Job Introduction
A great opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate SENCO, who is dedicated to making a real difference in children’s lives, to join us at Ark Dickens Primary Academy, a lovely 2 form entry school with a Nursery, located in the heart of Portsmouth. We are seeking an inspiring and committed SENCO to help lead our school’s mission to transform the lives of our wonderful children.
Becoming part of the Ark network in September 2014, we are a school with high aspirations and expectations to ‘Be Our Best’ in all that we do, reflecting our ethos of ensuring every child is provided with every opportunity to reach their potential.
As the most disadvantaged school in the area, we face significant challenges. We take those challenges and turn them into incredible opportunities to make lasting change. If you would love to lead and inspire our staff and children and further develop innovative ways to meet the needs of our young learners, some of whom have complex needs, we’d love to hear from you.
We are proud to be a relational school, committed to building strong relationships across our community, raising aspirations and creating an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their background or ability has the provision and support they need to achieve great outcomes emotionally, socially and academically.
Why work for Ark Dickens:
As SENCO of Ark Dickens, you’ll work closely with a talented, compassionate team, shaping and ensuring the strong and consistent delivery of great universal practice in the classrooms and individualised support where appropriate, for children with special educational needs.
We will offer you:
- A warm welcome from a team that is passionate, supportive, driven and committed to do their best for each other and the children.
- A deeply supportive senior leadership team, who are committed to your success and well-being as a leader in the school.
- The freedom to innovate and develop creative, tailored solutions to meet the needs of our children.
- An environment where we ensure that staff receive responsive feedback and colleagues are encouraged to learn from one another.
- The opportunity to lead with confidence, shaping provision and ensuring that every child’s needs are met with care, skill, and compassion.
- A collaborative and positive environment where your ideas are valued and you are well supported, empowering you to do your best work.
- The chance to progress and develop your knowledge and skills through a wide variety of great professional development opportunities
- The opportunity to shape a legacy in a school community that is determined to overcome adversity and reach the highest standards.
- The chance to work with children who are eager to learn and who will thrive under your leadership, care and guidance.
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- Twice as many INSET days as standard.
- A generous pension scheme.
- Access to Ark Rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3000 major retailers.
- Interest free loans – up to £5000 available for season tickets or to buy a bicycle.
- Gym discounts – offering up to 40%
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support and signposting.
Safeguarding statement:
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.
Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.
