Head of Learning Support / SENCO

Farleigh School seeks to appoint a kind, hard-working, committed, and empathetic professional who will promote and champion the needs of our pupils, from Kindergarten to Year 8 as our new Head of Learning Support / SENCO on a full-time and permanent basis.

As Head of Learning Support / SENCO you will play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s approach to supporting our pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

This responsibility encompasses several key areas. Firstly, the SENCO will maintain an active awareness of national developments, compliance, inspection, including the SEND code of practice and equal opportunities legislation, and they will understand how these apply to pupils.

Secondly, they oversee the day to day implementation of the SEND policy, coordinating specific provision to effectively support individual pupils. The SENCO also acts as a valuable resource for colleagues, offering professional guidance and working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and external agencies to create a comprehensive support network.

The ideal candidate will be available to start in September 2024.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold the National Award for SEN Coordination
• Hold Qualified Teacher Status
• Hold the Level 7 Assessors Qualification (desirable but not essential)
• Demonstrate a high level of knowledge on the roles of Educational Psychologist, Behavioural Optometrists, Occupational Speech and Language therapists and emotional and behaviour support service
• Demonstrate relevant experience as a highly successful and effective SENCO
• Be an excellent communicator with pupils, parents, staff and external stakeholders such as other schools and the local authority
• Demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills
• Have a positive understanding of the level of personal and professional commitment in a boarding school community
• Be confident in the use of technology
• Be able to interpret data and apply appropriate strategies and interventions
• Support the need for continuous professional development
• Be willing to uphold and support the Catholic ethos of the school

Safeguarding:

Farleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant(s) must be willing to undergo appropriate Child Protection Screening, including references from past employers and an enhanced DBS disclosure and an online search in line with safer recruitment.