Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

(SENCO)

Full Time

Start date: April 2024 (Flexible)

MPR/UPR

TLR 1a

Cove School, currently rated 'Good' by Ofsted (January 2020), is a leading educational establishment committed to providing a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for students. Grounded in the values of Care, Character, and Academic Excellence, Cove School aims to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped for success in both academic and vocational pursuits.                              

Required for April - Sept 2024: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to join our dynamic team. As a SENCO, you will play a crucial whole school role in ensuring that all students with special educational needs (SEN), including those with hearing impairments, receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive academically and socially. You will lead by example in upholding our core values of care, character, and academic excellence. If you are someone aspiring to the role of SENCO, but not yet qualified we would seriously consider supporting your training in this area.

Key Responsibilities:

1)     Leadership and Management:

• Lead the development and implementation of the school's SEN policy, embracing our value of academic excellence, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
• Coordinate and oversee the provision of support for students with SEN, working collaboratively with teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies.
• Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the AEN (SEN) policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual students, including those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
• Effectively lead a large team including an Assistant SENCO, ELSA, Teacher of the Deaf and 11 Learning Support Assistants, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.
• Maintain a current and clear understanding of legal requirements of the SEN Code of Practice and related legislation and guidance to ensure the school is compliant in its core purpose of promoting equality and excellence for all.

2)     Assessment and Identification:

• Implement effective systems for identifying and assessing students with SEND, including those with hearing impairments, demonstrating our commitment to academic excellence.
• Work closely with teaching and support staff to develop One Page Profiles (OPP) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

3)     Specialist Provision for Hearing Impaired:

• Leverage Cove School's specialist provision status for hearing impaired students to ensure tailored support and accommodations.
• Collaborate with specialist staff and external experts to enhance the learning experience for students with hearing impairments, emphasizing our commitment to care and academic excellence.

4)     Quality First Teaching:

• A key remit of this role is to ensure that all teachers adapt their lessons accordingly to ensure that students with SEN achieve their full potential.
• Provide guidance and support to teaching staff in implementing inclusive teaching practices, fostering an environment where every student can succeed.

5)     Training and Development:

• Provide training and support for teachers and support staff to enhance their understanding and ability to meet the needs of students with SEN.
• Demonstrate personal drive to continually improve, staying informed about the latest research and best practices in the field of special education, embodying a commitment to academic excellence.
• Stay up-to-date with current educational research for best practices in SEN, continually looking to develop and enhance our SEN provision.

6)     Parental and Community Engagement:

• Foster positive relationships with parents and carers, keeping them informed and involved in their child's education, emphasizing our value of care.
•  Collaborate with external agencies and organizations to enhance support services for students with SEN, showcasing the character of Cove School within the broader community.

Professional Development and Collaboration:

• We offer a vibrant CPD programme, including bespoke leadership programs at all levels (Ofsted 2020).
• Collaborative partnerships with other local secondary schools and Hampshire local authority.

Qualifications:

• Qualified teacher status (QTS) with significant experience in special education.
• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or equivalent qualification. If not training can be provided for someone willing to engage with master’s level qualification.
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation, policies, and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, reflecting our values of care and character.

Personal Attributes:

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with students with SEND, embodying the value of care.
• Proactive and collaborative team player, contributing to the character-driven culture at Cove School.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, aligning with our commitment to academic excellence.
• Personal drive to continually improve, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Stay up-to-date with current educational research for best practices in SEND.

If you are interested in becoming part of our middle leadership team, building on our success, and joining us on our exciting journey to become an outstanding school, we would love to hear from you.

If you wish to discuss the post further and visit the school, you are very welcome. Please phone the main school line to arrange a time on 01252 542397 or email s.downham@coveschool.uk

Application Procedure

For further information regarding Cove School, please visit our website www.coveschool.uk or email s.downham@coveschool.uk for an application form and further details.

Application Deadline:

Completed applications should be returned by: Monday 19th February 2024.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 21st February 2024.

Cove School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.