Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Are you passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and looking for innovative ways to enhance their learning experience? Join our dedicated team as a SENCO and make a significant impact in the lives of SEN children.

Who are we?

The International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a small but growing school looking for a dedicated SENCO to develop and lead our SEN department. This is a new role at our school; we therefore seek a qualified and experienced SENCO to establish and develop this essential program. As our school expands, we recognise the increasing need for targeted SEN interventions to both support and challenge all our students, ensuring they reach their full potential.

The role 

In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our SEN provision, working closely with staff, students and parents to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Your expertise will be crucial in developing individualised education plans, coordinating with external agencies and providing professional development for our teachers.

As a key contributor to our school’s core purpose - ensuring all students reach their full academic potential - the SENCO will play a pivotal role. Part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the SENCO will lead in promoting high standards and a positive ethos throughout the school.

If you are a compassionate and experienced professional with a strong commitment to inclusive education, we would love to hear from you. Join us in our mission to support and challenge every child and help us create a nurturing and positive learning community at the International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

While this description covers the main duties and responsibilities, these may evolve based on the school’s needs.

Duties

The main duties of a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) will include the following:

1. Identification and Assessment: Identify students with special educational needs (SEN) and conduct assessments to understand their specific requirements.
2. Individualised Education Plans (IEPs): Develop, implement and review IEPs for students with SEN, ensuring that they receive the appropriate support and resources.
3. Collaboration: Work closely with teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies to ensure a cohesive approach to meeting the needs of SEN students.
4. Training and Support: Provide training and guidance to teachers and support staff on SEN strategies and interventions to enhance inclusive education practices.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor the progress of SEN students and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, making adjustments as necessary.
6. Resource Management: Oversee the allocation and management of resources, including specialist equipment and teaching materials, to support SEN students.
7. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all SEN students, including assessment results, IEPs and communications with parents and external agencies.
8. Policy Development: Develop and implement school policies related to SEN, ensuring compliance with national regulations and best practices.
9. Advocacy: Act as an advocate for SEN students, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard within the school community.
10. Parental Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents and carers, providing regular updates on their child’s progress and involving them in decision-making processes.
11. Compliance: Ensure the school complies with all relevant legislation and guidelines regarding SEN provision.
12. Leadership: Lead the SEN department, coordinating with other school leaders to integrate SEN strategies into the overall school plan.

Professional Attributes

A successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate the values and ethos of the school consistently.
• Work effectively within the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and assume collective professional responsibility.
• Communicate effectively with parents, students, staff, and governors.
• Analyse situations and plan appropriate courses of action.
• Think creatively and strategically.
• Inspire, challenge and develop individuals and teams.
• Plan, organise and prioritise tasks to use time efficiently.
• Encourage and value ideas from others.
• Plan ahead, identify problems and offer solutions.
• Listen, reflect and be flexible.
• Stay informed about recent trends and developments in education.
• Commit to ongoing professional development.

Personal Attributes

A successful candidate will be:

• Passionate about teaching and learning.
• Committed to achieving the best for young people, regardless of their social background or ability.
• Resilient and optimistic in the face of challenges.
• Honest and display integrity.
• Aware, vigilant and pay attention to detail.
• Decisive, consistent and solution-focused.
• Consistent in their behaviour management approach (in line with ISTCI’s behaviour policy).
• Dynamic and have the stamina to cope with the demands of the role.

Qualifications and experience:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or willingness to work towards it.
• Proven experience working with children with SEN.
• Strong understanding of current SEN legislation and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative and innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement in SEN support.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive Environment: Be part of a supportive and dynamic team committed to making a difference.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to provide continuous professional development and training to other teachers.
• Impactful Work: Make a real difference in the lives of SEN students and their families.
• Innovative Approaches: Freedom to implement new and creative ideas to support SEN children.

Join us in our mission to provide exceptional support to SEN children and help them achieve their full potential. Apply now to be our new SENCO!

Please visit our website for more information or email Mrs. Saunders at

Isaunders@internationalschooltci.com

https://www.internationalschooltci.com/

https://www.facebook.com/internationalschooltci

https://www.instagram.com/istci_middleschool/

How to apply:

Please submit your CV, cover letter and references to: Mrs. Indrani Saunders, Principal, International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

isaunders@internationalschooltci.com