SENCO Role

Polaris Community; Huddersfield; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in West Yorkshire seeks a dedicated SENCO to enhance special educational needs provision across two schools. The role involves strategic development of SEND policies, working with families and professionals, and ensuring effective support for pupils with a range of needs. Ideal candidates will have Qualified Teacher Status, relevant SEN qualifications, and experience in Autism or SEMH settings. Join a passionate team focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable children in a supportive community.

Benefits

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Commitment to professional development

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status required.
• National Award for SEN Coordination, or willingness to complete NPQ for SENCOs.
• Experience in teaching in an Autism/SEMH School.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND policy and provision strategy.
• Monitor pupil progress in line with EHCPs.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status

Knowledge of SEND Code of Conduct

Experience in Autism/SEMH Schools

Training and INSET leadership

Professional development commitment

Education

National Award for SEN Coordination or NPQ for SENCOs

Job description

Polaris Education – Becker School and Barraclough School

Full Time: SENCO Role

Benefits

Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Location

2 days at Batley, 2 days at Huddersfield and one day visiting parents/attending meetings.

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, Polaris Community 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 dedicated and compassionate SENCO to join our growing team covering both schools in West Yorkshire area: Barraclough Hall and Becker School that are 15 miles apart. You will spend at least two days at each school on a weekly basis. You will lead SEND provision with strong knowledge of local offer and play a key role in supporting integration and transitions. You will work closely with families, local authorities, and a wide range of external partners ensuring timely and suitable response to consultations and referrals, conduct annual reviews and lead on assessments and interventions. You will also contribute to safeguarding practices, act as designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) fulfil as Designated teacher and ensure that pupils’ needs are identified early and supported effectively through trauma- informed practice. This is an exciting time to join us as we further grow our Senior Leadership Team.

About the Schools

Becker School is located in Batley, Wakefield and is registered to support up to 40 children from age 5 to 13 and Barraclough School located in Edgerton, Huddersfield supports up to 40. Across our schools we support children with a range of diagnoses including Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), trauma-related issues, anxiety, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), as well as Communication and Interaction, Cognition, and specific learning needs.

Our aim is

to provide a learning environment where children can thrive, feel supported, safe and are then able to leave school happy with relevant experiences and outcomes to enable them to contribute to the wider community.

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 referral
• 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 Tutors to ensure that the appropriate professionals are 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

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 possess 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 and Growth of new schools
• Being part of a passionate, diverse and motivated team where the child is at the centre of everything we do

For more information or to organise a school visit please contact Zoe Chittenden in the first instance. 07920 212308.

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