Whole school National Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (NSENDCO) -Aug 2024

The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Whole school National Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (NSENDCO) to further their career at an innovative British curriculum co-educational international boarding school.

Assessment and Identification:

· Lead the process of identifying students with special educational needs and disabilities across the whole school but primarily focusing on the Senior School

· Collaborate with teachers LSTs, LSAs and relevant professionals to conduct assessments and provide recommendations for appropriate interventions and support

· Ensure that assessment tools and strategies are in line with best practices and comply with regulatory requirements

Individualized Support:

· Develop and implement individualized support plans for students with special educational needs and disabilities, in collaboration with teachers, parents, and external specialists

· Provide guidance and support to teachers and teaching assistants in implementing differentiated instruction and inclusive practices

· Monitor and evaluate the progress of students with special educational needs, and make necessary adjustments to support plans as required

· Provide individual and small group instruction as and when needed

Professional Development and Training:

· Provide training and professional development opportunities for teachers, teaching assistants, LTSs and LSAs to enhance their understanding of special educational needs and effective teaching strategies

· Stay updated with current research, resources, and best practices in the field of special education, focusing on and disseminating relevant developments in the China, while also working closely with the ISENDCO and SENDA to ensure that you are fully aware of relevant legal requirements, guidance and resources in UK

· Foster a culture of continuous learning and inclusion within the school community

Parent and Community Engagement:

·  Establish and maintain effective communication channels with parents of students with special educational needs

· Collaborate with parents to ensure their active involvement in their child's education and progress

· Organise workshops, support groups, and other initiatives to educate and involve the wider school community in understanding and supporting students with special educational needs

This job description may be reviewed at the end of the academic year or earlier if necessary. In addition, it may be amended at any time after consultation with you.

Other

· To work to the direction of the Director of Studies on any other matters relating directly to this role which may from time to time occur

Any other duties as commensurate with the post, that the Director of Studies may from time to time ask the post holder to perform

Applications are welcomed from candidates who meet the following requirements:

• A qualified teacher with a UK PGCE or other globally recognised teaching qualification (such as QTS).

• A minimum of 2 years' qualified full-time teaching experience.

• A reflective practitioner, with a positive, resilient personality and problem-solving skill-set.

• Recent and consistent experience of Co-Curricular Activities

Safeguarding

For MIS, the safeguarding of our students is at the core of all that we do. Before we can consider an appointment we must be in receipt of:

• Acceptable police checks (or equivalent) from the country of origin and from all countries in which you have worked

• Appropriate three references from your current and previous employer, one of whom should be the Director/Head of School/Principal, corroborated by phone calls made to each referee

We welcome applicants with experience of working within boarding schools or applicants with a keen interest to participate, live and work within a boarding community. We appreciate that all applicants may not have such experience at present but we welcome applicants with the right approach to a unique part of the MIS experience.

The initial contract will be for a period of three years.

Merchiston International School (MIS)

MIS is a British Boarding School located in Longhua District, Shenzhen, South of China. We are a thriving community that challenges all staff to push boundaries with their teaching and to be progressive in their own professional learning.

We offer an innovative British independent school curriculum for international students aged 4 – 18, starting in EYFS and culminating in IGCSE and A-level. The campus, imbued with the ethos of its founding school, Merchiston Castle School Edinburgh, is designed to create an innovative learning space in which an effective 21st-century education can flourish and inspire.

All MIS teachers are expected to participate fully in the school’s life beyond the classroom by contributing to the Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme and boarding house life. 

If you are interested in joining us, to teach inquisitive and talented children, in a community that seeks to provide professional development opportunities, then please apply…we want to hear from you!

How to apply

Applicants should apply online through the TES careers portal.

Due to national regulations, it is very unlikely that we will be able to secure a work permit or visa for foreign nationals whose 55th or subsequent birthdays take place between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.