Assistant Principal - SENCO

Leigh Academies Trust; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Leigh Academies Trust seeks an ambitious and experienced Assistant Principal - SENCO to lead the day-to-day operations of the SEN policy. This role involves collaborating closely with various stakeholders to enhance educational opportunities for students with learning difficulties and disabilities, making a significant positive impact on their academic environment and success.

Benefits

Access to a range of employment benefits

Qualifications

• Track record of success in secondary education leadership.
• Proven ability to develop students' potential regardless of background.
• Recent experience in educational frameworks like International Baccalaureate is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day SEN operations and policies.
• Implement high-quality intervention programmes for students with SEND.
• Collaborate with staff, parents, and external agencies to support student needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Motivation

Empathy

Collaboration

Education

Experience in leadership at secondary level

Knowledge of International Baccalaureate Diploma programmes

Job description

From January 2025, we are seeking to appoint an experienced and qualified Assistant Principal - SENCO who, with the support of the Principal, Academy Leadership Team, and the SEN department, will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy, SEN information report, and provision made by the school for pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities. The successful candidate will also work closely with staff, parents/carers, and other agencies.

We understand that each student has different learning needs and experiences, but they must always have the same opportunities. Leigh Academy Blackheath’s goal is to always act quickly to identify undiagnosed needs and support students with SEND needs. Our digital curriculum, which includes Chromebooks for students and an incredible team of teaching assistants, has removed barriers for children, laying the groundwork for this successful approach. We make every effort to ensure students with SEND thrive and grow in confidence alongside the rest of our community.

A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is necessary, as is drive, grit, and boundless enthusiasm, as nearly every day we experience something new for the first time. It is essential that our SENCO has a positive outlook, is supportive of others, and openly shares best practice, modelling this constantly to the growing staff body. Our SENCO will need to embrace a forward-thinking approach to raising standards in teaching for SEND, implementing a high-quality intervention programme, and working with SE London and Kent teams to ensure we are doing the absolute best for our most vulnerable students at all times.
The role of SENCO can be highly rewarding, as you will have the opportunity to directly contribute to pupils receiving the support they need to achieve their full potential.

We wish to hear from you if you are committed to changing our education world and are:

• an enthusiastic, energetic, and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at secondary level;
• a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
• confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
• able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
• approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
• able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders;
• have recent experience of the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Careers related programmes, although this is not essential.

For our successful candidate, being a member of staff at Leigh Academies Trust means you’ll receive access to a great range of employment benefits from day one, and be mindful that the list is always growing.

Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate, and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this.

On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Helaina English (Office Manager and PA) - k.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the Principal about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should contact Helaina English (as above) in the first instance.

Closing date: Monday 9th September 2024
Shortlisting date: W/C 9th September 2024
Interview date: W/C 15th September 2024

The academy is committed to safeguarding children, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks across the Trust.