SENCo

We are looking for an outstanding individual to join Harris Girls' Academy East Dulwich as SENCO.

SEND provision at HGAED is strong, with quality first teaching a significant strength. Our need profile is wide, though pupils with Speech, Language and Communication difficulties make up the largest cohort of our SEND pupil body. The department is staffed by a small team of teaching assistants, with a dyslexia specialist, a speech and language therapist, a trained assessor and regular access to the support of an Educational Psychologist. 

About Us

Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich is an outstanding place-for students and staff alike. We pride ourselves on helping our students to be incredibly successful and we are as driven to support our staff, with an excellent CPD programme and development opportunities for all staff at the academy. We encourage our students and staff to live our core values of character, courage and conscience in our community and beyond. We have an excellent staff who are highly motivated, committed and happy. 

Why work at Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich? 

HGAED is a great place to work. At a time when there is so much attention, deservedly so, on teacher wellbeing and workloads, we are committed to ensuring our staff have work-life balance by reducing unnecessary admin work and meetings. We dedicate time and resources to staff wellbeing and development, ranging from NPQSL qualifications to meditation and teacher hacks such as whole class feedback to reduce workload. We are looking for staff who share our commitment to developing themselves personally as well as professionally, who are open to feedback and development and share our vision for our whole community. We believe very strongly that education can be transformative for all. We’d love you to be part of the transformation of our students’ lives.

The staff here at HGAED are supportive, ambitious for our students, and happy. Our Head of Art, Clare, writes ‘The students are astute, funny and thirsty for life. They are invigorating and I really love teaching them. They keep me on my toes. But what I most appreciate working here is that we work in a climate where all ideas are encouraged, no matter how impossible they may seem, and I have seen some fantastic dreams come into being, the art gallery, the debate cake sessions and the research centre all starting to gain momentum. Not many schools would take such risks and I truly value being listened to and challenged to go beyond what I think I can do. This school is not for the faint hearted but it's also the place to be if you are up for being innovative and thinking beyond the classroom walls.’ 

We welcome visits to the Academy and we’d be delighted to show you around and answer any questions you might have. Please do contact us on 0207 732 2276 or on info@harrisdulwichgirls.org.uk to arrange a visit and an informal chat. 

Main Areas of Responsibility

• To ensure appropriate provision for the needs of all students with special, additional and particular needs in the Academy. 
• To uphold the register of such students, monitor their progress regularly, co-ordinating intervention and support as needed to support excellent progress for each one. 
• To ensure that EHCPs are fully implemented, advise staff on how to support students and make referrals for external support as needed. 
• To liaise and work with parents and students to ensure that provision is in line with their priorities. 
• To support preparation for life and education beyond the school years. 
• To be an excellent role model and deliver training and support to other teachers in providing quality first teaching that meets the learning needs of all.

Qualifications & Experience

• English + Maths + 3 other GCSEs at C or higher
• Level 3 qualifications
• Degree and QTS
• NASENCO accreditation (or an agreement to complete in first year in post)
• Strong written literacy skills and good oracy, including use of Standard English
• Ability to contribute to whole Academy development
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to a variety of audiences
• Excellent ICT skills

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us via e-mail, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your application.

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and advise you check the job information as per the listing on our careers site.

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.