Additional Learning Needs Coordinator

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*? 

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG

Job Title: Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCO) 

Location: Chestnut Hill School, Holywell, CH8 9DX

Salary: Up to £42,200 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week, Mon-Thur 8am – 5pm/Fri 8am-3pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALN) to join our team at Chestnut Hill School in Holywell.

About this role

To work with the Headteacher, Head of School and therapy team to determine the strategic development of the ALN policy and provision at Chestnut Hill. Provide professional guidance to colleagues and liaise and work with staff, parents, and other agencies to make sure that pupils with ALN receive appropriate support and high-quality teaching. Advise on the appropriate approaches to providing ALN support and adapted teaching methods appropriate for individual pupils in liaison with the therapy team. Work with the Headteacher, HOS and school governors to make sure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 with regard to reasonable adjustments and access arrangements.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Liaise with class teams and parents/carers about pupils’ needs and any provision made.
• Have day-to-day responsibility for the operation of the ALN policy and the co-ordination of specific provision made to support pupils in relation to IDPs and EHCPs. 
• With the Headteacher, HOS and SLT regularly review and evaluate the breadth and impact of the ALN support the school offers or can access, and co-operate with local authorities in reviewing the provision that is available locally and in developing the school’s offer. 
• With the Headteacher, HOS, SLT, therapy team and teaching staff, identify any patterns in the emerging needs of pupils, both within the school and in comparison, with national data, and use these to reflect on and reinforce the quality of teaching.
• Be a point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authorities and their support services, and work with external agencies to ensure that appropriate provision is in place. Including correspondence regarding new referrals and admissions to the school.
• Coordinate transitions into and out of Chestnut Hill, by liaising with parents, current placements, potential next providers of education to make sure that the pupil and their parents are informed about options and that a smooth transition is planned. 
• To support the Head of School and Executive Headteacher in formulating and annual school improvement plan.
• To oversee all baselining and screening assessments on entry to the school and subsequent baseline testing to monitor effective progress. 
•  To provide good channels of communication between the Headteacher, HOS, SLT, the education team, therapists, parents, carers and relevant external agencies. 
• To oversee and deliver where necessary programmes of intervention with a focus to improve pupil progress in literacy and numeracy.
• To create a well ordered and calm environment that is stimulating and purposeful for all pupils through close working with the senior leadership team.
• To review and develop the Teaching and Learning policy throughout the school within agreed areas of responsibility
• With the Headteacher, HOS, SLT, monitor to identify any staff who have specific training needs regarding ALN, and incorporate this into the school’s plan for continuous professional development.

Essential Criteria

• QTS
• SENCo or ALNCo Qualification
• Additional qualification/experience in SEN or ALN.
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Successful experience of classroom teaching
• A sound understanding of the complexity of Additional Learning Needs
• The ability to build on the good practice within the school

About us

Chestnut Hill is a small, independent school catering to autistic pupils and young people aged 8-19. 

We aim to provide an inclusive, safe, inspiring and supportive environment in which our pupils are encouraged to form friendships, aspire and believe in themselves, discover new ways of learning, develop skills for life, know they are valued and have a sense of belonging. The student’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything Chestnut Hill will do, and we aim to build close relationships with parents/guardians and work collaboratively with alternative provision professionals, such as speech and language, art and occupational therapists. To support students' specific needs. We will always strive for the very best for our young people.

Our individually tailored curriculum will cover all Areas of Learning (AoLE's) from the New Welsh Curriculum, in imaginative and flexible ways for pupils ages 8 to 19. We aim to provide Regular opportunities for pupils to access a wide range of activities including yoga, cycling, forest school, swimming and coaching in inclusive and traditional sports by external coaches and internal facilitators. 

We are located in Holywell, a beautiful market town and community in Flintshire, Wales.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy.

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