SENCO Role

Polaris Community; Nottingham; 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 Nottinghamshire is seeking an experienced SENCO to lead SEND provision and policy. You will coordinate EHCPs, chair annual reviews and support staff through CPD within a supportive, growing independent provision.

Key requirements include QTS and NASENCO (or NPQ for SENCOs). The role offers full-time, term-time only hours with a salary of £42,000 per year plus SEN allowance and a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• QTS must be held with eligibility to work in the UK.
• NASENCO or willingness to undertake the current NPQ for SENCOs as required by Easthorpe School.
• Experience in SENCO leadership and SEND policy development.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic SEN policy and provision across the school.
• Design and deliver targeted interventions to close attainment gaps.
• Assess and monitor pupil progress in line with EHCPs and lead annual reviews.
• Co-ordinate EHCP reviews and act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Lead staff CPD and coordinate collaboration with tutors, parents and external agencies.
• Ensure SEN provision aligns with local authority Local Offer and transitions.

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NASENCO / NPQ (SENCO qualification option)

Job description

Polaris Education – Easthorpe School
SENCO
Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only
Basic Salary: £42,000 per annum plus SEN allowance
Location: Ruddington, Nottinghamshire

• 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.

Our school forms part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK.

We’re incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected education services have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

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-after children and attend relevant meetings
• Liaise with the Headteacher, tutors, class teachers and parents to support individual learning plans
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day 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
• Act as a key point of contact for external agencies, particularly the local authority
• Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or disabilities
• Implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEN and evaluate their effectiveness
• Co-ordinate provision that meets pupils’ needs and monitor its effectiveness
• Secure relevant services and support for pupils where required
• Communicate regularly with parents and carers
• Ensure relevant information is shared effectively when pupils transfer to or from another school, supporting a smooth transition
• Promote pupils’ inclusion within the school community and their access to the curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities
• Work with the Headteacher and tutors to support transitions and consultations
• Cover classes where appropriate during teacher absence
• Develop and lead staff CPD sessions
• Organise access arrangements for examinations

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

What We Offer

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone
• Support for your professional development through a wide range of learning opportunities
• An opportunity to make a meaningful 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 that is passionate about improving pupil outcomes
• The opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and development of the school
• The chance to be part of a passionate, diverse and motivated team where pupils are at the centre of everything we do

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.