SENCO (Part Time)

The Eveline Day School is a well-established independent preparatory school in Wandsworth catering for children from 3 to 11 years old.

We provide a safe and nurturing environment in which each child is encouraged to flourish and achieve the very best they can. We believe that learning should be a joyful and rewarding experience and we encourage our pupils to aspire to high academic standards and achievements, whilst supporting those children who may find learning more challenging.

Pupils have a wealth of learning opportunities through a broad and balanced curriculum, including residential trips from the age of seven, which help the children to develop independence and decision-making skills. The school is renowned for its creativity in music and drama and we believe that these skills build self-esteem and confidence. Sport is an integral part of school life and with an extended day, the children benefit from many extra-curricular activities.

Our pupils are encouraged to use their initiative, take responsibility for their actions and make decisions that impact on their lives. ‘Pupils have very positive attitudes towards learning, they are highly motivated and very keen to deepen and broaden their knowledge’ (Ofsted 2017). The Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) Compliance Inspection in 2021 rated the school as “Good”.

We focus on providing our pupils with a challenging, learning environment in which academic stretch and pastoral support are personal and age appropriate. We aim to guide each child to achieve their full potential and celebrate individual development and knowledge. We work as a team, engaging staff, children and parents to provide a creative and child centred curriculum.

We are seeking to recruit a creative, energetic and enthusiastic SENCO to support our dedicated team in managing special educational needs provision for pupils at our day school and nurseries, in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2014).

The successful candidate will be an experienced teacher with a passion for supporting pupils with special educational needs; someone who is able to work collaboratively to create a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for all our pupils and is pro-active, positive, flexible and calm under pressure. Working closely with the Head of the Day School and Managers from our nurseries, the successful candidate will provide professional guidance in the area of SEN to support high quality provision which enables quality teaching, excellent learning outcomes and success for all pupils.

SENCO Responsibilities

·       To work with the Executive Head Teacher, Head Teacher and setting Managers to develop and oversee the implementation of the EDNS SEN strategy and policy.

·       Carry out assessments of pupils with SEN to identify needs and monitor progress - including observations in the classroom/nursery and meeting with teachers/nursery practitioners and parents.

·       Work with the Executive Head Teacher, Head Teacher, classroom teachers/nursery practitioners, parents and relevant external agencies to develop, implement and monitor individual support/learning plans.

·       Develop partnerships with parents to ensure that their views are considered and acted upon appropriately.

·       Provide regular updates on pupil progress through written reports and meetings.

·       Make referrals and liaise with professionals external to EDNS - this could include psychologists, health and social care providers, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.

·       Provide advice, guidance and training to classroom teachers/nursery practitioners on supporting pupils with SEN.

·       Support staff in understanding the needs of SEN pupils.

·       Support teachers/nursery practitioners to develop schemes of work and learning programmes for pupils with SEN.

·       Support teachers/nursery practitioners to develop and implement effective teaching and behaviour management approaches in the classroom/nursery.

·       Develop and maintain systems for keeping pupil records, ensuring information is accurate and up to date.

·       Support school/nursery practitioners to improve pupil progress and attainment.

·       Keep up to date with national and local policies related to SEN and cascade information to colleagues.

Essential Qualifications

·       Qualified teacher.

·       Hold the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO), or be in the process on achieving this qualification.

Essential Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Experience

•      Track record of success for all SEN pupil groups.

•      An understanding of how children learn and the barriers to learning.

•      Able to work collaboratively with parents, teachers, nurseries practitioners and other professionals.

•      Able to work independently and as part of team.

•      A good knowledge of the SEND code of practice.

•      Knowledge of the difficulties experienced by children and strategies to support them in educational settings.

Personal Qualities & Characteristics

•      Proactive approach and able to work well under pressure.

•      Good interpersonal skills.

•      Good oral and written communication skills.

•      Good organisation and administrative skills.

Further Requirements

•      To maintain confidentiality on all school/nursery matters.

•      Willingness to undertake relevant training courses.

•      Be supportive of all safeguarding policies and procedures.

We Offer

·       A stimulating working environment.

·       Excellent opportunities for professional development.

·       A supportive, committed and experienced leadership team.

Application Process

In the first instance please contact the Executive Head Teacher, Eveline Drut on 020 8673 318.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.