Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator

Job SpecificationJob Title Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO)Salary:£27,000 - £35,000. Depending on Experience.Hours: 08:00AM - 04:00PM. Monday to Friday. Including Non Term-TimeContract Type: PermanentReporting To: Head TeacherResponsible For: Teaching AssistantsMain purposeThe SENCO, under the direction of the headteacher, will:Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the schoolBe responsible for day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disabilityProvide professional guidance to colleagues, working closely with staff, parents and carers, and other agenciesStrategic development of SEN policy and provisionHave a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability across the school, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provisionContribute to school self-evaluation, particularly with respect to provision for pupils with SEN or a disabilityMake sure the SEN policy is put into practice and its objectives are reflected in the school improvement plan (SIP)Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and local initiatives that may affect the school’s policy and practiceEvaluate whether funding is being used effectively, and suggest changes to make use of funding more effectOperation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of provisionMaintain an accurate SEND register and provision mapProvide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with SEN or a disability, and advise on the graduated approach to SEN supportAdvise on the use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively, including staff deploymentBe aware of the provision in the local offerWork with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and other external agenciesBe a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority (LA)Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disabilityImplement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN, and evaluate their effectivenessSupport for pupils with SEN or a disabilityIdentify a pupil’s SENCo-ordinate provision that meets the pupil’s needs, and monitor its effectivenessSecure relevant services for the pupilEnsure records are maintained and kept up to dateReview the education, health and care (EHC) plan with parents or carers and the pupilCommunicate regularly with parents/carersEnsure if the pupil transfers to another school, all relevant information is conveyed to that school, and support a smooth transition for the pupilPromote the pupil’s inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activitiesBe the designated teacher for looked-after children (LAC), where a looked-after pupil has SEN or a disabilityLeadership and managementWork with the headteacher and governors to ensure the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 in terms of reasonable adjustments and access arrangementsPrepare and review information the governing board is required to publishContribute to the SIP and whole-school policyIdentify training needs for staff and how to meet these needsLead INSET for staffShare procedural information, such as the school’s SEN policyPromote an ethos and culture that supports the school’s SEN policy and promotes good outcomes for pupils with SEN or a disabilityLead and manage teaching assistants (TAs) working with pupils with SEN or a disabilityLead staff appraisals and produce appraisal reportsReview staff performance on an ongoing basisSafeguardingLiaise and collaborate with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) on matters of safeguarding and welfare for pupils with SENRemain alert to the fact that pupils with SEN may be more vulnerable to safeguarding challengesThe SENCO will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.Personal SpecificationQualifications and trainingQTS (A Requirement under the SEND Code of Practice)National Award for SEN-Co-Ordination, or willingness to complete it within 3 years of appointment (A Requirement under the SEND Code of Practice)GCSE Math and EnglishRelevant DegreeExperienceTeaching experienceExperience of working at a whole-school levelExperience of working with children with a range of SENInvolvement in self-evaluation and development planningExperience of conducting training/leading INSETExperience of Line Managing StaffKnowledge, skills and aptitudeSound knowledge of the SEND Code of PracticeUnderstanding of what makes ‘quality first’ teaching, and of effective intervention strategiesAbility to plan and evaluate interventionsData analysis skills and the ability to use data to inform provision planningEffective communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to build effective working relationshipsAbility to influence and negotiateGood record-keeping skillsPersonal development and qualitiesCommitment to getting the best outcomes for pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the schoolCommitment to equal opportunities and securing good outcomes for pupils with SEN or a disabilityAbility to work under pressure and prioritise effectivelyCommitment to maintaining confidentiality at all timesCommitment to safeguarding and equalityWhilst every effort has been made to include the specific roles and responsibilities here, an employee will be expected to comply with any reasonable request made by a manager to undertake work of a similar level of responsibility which may not be identified above.All staff are expected to follow the guidance and expectations of the Staff Code of Conduct and school policies and procedures as outlined in the Staff handbook.The school will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.This job description is current at the date shown but, in consultation with you, may be updated and changed by your performance manager, in agreement with the Headteacher to reflect changes to the job commensurate with the grade and job title.VASE Academy is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.How to ApplyPlease complete the attached application form and email it to recruitment@vaseacademy.co.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr