SENCo

SENCo

Salary: up to £35,000

Location: Longdon Hall School, Lichfield

HOURS: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours – commencing January 2020 or as soon as possible

Closing date: 20th October 2019    Interviews: 24th and 25th October 2019 

If you really want to make your mark in a rapidly growing business that is committed to improving the lives of children and young people, we have the role for you!

We now have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SENCo to join our close-knit team at Longdon Hall School in Lichfield. Someone who takes a more creative approach to teaching would be perfect for this role.

About the School

Longdon Hall is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 7 to 18, catering for children with a wide range of needs.  Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

We pride ourselves in steering children in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them both academically and socially to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live. 

About the Group

We are part of the Acorn Care and Education Group and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.

Acorn Care and Education provide education and care across 20 schools and 19 residential care homes nationally. Our vision is to build incredible futures by empowering vulnerable young people in the UK to be happy and to make their way in the world. Every day we improve the lives of thousands of young people, their families and communities through a relentless focus on caring and learning. 

About the Role

The SENCO will have overall responsibility for the strategic development of the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy; including oversight of the day-to-day operation of that policy with the aim of raising all students’ attainment and achievement.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Qualified SENCo/Teacher who wants to spend time developing creative learning opportunities for the most reluctant and troubled learners.

No two days are the same at Longdon Hall so we want people who can work at pace to turn ‘can’t do’ into ‘want to’ and are motivated by working with children with complex needs. You will be motivated by your belief that every child can achieve and reach their potential.  The ideal candidate will enjoy working with children using a calm and engaging demeanour whilst being resilient and using an innovative style of teaching motivated by your belief that every child can achieve and reach their potential. We want someone who places a focus on the positive outcomes of our children and takes responsibility for helping improve the lives of our young people. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Take the lead in assessments of children with SEN including their strengths and weaknesses, including baseline assessments and bi-annual re-testing;
• Keep appropriate records which are regularly reviewed and monitored;
• Ensure appropriate Individual Education Programmes (IEPs) are in place and regularly monitored and reviewed;
• Maintain and regularly review the Audit of Needs;
• Lead and manage the Literacy and Numeracy Intervention Team, including facilitating regular Team meetings;
• Ensure appropriate Access Arrangements are in place for examination purposes, and collate supporting evidence to facilitate these;
• Provide a written report for Annual Education Reviews;
• Work with the SALT, providing assessment and therapy for pupils who need speech and language support and embed strategies into the IEP process;
• Read information provided on new pupils and summarise the information for the rest of the staff; track any missing information/reports;
• Responsible for planning and delivering whole staff training;
• Take the lead on training and encouraging differentiation within the school.
• Conduct PEP meetings and complete the necessary paperwork for children who are in local authority care;
• Lead school input into EHCP/statement transfers and subsequent updates, completing all paperwork within the agreed timeframe 

Essential Criteria

• QTS – graduate or teachers’ certificate.
• National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators.
• Evidence of continuing and recent further professional development and qualifications relevant to the post.
• Being able to demonstrate good classroom and behaviour management.
• To show evidence of being an experienced and effective class teacher through excellent teaching practice.
• To be able to demonstrate ability to lead workshops, staff meetings and INSET.
• Ability to work with parents to ensure the best possible outcomes for children.
• Monitor teaching and learning activities to meet the needs of pupils.
• A deeply held conviction that every child can achieve and reach their potential.
• The belief that all children deserve a life of choice and opportunity. 

Why work for us?

A few reasons we think it’s a great place to work:

• Continuous professional development & training for a clear career path
• Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference
• Be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other
• No two days are ever the same
• Free School Meals onsite
• “Your Wellbeing Matters”
• Employee Rewards Hub 

This position is due to commence in January 2020 or as soon as possible (subject to approved reference/DBS checks).  

Please note that as an Independent school, this position does not carry Teacher’s pension.

Applications are invited online through the Acorn Care and Education website