SEND Coordinator

The Role

Falcons Prep Richmond and Falcons Pre-Preparatory Chiswick are looking for an enthusiastic and inspirational SEND Coordinator who will lead the strategic development of the school's Special Educational Needs (SEND) provision and oversight of the day-to-day operation of that policy with the aim of raising SEND pupil achievement.

The SEND Coordinator appointed will be experienced, computer literate, have the ability to understand school protocols and policies, and be willing to make a full contribution to school life. The SENDCo is accountable to the Senior Management Team, the Deputy Head and the Head

The role will be split between the two schools during the school week. Most of the Falcons Pre-Prep boys transition to Falcons Prep Richmond in Year 3. The SENDCo will have be an integral part of the transition process and will work closely with both schools Senior Leadership Teams.

The Schools

Falcons Pre-Preparatory Chiswick – The school, formerly Faulkner House Boys, was founded in 1956, and at that time was located in Notting Hill. In September 1989 the school transferred to its present site in Burnaby Gardens, changing its name to The Falcons. It is the founding member of the three schools in the Falcons Group, part of the Alpha Plus Group, one of the UK’s most successful educational organisations. The Falcons School for Girls, located in Putney was acquired in 2001, and the Falcons Preparatory School for Boys in Richmond, catering for boys aged 7-13, opened in September 2008. In September 2021, Falcons Pre-Prep is opening a new nursery class for 2 year olds that is also co-educational.

Falcons Prep – Richmond has the capacity to educate 200 boys from ages 4 – 13. The school, which is set in leafy Richmond on the edge of Old Deer Park, combines a warm and nurturing environment with excellent resources, a commitment to teamwork and the professional development of staff. We ensure that every boy at Falcons has a happy and fulfilling experience whilst at school. Above all, we encourage academic endeavour and that each boy strives, gives of his best, and achieves his goals. We place equal importance on his social, moral and cultural growth. At all times the boys are expected to uphold the ethos of the school in a positive manner and are proud ambassadors; not only on campus but when representing Falcons at outside events, activities and fixtures. We foster a desire to learn by offering a curriculum that has breadth, balance and challenge.

At Falcons we maintain high expectations and place a strong emphasis on acknowledging the positive ways in which the boys conduct themselves and interact with others. Trust, honesty, good manners, a hardworking attitude and respect for the environment and above all, each other, are intrinsic in all that we teach. We place great emphasis on the strength of our community and the boys being considerate, courteous and tolerant of the needs of others. We are a progressive and vibrant school that focuses on raising the aspirations and releasing the potential of every young person in our care. In this environment they have the opportunity to grow academically, on the sports field, artistically, on stage, and to take leadership responsibilities in many different areas.

The Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Closing date: 12pm Friday 14th May 2021

Interviews will take place on week commencing 17th May 2021

Start date: Autumn Term 2021

Main duties and Responsibilities

• To plan and organise the Learning Support programmes

• To work with the staff to ensure that the learning support programme is being effectively delivered.

• To monitor teaching and learning activities to meet the needs of children with SEND.

• To prepare a policy statement and curriculum development plan covering a three year period. Devise a scheme of work that provides for curriculum content and ensures progression and continuity in learning.

• Assess and identify the needs of individuals and produce IEPs for those children who require such provision.

• To devise a triage system of care for SEND students.

• To liaise closely with the Deputy Head to ensure consistent, effective and appropriate differentiation and support is offered by all staff, for all SEND children.

• To support staff to effectively cater for children for whom English is another language (EAL).

• Provide the necessary teaching of pupils within the school and to give regular feedback to parents.

• Ensure that teaching of learning support is adequately resourced using the allocated funds effectively.

• Update the Online Learning Platform. Attend consultation evenings and keep parents informed about their child’s progress.

• Identify and teach study skills that will develop children’s ability to work independently.

• Disseminate good practice in SEND across the school.

• Identify resources needed to meet the needs of children with SEND and advise the Head of priorities for expenditure. Create a well-resourced, safe and welcoming ‘Learning Centre’

Leadership and Management

• To lead weekly data meetings to track pupil performance and well-being and devise a scheme of record keeping which will monitor the progress of individual children

• Be pro-active in creating a gifted and talented programme and work with teachers who are involved in this area

• Liaise with Senior Schools regarding exam requirements such as extra time and the use of a laptop. Guide and advise parents in the use of external specialists and obtaining reports

• Prepare and deliver ‘within school’ in-service training to ensure that all staff are aware of the learning support programme

• Promote whole-school use of differentiation and supporting children of all abilities within the classroom.

• Liaise with outside agencies as necessary and prepare reports for statement application setting

• Collect and interpret specialist assessment data and set up systems for identifying, assessing and reviewing SEND. Update the Head and the governing body on the effectiveness of provision for children with SEND. Set targets for raising achievement among children with SEND

• And liaise with other schools to ensure continuity of support and learning when transferring children with SEND and work with other colleagues across the Alpha-Plus Group

• Encourage all members of staff to recognise and fulfil their statutory responsibilities to children with SEND. Provide training opportunities for learning support assistants and other teachers to learn about SEND

• Responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people for whom you are responsible, or with whom you come into contact in the school. It is your responsibility to adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times. If at any time you identify any instance that a child or young person is at risk you must report your concerns immediately to the Designated Safety Officer, DSO or the Head.