Director of Inclusion/SENCO

The Governors of this highly successful, small and friendly inner-city Catholic high school seek to appoint a dynamic, motivated and well qualified teacher with experience of SEN related responsibilities, policy and practice within the secondary age range and a strong commitment to inclusion.  The role is pivotal in ensuring that all students can enjoy school, experience success, make progress and access the wide range of opportunities open to them.

“Your provision for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is held up as an example of good practice within the local authority” (Ofsted 2017).

Inclusion lies at the very heart of All Hallows RC High School.  In this role, you will have responsibility for the education of all children with SEND at All Hallows encompassing the Aquinas Centre (specialist MLD provision), the Curriculum Access Unit and children with social, emotional and mental health needs.  You will lead and be supported by a highly effective, well-qualified team including an Assistant SENCO, 2 specialist teachers and an experienced and qualified team of Teaching Assistants who deliver a variety of effective intervention programmes removing barriers to learning.  Additionally, the successful candidate will possess the drive and vision to implement strategies for the effective inclusion of pupils with SEND in mainstream education by leading and supporting effective practice including the development of all teachers across the school.  

In recognition of the importance and scope of this role within the school you will have a small teaching commitment although as the successful candidate you will be expected to model and advise on outstanding classroom practice particularly in relation to inclusion.   

Key responsibilities will include:

• taking a strategic overview of the curriculum design and implementation for pupils in the Aquinas Centre;

• ensuring the needs of all pupils with SEND at All Hallows are met and that they are supported to make excellent progress;

• advising and supporting leaders, class teachers and teaching assistants enabling them to offer high quality provision;

• co-ordinating the school’s responsibilities during the statutory assessment process, with a view to ensuring that pupils with a high level of need obtain an EHCP;

• advising and supporting the parents of pupils on the SEN register.

The preferred candidate will:

• be a qualified and experienced SENCO;

• have experience of and excellent skills in leadership and management;

• lead, motivate and inspire others;

• advise staff about best practice and model this where appropriate;

• evidence that they are an innovative, creative and strategic thinker;

• demonstrate a proactive and collaborative approach to working with others, within your current school and beyond;

• work under pressure whilst remaining highly organised;

• analyse data effectively to identify and track the progress of individual and groups of SEND pupils.  Subsequently, use this data to inform the delivery of highly effective strategies which enable them to improve strongly;

• have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of pupils and their families;

• be proactive in maintaining the Catholic ethos of the school.  

We will offer you:

• an effective senior leadership team with a strong inclusive ethos;

• a well-established SEN team;

• support with your own professional development;

• engaging learners who want to succeed;

• involvement in strategic leadership for whole school vision and practice;

• a commitment to inclusion demonstrated by the achievement of Emotionally Friendly Schools Award, Dyslexia Friendly Award, Autism Friendly Award (Aquinas Centre) and SEND Inclusion Award.

Completed applications should be returned to jenny.gregory@salford.gov.uk or by post to All Hallows RC High School, 150 Eccles Old Road, Salford, M6 8AA.  If you wish to discuss this opportunity informally or arrange a visit to the school please telephone Jenny Gregory on 0161 921 1900.  

Closing date for applications: 9.00 am on Wednesday 20th March 2019 

All Hallows are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.