Job Introduction
We are seeking to appoint the right person to coordinate inclusion at our school with the possibility of some teaching hours too
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator, with the support of the Headteacher and Governing Body, is responsible for inspiring and motivating the school community to develop effective ways of overcoming barriers to learning and promoting effective teaching and learning for children with special needs or vulnerabilities.
This is a key role for the school, and the successful applicant will be directly involved in driving the school forward. If you have the skills, determination and experience to support us in raising standards then we’d love to hear from you.
Main purpose
The SENCo, under the direction of the Headteacher, will:
● Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the school
● Be responsible for day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEND
● Provide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and other agencies
● The SENCo will also be expected to full the professional responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document.
Duties and responsibilities
Strategic development of policy and provision
● Have a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEND across the school, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision
● Contribute to school report, particularly with respect to provision for pupils with SEND
● Ensure policy is put into practice, take part in policy development and ensure that the objectives of these policies are reflected in the school improvement plan
● Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of national and local initiatives which may affect the school’s policy and practice
● Evaluate whether funding is being used effectively, and propose changes to make use of funding more effective Operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of provision
● Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map(s)
● Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with SEN or a disability, and advise on the graduated approach to SEN support
● Advise on the use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively, including staff deployment
● Be aware of the provision in the local offer
● Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agencies
● Be a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority
● Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEND and other vulnerable groups including, but not limited to EAL and LAC children
● Coordinate appropriate adjustments and interventions for pupils and evaluate their effectiveness
● Work with class teachers and support staff to ensure daily provision is effective and meeting children’s needs
Support for pupils with SEN or a disability
● Identify a pupil’s SEN
● Co-ordinate provision that meets the pupil’s needs, and monitor its effectiveness
● Secure relevant services for the pupil
● Ensure records are maintained and kept up to date
● Review the education, health and care plan with parents or carers and the pupil
● Communicate regularly with parents or carers
● Ensure that if the pupil transfers to another school, all relevant information is conveyed to it, and support a smooth transition for the pupil
● Promote the pupil’s inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
● Work as designated teacher for looked-after children with or without SEN or a disability
Support for Staff, Governors and Headteacher
Work with the headteacher and governors to ensure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 in terms of reasonable adjustments and access arrangements
● Prepare and review information the governing board is required to publish
● Contribute to the school improvement plan and whole-school policy
● Identify training needs for staff and how to meet these needs
● Lead INSET for staff
● Share procedural information, such as the school’s SEN policy
● Promote an inclusive ethos and culture that supports the school’s SEN policy and promotes good outcomes for pupils with SEN or a disability
● Lead and manage support staff in liaison with class teacher’s deployment and for those working with individual children
● Lead staff appraisals and produce appraisal reports
● Review staff performance on an ongoing basis
● Prepare reports and action plans for headteacher and governors in relation to pupil progress and attainment
Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the SENCo will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Headteacher.
This role requires the applicant to have the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs qualification.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers 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.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers 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.
