Executive SENCO

The Directors of the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust are looking to appoint a highly motivated and inspiring experienced SENCO to lead SEND provision across their two high schools.  

The successful candidate will have strategic responsibility for SEND provision across both schools, working closely with the Senior Leadership Teams. We are looking to appoint someone with experience of working with students with a range of additional needs and a knowledge of SEND provision and support. 

The SENCO will be expected to fulfil the responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the STPCD, but will have no formalised teaching timetable.

The key priorities of this role are to determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the schools and be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordinator of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability.  

The SENCO will work closely with the Senior Leadership Teams and Inclusion Teams, in each school, who are committed to providing a high quality curriculum and teaching and learning for all students.  The post represents an exciting opportunity to make a significant difference for pupils across these two outstanding schools, working in a happy, friendly and positive environment. 

You will hold the National SENCO Award or be working towards completing the qualification. You will be able to effectively lead and manage the team of Teaching Assistants and work closely with parent/carers and professionals.

We are looking for an outstanding practitioner who has experience providing and supporting students with SEN or a disability to succeed whatever their starting point, whatever their need. 

We are looking for someone who:

• is passionate about making learning effective and enjoyable for all students

• is forward thinking, outward looking with a clarity of vision

• is aware of the national and local agendas in SEN

• has excellent analytical and data skills and the ability to provide challenge and support

• great interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt

• can create an environment in which our students feel especially safe, valued and happy

• a high degree of personal integrity, strong personal drive, and resilience 

In return we can offer:

• a committed and friendly team aiming for excellence

• students who are well behaved, happy and eager to learn

• a commitment to high quality professional development

• supportive and encouraging Senior Leadership Teams, Academy Councils and Trust.

Visits to the schools are warmly welcomed and encouraged by prior arrangement.  Please contact the PA to the Senior Leadership Team below to make an appointment:

St John Fishers Harrogate - Paula Deacon, 01423 887254 or office@sjfchs.org.uk

St Mary’s Menston – Jo-Anne Hughes, 01943 883000 or ja.hughes@stmarysmenston.org

Further information and an application form can be found on the Bishop Wheeler Trust website www.bishopwheelercatholicacademytrust.org/trust-vacancies. Please email your completed application to recruitment@bwcat.org addressed to the Head of HR, Amanda Whelan.

• Closing date: Tuesday 24th May 12:00 noon

• Interview date: Friday 27th May.

The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.