development and willing to learn
What we offer
* A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
* A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
* An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
* A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes
* Being part of an exciting journey during the growth of a new school
* Being part of a passionate, diverse, and motivated team where the child is at the centre of everything we do
For more information or to organise a school visit, please contact Zoe Chittenden in the first instance at 07920 212308.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.
Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
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