Assistant Principal/SENDCO

Assistant Principal - SENDCO

Location: The Hathershaw College

Scale: L14 – L18, £61,042 - £67,351

Main Purpose of the position

• Determine the strategic development of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) policy and provision

• Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of SEND

• Provide professional guidance to colleagues in the school and across the Trust

• Provide advice and support to parents and carers of students with SEND or those undergoing assessment

• To monitor the effectiveness of SEND provision to ensure the impact on student progress is maximised

Key Tasks

• Strategic development of SEND policy and provision

• Have a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEND across the College, monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision

• Ensure the SEND policy is implemented and remains a high priority for all colleagues

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and local policy

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the use of SEND funding across the College

Operation of the SEND policy and co-ordination of provision

• Maintain an accurate SEND register responding to changes in need over time

• Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching students with SEND and advise colleagues on the graduated approach to provide support for students

• Advise on the use of the school’s budget and other resources to meet the needs of SEND students, including the deployment of staff

• Be aware of the provision in the Oldham local offer for children and young people with SEND

• Work with a variety of external agencies including the Local Authority, health and social care professionals, educational psychologists and speech and language professionals

• Analyse and act on academic monitoring data for students with SEND

• Lead the planning and implementation of intervention groups for students with SEND and evaluate the effectiveness of provision

Support for pupils with SEND

• Ensure the accurate identification of students with SEND

• Co-ordinate whole-school provision that effectively meets the needs of students with SEND

• Secure relevant external support/services for students with SEND

• Ensure records are maintained and kept up-to-date

• Review education, health and care plans (EHCP) with parents and carers, the pupil and external professionals

• Communicate regularly with parents and carers

• Ensure the timely and secure transfer of SEND information when a student transitions to another placement

• Promote SEND inclusion in the school community and access to a broad and balanced curriculum, facilities and extra-curricular activities

• Attend as required parents’ evenings in the capacity of SENDCO

Leadership and management

• Work with the Principal and other colleagues as required to ensure the College meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 in terms of reasonable adjustments and exam access arrangements

• Prepare information for the Local Governing Body (LGB) and Trustees

• Contribute to self-evaluation and improvement planning

• Identify training needs for staff and contribute to SEND-related professional development

• Promote an ethos and culture that supports the College’s approach to SEND provision and promotes good outcomes for students with SEND

• Lead and manage a team of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and Assistant SENDCO

• Contribute to performance management processes

• Retain oversight of the Local Authority Hearing Resource Centre based at the College

General Duties

• Maintain confidentiality and observe data protection and associated guidelines where appropriate

• Undertake such duties and responsibilities at a similar level as directed by the Principal

• Undertake duties in line with those expected of other senior leaders

Requirements of All Trust Staff

• Promote and uphold the Trust mission statement, values and strategic aims and objectives

• Comply with the Academy and Trust’s policies and procedures, including those relating to health and safety, safeguarding, welfare and security

• Work positively and inclusively with colleagues, students, parents and other partners

• Attend briefings and staff meetings as required

• Participate in the Trust’s performance management processes and undertake professional development and training as required

• Be a positive role model and take responsibility for promoting good standards of behaviour and conduct of students

• Undertake other duties that are in accordance with the purpose and grade of the post as agreed with the Principal

The SENDCO will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students and follow College policies and the staff code of conduct.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the job description is comprehensive there will of course be a range of other tasks and responsibilities that are required to be carried out. These will be at the request of the Principal and commensurate with the nature of the duties outlined above and with the remuneration provided.

About us

The Hathershaw College is a very successful and oversubscribed 11-16 Academy within the Pinnacle Learning Trust, which consists of ourselves, Oldham Sixth Form College, Werneth Primary School and, from 1st April, Broadfield Primary School. We are also well located with good public transport links and excellent access to the motorway network.

Ofsted inspected the school in December 2021 and we have retained our good status. I would advise you to read the excellent report before applying.

“Pupils behave sensibly around the school and in lessons. They are respectful to other pupils, staff and visitors.”

“Staff value the steps that leaders have taken to ease their workload and support their well-being.”

“Leaders have clear systems in place to identify those pupils with SEND. They work closely with a range of external partners to ensure that the needs of these pupils are well met.”

Source: Ofsted report 2021

We are looking to appoint an Assistant Principal as our SENDCO from 1st September or sooner if possible. This is an exciting time to join the school as we look to build on existing strength within our SEND team and create a purpose-built hub for students who require additional support. We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable about SEND, passionate about ensuring the right provision for vulnerable students and someone with the vision to lead this area of our school as a senior leader.

If you require more information, please contact Vicki Sainsbury, PA to the Principal, on 0161 770 8514 or by email vs@hathershaw.org.uk.

Closing Date: Monday 13th March 2023 (12noon)

Shortlisting: Tuesday 14th March 2023

Interviews: Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd March 2023