Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion (SENCO)

Springhead Park Primary School; Northfleet; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Springhead Park Primary School in Ebbsfleet Garden City, Kent, is seeking a dedicated SENCO to lead inclusion from Nursery to Year 6. You will work with the Headteacher and SLT to raise standards, develop EHCP processes and training, and strengthen assessment mapping.

Hold QTS with a track record as a classroom practitioner, and either the National Award for SEN Coordination or NPQ for SENCOs (or commit to completing NPQ within three years).

Qualifications

• Hold Qualified Teacher Status and have a strong track record as a classroom practitioner.
• National Award for SEN Coordination or NPQ for SENCOs, or commit to completing NPQ within three years of appointment.
• Strong working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes and provision mapping.
• Ability to lead by example and build positive relationships with pupils, staff, families and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop SEND provision from Nursery to Year 6 as SENCO, focusing on improving outcomes for pupils with EHCPs.
• Make adaptive teaching consistent in every classroom and subject through training and strategies.
• Strengthen systems for Annual Reviews, provision mapping and the graduated approach.
• Coach and develop teachers and support staff in a supportive yet challenging way.
• Build on our early years and play-based approaches to identify needs early and provide support.
• Build trusting partnerships with families, external agencies and Kent County Council.
• Contribute to whole-school leadership, self-evaluation and improvement planning as the school grows.

Skills

Inclusion leadership

SENCO experience

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

National Award for SEN Coordination

NPQ for SENCOs

Job description

Springhead Park opened in September 2020 at the heart of Ebbsfleet Garden City. We are a young, growing school of more than 400 pupils from Nursery to Year 6, building towards two forms of entry. Ofsted judged us Good in every area in 2023 and described us as a caring, welcoming school where "pupils thrive". Now we want to take inclusion to the next level.

Our values of Curiosity, Kindness, Empowerment, Courage, Joy and Creativity guide everything we do. We're looking for a leader who lives them every day.

The role

Working closely with our Headteacher, Mrs Helena Fleischer, and the senior leadership team, you will lead inclusion across the school. Your job will be to make sure every pupil, including those with SEND, gets the support, challenge and opportunities they need to succeed. You will:

• Lead and develop SEND provision from Nursery to Year 6 as SENCO, with a focus on improving outcomes for pupils with EHCPs
• Make adaptive teaching consistent in every classroom and every subject, so that training and strategies become everyday practice
• Strengthen our systems for Annual Reviews, provision mapping and the graduated approach, so that support is well targeted and its impact is clear
• Coach and develop teachers and support staff in a way that is both supportive and challenging
• Build on our strong early years and play-based approaches, including sensory play and OPAL, to identify needs early and support them well
• Build trusting partnerships with families, external agencies and Kent County Council
• Contribute to whole-school leadership, self-evaluation and improvement planning as the school continues to grow

About you

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Are passionate about inclusion and know how to help every child achieve their very best
• Hold Qualified Teacher Status and have a strong track record as a classroom practitioner
• Hold the National Award for SEN Coordination or the NPQ for SENCOs, or are committed to completing the NPQ for SENCOs within three years of appointment
• Have a secure working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes and effective provision mapping
• Can lead by example, with the credibility to model great practice and help others develop theirs
• Communicate well and build positive relationships with pupils, staff, families and professionals
• Have high expectations and a relentless focus on raising standards for all pupils

What we offer

• A dedicated, non-class-based leadership role with time to lead strategically
• The chance to help shape a new and growing school in one of the UK's most exciting new communities
• Happy, curious children who are keen to learn, and a supportive, engaged parent community
• A committed, hardworking team of teachers and support staff
• Excellent professional development in school and across The Primary First Trust's 10 schools in Bexley, Gravesham and Medway, including collaboration with fellow SENCOs and inclusion leaders
• A positive working environment with a strong focus on staff and pupil wellbeing

  Visits and applications

  We'd love to show you around. To arrange a visit, please contact the school office.