SENCO Role

Polaris, company; Barton-in-Fabis; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

Polaris Education - Easthorpe School in the East Midlands is seeking an experienced SENCO to shape and lead SEND provision across the school. You will work with teachers, families and external partners to implement targeted interventions and ensure EHCPs are delivered effectively.

The role requires QTS and NASENCO (or NPQ for SENCOs) with a background in SEMH needs, autism support, and staff training. A commitment to safeguarding and ongoing professional development is essential.

Qualifications

• QTS is required.
• NASENCO, or willingness to undertake NPQ for SENCOs.
• Experience in school self-evaluation and development planning.
• Experience with teaching pupils with Autism/SEMH needs.
• Experience delivering staff training and leading INSET.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Experience carrying out EHCP annual reviews.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Determine the strategic development of SEN policy across the school.
• Design and deliver targeted interventions to reduce attainment gaps.
• Assess and monitor pupils' progress in line with EHCPs.
• Coordinate and chair EHCP annual reviews.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Attend multi-agency meetings and lead Early Help where appropriate.
• Liaise with Headteacher, tutors, class teachers and parents to support individual learning plans.
• Take responsibility for the day‑time operation and co-ordination of the school's SEN policy and provision for pupils with SEN.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records.
• Support colleagues in developing effective teaching programmes and positive behaviour‑management strategies.
• Work closely with tutors to ensure appropriate professionals are involved in supporting pupils' development and mental health needs.
• Maintain awareness of provision available through the local authority's Local Offer.
• Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and other external agencies.

Skills

SEN coordination

Staff training

Communication with parents

Collaboration with teachers

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NASENCO (or NPQ for SENCOs)

Job description

Polaris Education - Easthorpe School

Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only

Basic Salary: £42,000 per annum plus SEN allowance

Location: Ruddington, Nottinghamshire

Benefits

• Company pension
• Life Assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme

About the School

Easthorpe School is an independent specialist provision serving children and young people in the East Midlands who live with their families, Foster Parents or in residential children's homes. The school opened in November 2022, and we are expanding the team to support increasing pupil numbers within our Lower School provision for pupils aged 7-13. Class sizes do not exceed seven pupils and are supported by a qualified class teacher and up to two Teaching Assistants. Our school supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), alongside a range of diagnoses and additional needs that may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, attachment needs and mild to moderate learning needs. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced teacher and SEND practitioner to play a key role in the continued growth and development of Easthorpe School. You will help shape SEND provision, support colleagues and contribute to positive outcomes for pupils across the school. We provide high-quality education, adopting a thoughtful and informed approach tailored to the individual needs of each pupil.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to arrange a school visit before applying.

Role Responsibilities

• Determine the strategic development of special educational needs (SEN) policy and provision across the school
• Design and deliver targeted interventions to help reduce attainment gaps
• Assess and monitor pupils' progress in line with their EHCPs
• Co-ordinate and chair EHCP annual reviews
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
• Attend multi-agency meetings and lead on Early Help where appropriate
• Hold the Designated Teacher responsibility for looked‑apart children and attend relevant meetings
• Liaise with the Headteacher, tutors, class teachers and parents to support individual learning plans
• Take responsibility for the day‑time operation and co-ordination of the school's SEN policy and specific provision for pupils with SEN or disabilities
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records
• Support colleagues in developing effective teaching programmes and positive behaviour‑management strategies for individual pupils
• Work closely with tutors to ensure appropriate professionals are involved in supporting pupils' development and mental health needs
• Maintain awareness of provision available through the local authority's Local Offer
• Work with early years providers, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and other external agencies

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• National Award for SEN Co‑ordination (NASENCO), or willingness to undertake the current NPQ for SENCOs as required by Easthorpe School
• Previous involvement in school self‑evaluation and development planning
• Previous teaching experience within a school supporting pupils with Autism and/or SEMH needs
• Experience delivering staff training and leading INSET
• Sound knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
• Experience carrying out and completing EHCP annual reviews
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and learning

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Education.

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

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

Location: Ruddington, ENG-NG11 6LQ