Head of Learning Support

The Head of Learning Support, takes responsibility for the day-to-day provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).  He/she will provide professional guidance in the area of SEND in order to secure high quality teaching and learning and the effective use of resources to bring about the highest standards of achievement for all pupils.

Academic development is at the heart of school life. We offer an independent wide ranging curriculum, excellent teaching and a clear understanding of learning potential.  With a combination of traditional and modern teaching methods, each pupil is encouraged to enjoy learning, develop her independence and succeed to the best of her ability.

The academic life of the School is overseen by the Assistant Head: Teaching and Learning and consultation with Heads of Department for each subject area ensures an up to date and challenging curriculum. Ongoing assessment is encouraged and pupil progress is tracked in order to inform future teaching and learning goals.

Queen Mary's believes that the learning process must be enjoyable and engaging.  Teaching and learning are supported by a wide range of resources and extra-curricular activities.  The School’s ethos and values foster an enthusiasm for lifelong learning and encourage independence of thought.  

The applicant will be expected to lead, manage and develop the teaching of SEND pupils of all abilities from Year 1 to Year 11 and to support and teach pupils in small groups or on a 1:1 basis in Years 7-11. He/she will also be responsible for coordinating examination access arrangements for all School and GCSE examinations, maintaining records of pupils’ normal ways of working in line with JCQ regulations.  

This is a non-residential appointment.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

● To lead and share strategies with subject teachers for effective teaching of pupils with special educational needs

● The ability to inspire and motivate children, able to stimulate the pupils' real interest and involvement in learning, especially those with SEND

● Develop pupil confidence, self-esteem, determination and behaviour so that each pupil is able to achieve her full potential

● To keep clear administrative records of pupils’ needs and provision, such as IEPs, Provision map and SEND register. 

● Have clear and effective communication skills

● To effectively liaise with outside agencies and professionals.

● To have the ability to interpret educational assessments and devise suitable support and intervention. 

● Have a clear understanding of the EHCP process, being able to provide the required provision for individuals, liaise with the Local Education Authority and complete all relevant paperwork.

● The candidate should have the ability to screen pupils and identify areas of need, especially for those with undiagnosed SpLD.

● Be familiar with assistive technology.

● Ensure that policies are updated annually and implemented in line with whole School policy, the latest educational research and national regulations.

● Be able to work effectively with all members of the school community to ensure that pupils with SEND receive appropriate support

● Have high levels of organisation

● To have the leadership skills and commitment to support the professional development of colleagues within the Learning Support Department

● To hold regular departmental meetings and to attend the Head of Department forum chaired by the Assistant Head: Teaching and Learning

● To hold an annual meeting with the designated SEND governor

● To take part  in the school's appraisal system

● To monitor and evaluate the quality of SEND teaching and learning within the Learning Support Department. The Head of Learning Support must have knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of effective teaching and the strategies required to support pupils with  Special  Educational  Needs and Disabilities(SEND)

● To liaise with Head of Marketing and Admissions and  screen potential new pupils before entry to Queen Mary's School for SEND requirements 

● To work effectively with the Junior School Head, Assistant Head: Teaching and Learning and the Examinations Officer in regard to monitoring pupil progress.

● To produce half termly and termly reports for SEND pupils 

● To prepare additional access arrangement support material for internal and external examination entries in liaison  with the Examinations Officer

● To provide extra help with revision skills and examination techniques for pupils preparing to sit external   examinations, especially GCSEs.

● To work with the Assistant Head: Teaching and Learning, Junior School Head and the Deputy Head in regard to timetable allocation and staffing requirements for the Learning Support Department

● To manage effectively the Learning Support Department budget

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The Head of Learning Support must:

● Hold a high quality university degree in a recognised academic discipline

● Have a relevant teaching qualification

● A Postgraduate qualification in SEND, ideally NASENCO

● An appropriate qualification (Level 7 minimum) relating to assessment for Examination Access Arrangements

● A record of Continual Professional Development in SEND

● The candidate must have previous SENCO experience 

● Evidence of being an excellent teacher of children with SEND

● Have a clear understanding of the EHCP process, being able to provide the required provision for individuals, liaise with the Local Education Authority and complete all relevant paperwork.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

● Experience of working in an all-age, independent, boarding school environment

● Knowledge of iSAMS School Management System

● The ability to screen pupils and identify areas of need, especially for those with undiagnosed SpLD

● To liaise effectively with outside agencies and professionals.

● To have the ability to interpret educational assessments and devise suitable support and intervention. 

SKILLS

● Be an inspirational and creative teacher

● Have an interest in curriculum change and be inspired by academic challenge

● Be an excellent listener and calm negotiator 

● Demonstrate leadership and personal responsibility by motivating others, showing drive and determination

● Be adaptable and show good judgement

● Demonstrate authority, respect and trustworthiness

● Have excellent writing and proof-reading skills

● Have high order IT skills

● Have high standards of accuracy, clarity and consistency of language

● Support the ethos of a full, weekly and flexi boarding school 

● Have a clear sympathy with the advantages of single-sex education

● Be able to promote academic excellence, and individual creativity

● Be able to exercise total discretion and uphold confidentiality, when appropriate

● Be able to act as a critical friend, counsel and be supportive of colleagues

● Have awareness of ISI inspection criteria

● Attend all staff training days 

● Attend all Parents’ Meetings and write reports to be sent to parents at the appointed times

● Attend Open Days and special events designed to market the school

● Contribute to the promotion of the School Aims through support of School Policies and good practice

● Keep in contact with outside regulatory, professional and community organisations, as appropriate