Thank you for expressing an interest in this key vacancy at our college. Over the last seven years we have been on a journey to try and make this school not only one of the best schools for children to attend but also one of the best schools to work in as a member of staff. That is extremely rare and we urge you to come and see us in action, speak to the staff and speak to the students. Every decision that we take is done with a lot of thought and consideration and we put well-being at the centre, so that teachers can teach and students can learn.
SEND and the leadership of SEND has a major role to play as part of that mission. It is a simple mission; to ensure our students will be the best they can be by providing them with the skills they need to become independent adults. We want them to take on the world! We are committed to doing whatever it takes for as long as it takes to nurture and develop our students to become the best version of themselves.
At Crown Hills, we promote an ethos where young people with SEND don't just attend our college, but they feel valued and truly belong in our college. Our culture of tolerance, mutual respect, and high expectations for all, where students with additional needs thrive alongside their peers, was recognised in our recent OFSTED inspection (Jan 2025). The provision for students with SEND is an integral part of our whole school curriculum, whether this is in mainstream lessons or within targeted intervention. We ensure that the right support is given at the right time.
The SEND faculty has long-established positive working relationships with different stakeholders. Parents/ carers feel supported, and they trust that staff support and genuinely care for their children. Outside agencies feel welcome and we work collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for our students.
The Deputy SENDCo role will increase our capacity to deliver our exceptional SEND provision to meet the needs of our ever-changing SEND intake. These are indeed exciting times to join us and make a difference to the lives of others. The Deputy SENDCO will play a key role in supporting the SENDCo to lead and manage the whole school provision. This role specifically includes identifying and assessing students, monitoring progress, and implementing evidence-based literacy interventions to remove barriers to learning. In addition, working closely with the SENDCo to lead a specific area (s) of need (e.g. SEMH, ASD) depending on experience and / or need. They will also play an active role in developing the SEND strategy across the college.
There is always a tension between well-being and accountability but I do believe that we are getting closer to finding the sweet spot between the two. Although it is not the end of our journey, we have been recognised for the work we do in this area; we have won the TES well-being school of the year in 2024 and we won the silver award for the prestigious Pearsons Award for secondary school of the year in 2023.
We have a very different approach and we are trying to create a very different culture at CHCC, a culture whereby those in leadership do not hold authority and deserve to be followed; leaders at CHCC have to earn the right to lead and we welcome and appreciate challenge if we do not live up to the standards that are expected of us.
The THIRST values permeate all that we do and are a framework that staff can hold leaders to account for the way that they lead. We have high expectations but we will provide the support, training and resources for you to deliver the best possible education for our students.
We are very clear that the gender, background, colour, poverty, wealth or social status of a child should have no bearing on how well they perform and staff here work extremely hard in trying to close that gap between the different groups of pupils.
Our behaviour policy is clear and simple, “First Time Every Time,” no quibbles, no arguments just do as we expect. Teachers no longer have to do detentions, chase up absence, attendance or punctuality. These are all done centrally with a highly skilled team that has taken the workload away from teachers.
I would also urge you to read our well-being charter that provides you with an understanding of things that we do to just make your job that little bit easier, not tokenistic but just genuine little things that help.
As part of our recruitment process, it is important that you attend our information evening at 5pm on Thursday 1st May. In order to be shortlisted you must attend either in person or online. Please email Sumaya in order to confirm your attendance (email in attached information pack)
Please read the attached job description and person specification. If you are interested in applying, please fill in the application form available on our eteach portal, please include e-mail addresses of all referees, together with a letter of application (no more than 2 sides of A4, font 12) outlining your skills, qualifications and experience relevant to this post by 9am on Tuesday 6th May. Please include your cover letter in the supporting statement section.
Information Evening (compulsory) 5pm – Thursday 1st May
Deadline – Tuesday 6th May, 9am
Interview – Friday 9th May
I look forward to meeting you and receiving your application.
Yours sincerely,
Mr F Adam
*All appointments will be subject to references and pre-employment checks.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment checks, such as an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.
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