Senco

Polaris Community; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive educational organization in Cambridge is looking for a SENCO to determine and implement special educational needs policy. The role involves liaising with various stakeholders, monitoring pupil progress, and delivering interventions to support vulnerable children. The ideal candidate will have Qualified Teacher Status and experience in an Autism/SEMH School. This position offers a commitment to professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact on young lives.

Benefits

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status is required.
• National Award for SEN Co-ordination or willingness to complete it.
• Experience in conducting training and leading INSET.

Responsibilities

• Determine and implement SEN policy and provision.
• Monitor progress of pupils in line with their EHCP's.
• Liaise with Head Teacher and other professionals.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status

Knowledge of SEND Code of Conduct

Experience in Autism/SEMH School

Commitment to professional development

Education

National Award for SEN Co-ordination

Job description

Polaris Education - Selwyn Hall School

Full Time: SENCO Role

Basic Salary: £42,000

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Location: Foxton, Cambs

Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its young people? If so, Selwyn Hall School in Foxton could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of young people. We are currently seeking a SENCO to join our growing team. This is an exciting time to join us as we further grow our Senior Leadership Team.

About the School

Selwyn Hall School is a SEN school in Foxton, South West of Cambridge, which provides specialist education for 7-18 year olds with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH). Our pupils may have a number of diagnoses including: ASD, ADHD, FASD, anxiety and/or, communication and interaction, cognition, and learning needs. Our small bespoke groupings of 4-6 children ensure that every pupil receives the individual attention they need to succeed.

The school is situated within large private grounds to create a therapeutic environment that enables us to focus on the health and wellbeing of the pupils. We have space for a range of outdoor learning experiences including forest school, a multi-use sports pitch, sensory trail, conservation area and play equipment. Inside, the building has been completely refurbished and offers a range of classrooms and activity rooms including science, computing, music, drama and Art/DT.

We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have twelve SEN Schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning, and encourages achievement. We're also incredibly proud that 100% of our Education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role responsibilities

• Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision in the school
• Aid in the designing and delivering of extra interventions to reduce the attainment gaps
• Assess and monitor the progress of pupils in line with their EHCP's
• Hold annual reviews
• Be a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Attend multi agency meetings and lead on Early Help
• Hold the designated teacher position for looked after children, attending meetings
• Liaising alongside the Head Teacher, Tutor, Class Teachers and parents to support individual learning plans
• Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEN policy and co-ordination of SEN policy and co-ordination of specific provisions to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability
• Maintain accurate records
• Provide support to colleagues in developing effective teaching programmes and positive behaviour management techniques around individual children
• Oversee and preparing annual reviews
• Work closely with the Tutor to ensure that the appropriate professionals ae involved with the pupil's development and mental health needs
• Be aware of the provision in the local offer
• Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and other external agencies
• Be a key point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority
• Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability
• Implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN, and evaluate their effectiveness
• Co-ordinate provision that meets the pupil's needs, and monitor its effectiveness
• Secure relevant services for the pupil
• Communicate regularly with parents or carers
• Ensure that if the pupil transfers to or from another school, all relevant information is conveyed to it, and supports a smooth transition for the pupil
• Promote the pupil's inclusion in the school community and access to the curriculum, facilities, and extra-curricular activities
• Work with the Head Teacher and Tutor, assisting in transitions and consultations
• Cover classes where appropriate during Teacher absence
• Teaching commitment

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status
• National Award for SEN Co-ordination, or a willingness to complete the new NPQ for SENCOs
• Previous involvement in school self-evaluation and development planning
• Previous experience of teaching in an Autism/SEMH School
• Experience in conducting training/leading INSET
• Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Conduct
• Committed to professional development and willing to learn

What we offer

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
• A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes
• Being part of an exciting journey during the growth of a new school
• Being part of a passionate, diverse and motivated team where the child is at the centre of everything we do

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.