Main purpose The Assistant SENDCo, under the direction of the Headteacher, will: • Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the school • Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability • Provide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and other agencies • Be a member of the schools SLT and DSL Team • Take an active role in the school performance management cycle and act as the Reviewer for selected members of staff. • Be a passionate champion for all vulnerable learners and promote all opportunities for them to ‘live life in all its fullness’, striving for them to be successful, independent learners • Communicate effectively with the whole school team and parents to ensure strong relationships exist to support the needs of the children • The Assistant SENDCo will be expected to fulfil the responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the STPCD While the Assistant SENDCo will have responsibility for the oversight of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability, class teachers will hold responsibility for the day-to-day education and support of pupils within their classroom. Duties and responsibilities Strategic development of SEN policy and provision • Have a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability across the school, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision • Contribute to school self-evaluation, particularly with respect to provision for pupils with SEN or a disability • Make sure the SEN policy is put into practice and its objectives are reflected in the school improvement plan (SIP) • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and local initiatives that may affect the school’s policy and practice • Evaluate whether funding is being used effectively, and suggest changes to make use of funding more effective Operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of provision • Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map • Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with SEN or a disability, and advise on what support is appropriate and available for the child • Advise on the use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively, including staff deployment • Be aware of the provision in the local offer and Ordinarily Available expectations of provision • 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 (LA) • Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability • Implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN, and evaluate their effectiveness Support for pupils with SEN or a disability • Identify a pupil’s SEN • Co-ordinate provision that meets the pupil’s needs, and monitor its effectiveness • Secure relevant services for the pupil • Ensure records are maintained and kept up to date • Review the education, health and care plan (EHCP) with parents or carers and the pupil and review termly the Individual Support Plans or Health Care Plans in place across the school for children on the SEND register • Communicate regularly 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 SEN or a disability • As a member of the DSL Team, take a lead on promoting and supporting parents where the need for Early Help is identified Leadership and management • Work with the Headteacher and Local Committee to ensure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 in terms of reasonable adjustments and access arrangements • Prepare, present and review information the Local Committee is required to publish • Alongside the SENDCO, meet regularly with the member of the Local Committee assigned to SEND to ensure they are informed about SEND work across the school • Contribute to the SDP and whole-school policy • Identify training needs for staff and how to meet these needs • Lead INSET for staff • Share procedural information, such as the school’s SEN policy • Promote an ethos and culture that supports the school’s SEN policy and promotes good outcomes for pupils with SEN or a disability • Lead and manage teaching assistants (TAs) working with pupils with SEN or a disability, including working alongside the SLT to ensure effective deployment of staff across the school • Lead staff appraisals and produce appraisal reports • Review staff performance on an ongoing basis • Be available to fulfill DSL duties when required Safeguarding • Collaborate closely with the SLT and DSL Team on matters of safeguarding and welfare for all pupils but particularly those with SEND • Remain alert to the fact that pupils with SEND may be more vulnerable to safeguarding challenges • Assume responsibilities as a DDSL