Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

DOWNHAM MARKET ACADEMY

Headteacher: Rolf Purvis 

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Downham Market Academy is in the process of joining Cambridgeshire Educational Trust, a newly formed Multi-Academy Trust based in Cambridge City Centre. The founding school has recently been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ grade from Ofsted and we are keen to roll out this success to Downham Market Academy. 

We are looking for an ambitious, inspirational and creative SENCO to lead Special Educational Needs across KS3 & KS4.  An effective teacher, you’ll have the potential and desire to develop your leadership skills within a supportive and well-resourced Trust. This post would suit an ambitious and highly motivated candidate seeking accelerated promotion to a Senior Leadership post.  We are delighted to be able to support training for the right candidate, who has already shown a commitment to broadening their experience within SEN, to enable them to obtain relevant qualification.

You will need to draw on experience of raising educational standards (curriculum and/or pastoral experience is essential).  In addition, you will bring real energy and dynamism to the role, alongside a genuine enthusiasm for making a difference. Knowledge of the new SEND Code of Practice 2015 and a proven track record of raising achievement and closing the gap for vulnerable students are essential.

You will be up-to-date with best practice in SEN. Excellent organisational skills are required for the coordination of one-to-one support lessons and in-class support across the school, as is a high level of specialist teaching skill to ensure the best provision for students in the department. Experience in writing and reviewing IEPs is essential as is the ability to establish a good rapport with students and staff to help promote the achievement and well-being of pupils with SEN in school.

The Trust is committed to recruiting the highest quality teachers in order to build on our many successes. We are delighted to offer an extremely competitive recruitment package to the right candidate. If successful you can look forward to a high quality induction package. We place a very high value on continuous professional development; the successful candidate would have immediate access to our high quality in-house programme as well as the opportunity to be supported though a Masters in education if they chose to pursue one. 

Downham Market Academy is an 11-18 mixed comprehensive with approximately 1200 students, including 138 in the Sixth Form. Staff are committed to providing a stimulating curriculum for all students as well as a large number of extracurricular activities. 

If you enjoy a challenge and have the expertise to lead this area of Academy life, meet the requirements of students with physical, behavioural and learning difficulties, raise standards of language, numeracy and literacy and engage with key stakeholders, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing date: Friday 27 October 2017 Interview Date:  Thursday 9 November 2017

To apply: complete the Application Form and other documents in the links to this advert and email to k.bancroft@downhammarketacademy.co.uk 

Downham Market Academy uses safe recruitment procedures to ensure the welfare of children. All applicants are required to complete an Enhanced DBS check and only applications submitted on our application form will be considered. All shortlisted applicants should expect to be called for interview no more than 5 working days after the closing date. If you have not heard from us by then you can expect that your application has been unsuccessful. Visits to the Academy are welcome.

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