Assistant SENCo

Summary:

We are looking to appoint an innovative, self-motivated Assistant SENCo to join our forward thinking and ambitious team. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a range of fundamental skills required for the delivery of a curriculum adapted to meet the needs of children with SEND. You will be a passionate and committed advocate for SEND children and comfortable teaching across the key stages. The purpose of this role will be defined by the Head of Learning Support but will likely involve identifying pupils that need further support, co-ordinate reasonable adjustments according to need and be able to share these with staff members. The candidate will also be expected to be committed to improving educational outcomes for pupils with special educational needs, to lead professional development through example and support, and co-ordinate the provision of high-quality professional development.

It is also expected that the post holder will work seamlessly with the Learning Support Department to ensure that all appropriate support is communicated in good time and with the right level of detail.  This is an important role that will significantly enhance the specialist Dyslexia and SEND support at Haileybury.

Duties:

• Support the work of learning support/shadow teachers, teaching assistants and teachers working with SEND Children.

• Work closely with the SENCo and the Deputy Head (Academic), keeping all regularly informed of pupil progress, interventions and support in place and highlighting, where necessary, changes and developments needed.

• To work alongside the Learning Support team and play a key role in delivering direct teaching to pupils

• as part of their curriculum.

• To assess, monitor and evaluate identified children’s baseline and progress and refer students to the Haileybury Specialist Assessor.

• To plan and support interventions in and out of the classroom with students who require additional mentoring to achieve.

• To communicate on an ongoing basis, with the Head of Learning Support and the wider teaching staff regarding specific needs and support of individual pupils.

• Contribute to the general functioning of the Learner Support Team as appropriate. This may include whole group, small group and 1:1 support. Use a range of learning strategies appropriate to the needs of the learners and regularly review and adapt materials in response to both internal and external factors such as learner feedback and new research.

• Maintain contact with parents/guardians, employers, education providers and other agencies as appropriate about their children's progress

• Attend meetings and training workshops and be part of whole school staff training

It should be noted that this job description identifies the current principal duties of the post; it does not detail every task to be undertaken. The post-holder will be required to undertake any duties as required by the Line Manager, which fall within their capabilities or the requirements of the School.

Person Specification

Experience

• The candidate should be a dynamic, enthusiastic, and well-qualified candidate, with considerable experience of working within an Inclusion or SEND department and working with children with additional needs

• Experience of working under the SEN code of Practice and JCQ guidelines in accordance with providing reasonable adjustments and Access Arrangements in exam year groups

• Experience of teaching and supporting students with Specific Learning Difficulties and Visual Impairments desirable but not essential

• Have experience in leading staff in developing their knowledge and expertise in working with SEND children.

Skills

• A good understanding of developing and delivering a quality curriculum and learning experience for young people with SEND, ensuring the school is line with regulatory requirements.

• Be enthusiastic and committed to improving educational outcomes for pupils with special educational needs.

• Work with individuals, or small groups to assist in the delivery of the planned curriculum

• Passionate about providing enriched learning opportunities for children in and out of the classroom

• To help pupils to develop their self-confidence, independence and abilities

• Provide support and assistance for children’s pastoral needs (e.g. promoting self-esteem, and overall well-being of each pupil

• Excellent verbal, written communication and IT skills

• Willingness to undertake training and development relating to the role including working with outside agencies and the Visually Impaired

• A hard working and flexible attitude with a passion for working with children.

• The ability to work as part of a team.

• The ability to be creative and use initiative to engage children.

• The ability to work under pressure, with enthusiasm, motivation and commitment

• The ability to work with other professionals, such as medical staff, speech and language therapists and educational psychologists

• Attend meetings and training workshops and be part of whole school staff training