Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Cumnor House Sussex is looking for an inspirational and highly motivated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to join its staff. This is an exciting opportunity to join Cumnor House Sussex, one of the country’s leading independent Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery schools, rightly known for the warmth and strength of its community. 

The School provides every aspect of a broad and excellent education, including sport, music and drama, within beautiful country surroundings. Our motto of Aim High, Be Kind, and Dare to be Different is lived enthusiastically every day and in every area of the school.

We are looking for a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who will bring expertise, confidence and proficiency to our Learning Enhancement Department, leading on all aspects of the learning enhancement throughout the school, providing an excellent provision to support our pupils and looking to continually improve our quality of provision.

The ideal candidate would be experienced as a primary Special Educational Needs (SENCO) with a proven track record in leading and managing all aspects of inclusion and interventions for pupils with additional educational needs. We are looking for someone who is committed to raising standards for all pupils and have strong leadership skills with excellent organisational skills.

Reporting to the Head and Deputy Head Academic (DHA) and the Academic Leadership Team (ALT), the SENCO is responsible for leading the

Desirable Qualities and Experience

• National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination, or a willingness to complete it within 3 years of appointment
• Helen Arkell Level 7
• Experience working with Special Educational Needs
• Degree
• Qualified Teacher Status is essential
• Experience of working at a primary level
• Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
• Understanding of what makes ‘quality first’ teaching, and of effective intervention strategies
• Ability to plan and evaluate interventions
• Data analysis skills and the ability to use data to inform provision planning
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build effective working relationships
• Ability to influence and negotiate
• Good record keeping skills
• Involvement of self-evaluation and development planning
• Experience of conducting training/leading INSET
• Proven ability to lead, manage and inspire staff
•  Sensitivity to the needs of all pupils and an ability to adapt methods of support
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to delegate
• Willingness to share outstanding practice and support the development of staff
• Share a creative and enthusiastic approach to cross-curricular opportunities 
• Clear practical vision of the future of the LED department

Personal qualities 

• Commitment to getting the best outcomes for pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school
• Commitment to equal opportunities and securing good outcomes for pupils with learning needs or a disability
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Commitment to safeguarding and equality
• Willingness to contribute to the wider Prep School curriculum and community
• Ability to communicate warmly, positively and authentically with parents about their child’s progress and potential
• Maintain a positive, flexible and good-humoured approach
• Consistently exhibit high standards of conduct including punctuality, professional appearance and discretion
• Empathy with the Cumnor principles, and the ethos and aims of independent education

Holidays, Remuneration and Benefits

• Cumnor is in a position to offer an outstanding remuneration package, in line with experience and qualifications, and this will be discussed at interview

• Substantial remission on fees for Staff children attending the School or Nursery

• Generous contributory pension scheme

• Free on-site parking

• Complimentary dining and refreshments available all day during term time

• Free use of swimming pool at specified times

• Occupational sick pay scheme

Application Process and Safeguarding

To apply, please complete our application form (which can be found on our website) and submit it with a covering letter by midday Monday 12th December to hr@cumnor.co.uk

Interviews of selected applicants will be held that week, with a view to a decision being made by Friday 16th December, and would involve a visit to the School. We reserve the right to make an appointment at any time prior to the closing date. If you would like to make enquiries, please call Karen German on 01825 790347.

Cumnor House Sussex is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. An offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory safeguarding interview and pre-employment references, verification of ID, medical fitness and relevant qualifications, and other security checks including Overseas and Teachers Barred lists.

Cumnor Principles:  “Aim High, Be Kind and Dare to be Different”

1. Children First: The happiness and well-being of each child is of paramount importance; in all decision-making, the impact upon children is considered first. We are ambitious for every child in our care. Children are offered a fully rounded education within a community that values the concept of childhood.

2. Care is Widespread: Cumnor is non-selective and both embraces and supports a diversity of interest, ability, background and outcome. We aim to be sympathetic, empathetic and professional in our relationship with children, staff and parents.

3. Community Values: We act in partnership with other school communities – both state and independent. We keep in mind our local community as well as wider environmental issues and encourage children in similar thinking. Old Cumnorians are seen as a valued part of our community.

4. Communication Matters: We seek to communicate clearly and without favour, respecting and valuing the opinion of others.

5. Core Strength: We aim for the highest standards of professional performance and behaviour supported by these principles. We seek to develop ourselves through appraisal and CPD to be excellent teachers.