Experienced Primary SENCO Required

We are small but rapidly growing independent school in Berkshire and we require an experienced Primary SENDCo, who will promote the aims and objectives of our School and our SEND base, maintaining our philosophy of education.

To ensure that there is a broad and balanced curriculum in line with the needs of the children.

To consider consultations from the local authority and to manage admissions in accordance with school’s admissions policy.

To promote and develop a safe, caring environment in which children can learn and flourish.

Key Responsibilities

Annual Reviews

To be involved in decision-making on the preparation and development of policies and programmes of study in the school and SEN unit, teaching materials, resources, methods of teaching and pastoral arrangements.

To assist in the implementation of educational programmes including timetables and the deployment of staff

To prepare appropriate records for the transfer of pupils.

To ensure that school policies are reflected in daily practice.

To promote equality and celebrate diversity as an integral part of the role and to treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

To prepare for accreditation visits by external organisations (e.g. ISI, ISA etc.).

Provision for Students

To promote the welfare and wellbeing of children and to support the school in safeguarding children though relevant policies and procedures.

To create and manage a caring, supportive, purposeful and stimulating environment which is conducive to children’s learning.

To ensure differentiation of learning needs, reflecting all abilities. To encourage staff to maintain good order and discipline among the pupils, safeguarding their health and safety.

To maintain a regular system of monitoring, assessment, record-keeping and reporting of children’s progress, including access arrangements

To plan opportunities to develop the social, emotional and cultural aspects of pupils’ learning.

To communicate and consult with parents over all aspects of their child’s education academic, social and emotional.

To meet parents and appropriate agencies, to contribute positively to the education of the children concerned.

General

Commitment to continuous professional development in order to develop relevant knowledge, techniques and skills, and to developing skills independently as applicable.

Any other ad hoc duties that are felt reasonable to fulfil the job description.

Relevant Experience

Proven experience as a SENCo

Experience of applying for and managing EHCP applications is essential, alongside experience of leading Annual Reviews and its associated paperwork. 

General and Specialist Knowledge

Strong knowledge of a range of SEND.

A thorough up to date knowledge of the range of teaching, learning and behaviour management strategies and how to implement them effectively.

Knowledge of the legal requirements, national policy and guidance on the safeguarding of children.

Essential

Teaching and Learning

Evidence of a good understanding of a range of teaching styles and approaches appropriate for inclusive education.

Evidence of the ability to raise achievement ensuring that the needs of individual /groups of pupils are met.

Dealing with all aspects of EHCP application, paperwork and annual review.

Skills and abilities

To be caring, patient and sympathetic

Ability to work as part of, and lead/manage a team of dedicated staff

Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with staff, parents and children

Good organisational and people management skills

Ability to solve problems and strategically plan for improvement

Ability to prioritise and manage time effectively.

Additional factors

Ability, flexibility and willingness to take on other responsibilities or duties as deemed necessary

Play a full part in the life of the school and to support its distinctive mission and ethos.

Respect the views of parents, carers and children, and a commitment to the involvement of these groups in the learning process.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing effectively with colleagues, governors outside agencies and parents/carers.

Well developed interpersonal, team working and people management skills.

Attention to detail.

Equal opportunities

Demonstrate a clear understanding of, and a commitment to, equal opportunities and give evidence of effective implementation.

Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people.

Whilst every effort has been made to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the post, the information above is not exhaustive. This job description is current at the date shown, but in addition to the duties outlined above, you may be asked to undertake any other duties which may reasonably be regarded as within the nature of duties and responsibilities of the post. Any changes of a permanent nature will be fully negotiated with you and incorporated into the job description.

Hurst Lodge is committed to safeguarding the young people in our care and all applicants will be required to provide references and successful applicants will have to undergo an enhanced DBS check and complete the relevant safeguarding training.

Please note we are unable to sponsor international applications.