Special Education Needs & Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo)

A robust, caring and fair pastoral system underpins everything we do at WLFS. We know that for pupils to achieve their potential, they need to be allowed to learn in a calm and purposeful environment. Furthermore, pupils must have the confidence to reach out for help, if and when they need it – and know where to find it.

As SENDCo, you will have the opportunity to define and develop a vision for how some of our most academically at-risk pupils experience secondary school, distilled from our Core Values of Kindness, Hard Work and High Standards. The culture this vision creates will permeate across the school, in and out of classrooms, and will remain with pupils beyond their time at WLFS.

The SENDCo role offers opportunities to develop a range of professional, interpersonal and auxiliary skills, bringing you into contact with a range of highly skilled professionals from across health, social care and education sectors.

 Key characteristics of the role include:

• to ensure that progress of pupils with SEND improves relative to those without SEND
• to ensure the school carries out its statutory responsibilities regarding all pupils with an Education Health Care Plan
• to support all staff in understanding the needs of SEND pupils by identifying and adopting the most effective teaching practices for pupils with SEND
• to liaise with staff, parents, external agencies and other schools to co-ordinate their contribution, provide maximum support and ensure continuity of provision
• to undertake day-to-day co-ordination of the school’s SEND provision through close liaison with staff, families and external agencies
• to set up and monitor systems for identifying, assessing and reviewing SEND and collect and interpret specialist assessment data
• to track and respond to the outcomes for SEND pupils and report these findings to SLT and governors
• to identify resources needed to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and advise the SLT of priorities for expenditure
• to lead on the performance management of teaching assistants and ensure effective provision of SEND support staff across the school
• to manage annual reviews and EHCP assessment requests
• to work closely with senior staff in supporting the wellbeing and Safeguarding of pupils
• to liaise with external agencies including but not limited to social workers, police officers, therapists and psychologists
• to contribute to the wider school life, such as events, trips, and co-curricular clubs.

 The successful candidate will have:

•  an unwavering belief in the role of pastoral care within schools and an ability to communicate that passion to staff, pupils and families
• an ability to navigate the balance and relationship between pastoral care and academic outcomes
• a proven track record of working effectively with SEND pupils
• started and wish to start the SENDCo qualifications
•  an understanding of the ethos of the West London Free School, and a commitment to our firm but fair approach to conduct
• a proven track record of creating and maintaining high expectations of pupils;
• excellent team-working skills
• excellent communication skills with pupils, families and staff.