Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)

Hours: 36 hours per week, Term time only

Orchard Hill College (the College) and Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (the Trust) together form Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust (OHC&AT), a family of specialist education providers for students and students from nursery to further education across London, Surrey and Sussex. As an outstanding provider and Academy sponsor, Orchard Hill College has a strong track record for making a positive impact within the local communities it serves.

Unified Academy (formerly Chart Wood School) is a special school for boys aged 9 to 16 years who have social, emotional and mental health needs. Some students also have moderate learning and attachment difficulties. This means that students struggle to form strong, healthy and sustainable relationships with others and can present with challenging behaviour. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Class sizes are small with no more than 10 students in each teaching group. Lessons are carefully planned and take into account the needs, interests and abilities of all students so that learning is more purposeful and engaging. Additional support in the classroom is provided by way of classroom assistants who work with students to build their confidence and self-esteem whilst also supporting their academic, social and developmental needs.  Students have access to Trusted Adults and Speech, Language and Communication Therapy. Additionally, the school has a full time Home School Link Worker (HSLW) who supports families in the management of behaviour, improving their child’s attendance at school and facilitating access to other Health and Social Care services.

Unified Academy adopts a therapeutic approach, allied to the nurture principles, to create a safe and supportive environment where students can and do achieve. Students follow a personalised programme of study, allied to the national curriculum, that takes into account their strengths and passions and presents their learning in a meaningful, accessible and engaging way. The school works in close partnership with families, the local community and wider stake holders to provide students with the holistic support they need to achieve. This approach underpins our ethos supporting each other, achieving together. 

We are seeking a knowledgeable and SEN expert to join us. A SENCo with enthusiasm and a skilled communicator to join our team and contribute to our fast improving school. You will be a strong advocate for the children, young adults and families we serve. Through this commitment, you will build and develop positive relationships with students, their families, staff and our external partners – ensuring that appropriate placements and provision are in place and that we are able to deliver the highest levels of inclusion, attainment and achievement across our school.    

You will model best practice, celebrate success and challenge expectations through your effective contribution and coaching.  You will also hold Qualified Teacher Status and have successful experience of working with students with SEN in either a mainstream or special setting.

We can offer: 

• a fantastic team committed to supporting each other, students and families  
• the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives and outcomes of our students  
• the opportunity to develop skills and experience within a family of providers; 
• staff and an Executive Board who are highly committed and dedicated to success; 
• support and guidance from Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust.

To apply, please download an application form. Once complete please send your completed application form to recruitment@unifiedacademy.org 

Please note that CV only applications will not be considered.

Closing Date:   12 Noon, Wednesday 17th November 2021

Interviews to be held:   w/c Monday 22nd November 2021

Unified Academy, part of Orchard Hill College Academy Trust, are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.