Deputy SENDCO

Come and be part of an Outstanding SEND team at Nottingham Girls' Academy.

We are working in partnership with Nottingham City Inclusion Education Service (IES) to provide additional focused provision places at Nottingham Girls' Academy for pupils in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This provision will be designed for girls who have moderate learning difficulties (MLD) whose learning is well below age related expectations at the end of Key Stage 2. Some of these pupils will also have additional needs.

Children on roll at Nottingham Girls' Academy who meet this criterion, are currently supported through our two 'Alternative Curriculum' groups: one group at Key Stage 3, and one group at Key Stage 4, with approximately 14 pupils in total currently being supported.

In partnership with Nottingham City's IES, we are aiming to expand our provision to up to 24 places, across two Key Stage 3 groups and two Key Stage 4 groups. The additional 10 places will be allocated through the local authority IES.

The curriculum is designed to meet the specific learning and social needs of each pupil with an emphasis on: oracy to support communication and interaction; understanding the world around us to develop cultural capital; development of independent learning, personal safety and life skills; and integration within the mainstream environment (where curriculum and structures allow). Pupils are empowered to learn within their group because lessons are pitched at where each pupil is 'at', enabling them to achieve their next steps securely and with confidence. Key Stage 4 pupils work towards Entry Level qualifications and GCSEs where possible.

As part of this plan, we are aiming to build an additional block comprising: four classrooms; breakout spaces; a social space; and an office. This will be situated on the Nottingham Girls' Academy site adjacent to the main building. The build will be paid for through a combination of local authority Section 106 capital funding, available for education provision in Aspley, due to the recent housing developments on Robins Wood Road, and additional capital investment from the Local Authority to increase SEND capacity in the city.

These changes will further enhance the quality of our provision in our already highly regarded Alternative Curriculum groups by providing custom-built spaces. Importantly, the changes will provide additional places for girls who may otherwise face significant additional barriers in attending a mainstream setting due to the intensive support required to help them make progress.

The new provision will be led by the existing school leadership team, supported by staff who have developed expertise in this area. We will also be recruiting additional staff to work with us. We plan to open this new resource in September 2025, building work permitting.

If you are interested in working at the leading edge of education, believe that all young people can achieve high standards and are prepared to work hard, we want to hear from you.

About us

Part of the Greenwood Academies Trust (GAT), we are based on the outskirts of Nottingham and provide 11–19 education for over 800 pupils. We are led by our Principal, David Tungate, who has a clear vision for the future. Through high standards in teaching and pastoral care, we are determined that pupils are able to achieve great results and leave as confident, compassionate and articulate young women with the skills to support them through the rest of their lives.

Research has shown that a single-sex environment empowers girls to realise their potential, and through the dedicated and specialist care on offer, we aim to support this through teaching focused solely upon the needs of girls.

In return

Being part of the GAT, you can be assured that you will be joining a successful Multi-Academy Trust that has a great track record in helping children to succeed, no matter what their background. The Trust is dedicated to valuing and developing the workforce, whether that be through ensuring a fair workload or offering access to bespoke CPD from the Learning Alliance to enhance professional growth.

We believe in looking after the people who make a huge difference to our children, their families and the communities we serve. That's why we give everyone who joins a Perkbox account – with 24/7 access to perks and discounts, plus curated wellbeing tools to look after your physical and mental health. It's part of our commitment to look after you.

Here's what you can look forward to:

Hundreds of global and local perks, available online 24/7Shopping discounts from the biggest brands, all year roundSaving money on everything from the supermarket shop to summer holidaysA free Employee Assistance Programme from Health AssuredFor further information, please click here.

Closing date: 1 July 2024

If this post attracts sufficient interest before the closing date, we may decide to close and interview this vacancy at an earlier date, so an early application is advised.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks; therefore, all posts within the Trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

All adults employed by the Trust have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.

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