Head of Learning Support (SENDCO)

Post :                               Head of Learning Support (SENDCO) 

Start Date:                       1st September 2018
Type of Appointment:      Permanent, Full Time

Salary Scale:                    UPS/MPS, plus a TLR of £7,699 (current value) 

Teaching Ratio:               c. 8 hours in a 25 period teaching week
Deadline for applications: Midnight on Sunday 25th Feb 2018

Interviews week beg: Monday 5th March 2018  

St Mark’s School, Bath, has a long standing and excellent reputation for SEND provision. Due to the pending retirement of our existing SENDCO, we now seek to appoint an ambitious and visionary leader who will enrich and further develop this area of the school as it enters a new, exciting phase of growth and innovation. Our school lies at the heart of its community. As a result of high expectations, enthusiastic teaching and very positive relationships, students enjoy school and want to do well. 

As Head of Learning Support and SENDCO you will: 

• Be an excellent communicator and be driven to take responsibility for the leadership and development of this key area of school.
   
• Have focus on the vision, policy (including the delivery of the statutory requirements of the SEND Code of Practice) and oversee the provision for all SEND students.
   
• Develop the culture of the department and the quality of educational experience offered to students and further establish the department within the whole school community.
   
• Be a motivational leader responsible for the personal and professional welfare of staff within the department.
   
• Lead the team, supporting students and staff to achieve their best by removing the barriers to learning.
   

The successful candidate would ideally have: 

• Qualified teacher status with the knowledge and experience of teaching students with SEND
   
• Experience of developing and delivering programmes for students with SEND
   
• Experience of leading and managing staff in developing and implementing effective
  provision for vulnerable students
   
• An understanding of methods and good practice in reviewing and evaluating teaching & learning
   
• Evidence of knowledge and understanding of effective record keeping, and its use to promote the educational and personal development of all children
   
• An understanding of national developments in the area of social inclusion and SEND
   
• Knowledge of the National Curriculum, including Programmes of Study and national
  strategies related to teaching pupils with SEND
   
• Knowledge of a range of accreditation available to students
   
• An understanding of behaviour management strategies
   
• Ability to build effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders.
   
• Ability to motivate colleagues and students through a positive and professional attitude
   
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
   
• Excellent behaviour management skills based on a firm but empathetic approach with students
   
• National Award for Special Educational Need Coordination or a commitment to gain the qualification
   
• Have good literacy and mathematical skills
   
• Be hard working and adaptable to change
   
• Have a secure understanding and knowledge of observing children’s learning
  

We would like to appoint an outstanding secondary teacher and leader to the role of SENDCO and are looking for someone who can drive forward the strategic direction of the SEND department, ensuring outstanding performance of this area. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person - if you have evidence of successful teaching in SEND in secondary education, ideally including SENDCO experience, and feel you have the character and moral purpose to really improve children's futures please consider applying for this role.