Head of Learning Development (SENDCO)

Head of Learning Development (SENDCO)

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and innovative professional to join a dynamic and well-regarded department. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the provision of support for learning within the Department for Learning Development (LD), along with designing and implementing interventions to respond to academic needs across the School.  The candidate will have expertise in Specific Learning Difficulties and experience in teaching diagnostically on a one-to-one basis with pupils with a range of additional needs. The ability to work alongside subject teachers and parents to ensure the academic progress of pupils with learning difficulties is essential. The post is supported by a LD Administrator for three days a week.

The Department for Learning Development 

The Department for Learning Development is an important and integral part of Cokethorpe School. It is well resourced in a suite of rooms based at the heart of the School, with the latest educational support resources and technology. The staff, six specialist teachers and three Learning Development Assistants, have a broad range of experience and expertise between them. The team meets on a regular basis and everyone has an opportunity to offer ideas, information and opinions, which creates a dynamic team spirit. Staff are well trained, organised and open to positive change. 

Staff in the department are caring and approachable, making a particular effort to build positive relationships with pupils and subject teachers. Many members of the department have roles within the wider school community, which encourages a robust integration of Learning Development across the school environment.

It is important to note that this role does involve one-to-one interventions with pupils. Additionally there is an opportunity to work on small group interventions as part of the activities programme (known as AOB) and contribute to the PSHE programme (known as WIT).

The Head of Learning Development reports to the Director of Studies.

Person Specification

Essential 

• Awareness of the various barriers that might restrict a pupil’s ability to access the curriculum, and the ability to develop appropriate and creative interventions to allow them to overcome these barriers.
• A specialist qualification in SpLD e.g. OCR Level 5/7
• Experience of teaching pupils with a range of Specific Learning Difficulties
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with pupils, parents and colleagues 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact diplomatically 
• Knowledge of secondary school systems and curriculum
• Ability to assess specific difficulties diagnostically
• Ability to design and deliver a structured and cumulative teaching programme
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and keep to deadlines
• Capacity to think on one’s feet and be creative in problem solving
• Ability to write detailed reports and to contribute to review meetings as required
• Ability to keep up to date with developments in the professional field 
• Willingness to take initiative within the parameters of School policy
• Ability to work as part of a team

Desirable 

• Qualified Teacher Status
• AMBDA status
• Leadership experience
• Good ICT skills (Office 365) or the willingness to receive CPD in this area
• Knowledge of assistive technology
• Excellent knowledge of study skills
• Experience with the JCQ exam application procedure