SENCO

Ark; Croydon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Ark is seeking a dedicated and experienced SENCO to cultivate an inclusive learning environment at our school in Croydon. This role involves developing strategies to support students with additional needs and leading staff to promote best practices in teaching. As a SENCO, you will directly influence the educational experience of all children, ensuring they reach their full potential with tailored support. With opportunities for career progression and a robust support network, this position is ideal for passionate educators committed to fostering inclusivity in education.

Benefits

Opportunities for career progression.

Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.

Generous pension scheme.

Access to Ark rewards.

Interest-free loans up to £5,000.

Gym discounts up to 40%.

Access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Qualifications

• Minimum QTS with qualifications in special education.
• Experience in managing teams and implementing inclusive practices.
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation and effective teaching methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and embed support for students with additional needs.
• Monitor teaching quality and impact on student progress.
• Lead the Inclusion Team and coordinate CPD for staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Inclusive education practices

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Special Education qualification

Job description

About The Role

As SENCO, you will be responsible for cultivating an inclusive learning environment throughout the school. You will develop the graduated response at a whole school level to identify and support students with particular learning needs and lead staff in achieving best practice, enabling all students to achieve their best.

The post holder will maintain a teaching timetable of approximately 2 days a week, modelling outstanding practice in classroom teaching, preparation, marking and assessment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure early identification and support for students with additional needs by embedding the graduated response for literacy, numeracy, language and communication, SEMH, EAL and attendance at a whole school level
• Support teachers to differentiate, make class-based adaptations to the curriculum and develop systems to access targeted intervention and specialist support when needed
• Monitor the provision of teaching and learning activities and their impact on the progress made by students with SEND, EAL, medical needs, higher attaining students, PP students and LAC, reporting to staff, governors and appropriate agencies
• Line manage the Inclusion Team and participate in the staff recruitment process, and coordinate the provision for Child Protection and Safeguarding
• Influence whole school teaching and learning policy to ensure inclusive teaching
• Identify the training needs of staff and coordinate relevant INSET and CPD

Lead on the strategic direction and development of the school offer for SEND. This is to ensure that:

• SEND administration is effective and efficient, including: provision mapping and costing; overseeing and monitoring the quality of information sharing etc.
• The SEND register is up-to-date and all staff are aware of the needs of students
• Students receive the provision outlined in their EHCP or Statement of SEN, and that these are reviewed annually
• A school-based plan is implemented for children identified at SEN Support and this is reviewed termly with a view to apply for an EHCP if needed
• Teachers know how to support students and have access to CPD, targeted intervention and specialist support from external agencies (e.g. Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology, Autism Outreach Services, Sensory Impairment Services, etc.)
• A pupil centred approach is promoted, involving pupils and parents, where parents are informed regarding the support in place for their child and this is reviewed termly
• A transition plan is agreed to ensure continuity of support and learning when transferring students with SEND between key stages and/or schools
• The Academy’s SEN Information Report is reviewed annually, shared with parents and published on the school website
• Coordinate the deployment of resources at set out in Statements/EHCPs
• Facilitate and coordinate multi-agency input

Teaching Responsibilities

• Set high expectations so that all students are inspired, motivated and challenged to reach their full potential, and in doing so meet their progress and attainment targets
• Plan and teach well-structured, differentiated lessons that are aligned to the agreed curriculum and cultivate every student’s intellectual curiosity
• Use data to inform teaching and learning, identify areas for intervention and provide feedback to students, staff and families in order to promote progress and outcomes
• Manage behaviour effectively to create a safe, respectful and nurturing environment so that students can focus on learning
• Work collaboratively with both school and network colleagues as a committed team member, building successful, high performing teams
• Participate actively throughout the network, by attending relevant meetings, and, as appropriate, delivering network-wide training and initiatives
• Work with colleagues, students and families to develop a strong school community

Other

• Act as a role model and set high expectations of conduct and behaviour
• Actively promote the safety and welfare of our children and young people
• Ensure compliance with Arks data protection rules and procedures
• Liaise with colleagues and external contacts at all levels of seniority with confidence, tact and diplomacy
• Work with Ark Central and other academies in the Ark network, to establish good practice throughout the network, offering support where required

This job description is not an exhaustive list and you will be expected to carry out any other reasonable tasks as directed by your line manager.

Benefits

• Opportunities for career progression.
• Admissions priority for children of school’s staff
• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Twice as many training days as standard.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark atarkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.

About Us

We are a multicultural, three form entry Primary School. Through our motto Striving for Excellence, we aim to ensure that children, parents and staff all maximise their full potential. Every day we are committed to embracing our core values and we encourage everyone to be the best that they can possibly be and we support each other every step of the way.

Every day we endeavour to provide everyone at Ark Oval with a rewarding and meaningful experience. We are committed to the highest academic aspirations for all pupils, regardless of background or ability and we have established a caring, family orientated culture. We don’t accept excuses and we don’t make any either. We are willing to do whatever it takes to offer our pupils an exceptional learning environment.

Visitarkovalprimary.orgto learn more about us and see our current vacancies.

Diversity and inclusion:

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on thislink.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click thislink.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.