SENCO and QoL Manager

Who we are:

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children. We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work. We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws. We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.

Job summary:

The key task of the SENCO and Quality of Life Manager is to ensure that Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is both efficiently and effectively delivered across the School and Lodge sites. Crucially, the Quality of Life curriculum is embedded and effective. The range of responsibilities delegated to the SENCO with regard to admissions, annual reviews and Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) provision and coordination is outlined below. It is expected that all legal and statutory requirements are met for all pupils in the School and Lodge as all our pupils have an EHCP. This role is part of the extended leadership team within the school.

You will:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the school's work aligned to the NAS Quality of Life (QoL) curriculum policy
• Support the admissions process and assessment of pupils as part of the admissions process, carrying out assessments of pupils with SEN to identify needs and monitor progress - including observations in the classroom and meeting with teachers and parents
• Work with classroom teachers, the school leadership team, parents and relevant external agencies to develop, implement and monitor individual support/learning plans/EHCP’s
• Ensure that QoL Keyworkers are aware of their roles and utilise available information to support pupils effectively
• Provide regular updates on pupil progress through managing the annual review written reports and chairing the meetings with parents
• Make referrals and liaise with professionals both inside and outside of the school - this could include psychologists, health and social care providers, speech and language therapists, positive behaviour specialists and occupational therapists
• Provide advice, guidance and training to classroom teachers on supporting pupils
• Work alongside the leadership team to support teachers to develop learning programmes, incorporating QoL assessment and monitoring for pupils
• Develop and maintain in line with school IMS, systems for keeping pupil records, ensuring information is accurate and up to date
• Analyse school, local and national data and develop appropriate strategies and interventions
• Keep up to date with national and local policies related to SEN and autism and ensure that colleagues make good use of it.
• Plan and Prepare for the implementation of our QoL approach, including materials for pupils, parents and staff
• Contribute to the wider NAS QoL community including attendance at meetings, presentations and training
• Manage local QoL budget

When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification here and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.

Please apply on the National Autistic Society website at the link below:

The National Autistic Society (changeworknow.co.uk)

For more information about this job please contact laura.robinson@nas.org.uk     

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

Please click here to view the safeguarding policy. We are an equal opportunities employer. This role will be subjected to an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date: 02/12/2022 12:00:00

Interview date: w/c 5th December 2022