Assistant SENCO

We have an exciting opportunity to appoint an Assistant SENCO in a non-teaching capacity to assist in managing the provision for pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs (SEN). The overarching purpose of this role is to promote high quality teaching, effective use of resources, and high standards of learning and achievement for all pupils. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, flexible, well organised and able to work as part of a team as well as having the ability to work alone when required. This role is ideal for candidates currently working in a classroom support position, keen to progress within the SEN remit and take on more responsibility. Our appointed Assistant SENCo will also take on the role of Wellbeing Lead.

Key responsibilities include;

• To assist the SENCO in leading the provision for SEN within school
• To manage appropriate resources for Special Needs and Learning Support and ensure that they are used efficiently, effectively and safely
• To develop curriculum resources to ensure that pupils identified as having SEN have the required levels of support
• To support the SENCO in managing an inclusive curriculum
• Within the context of the academy’s aims and policies, to work with the SENCO to develop and implement intervention groups and support
• To provide all those with involvement in Special Needs and Learning Support the support, challenge, information and development necessary to sustain motivation and secure improvement in learning
• To support learning of students as allocated by the SENCO and in coordination with Directors of Learning
• To manage and maintain provision maps
• Coordinate access arrangements for pupils during all necessary exams

This is a permanent role offering and actual salary of £23,229 per annum (£27,007 full-time equivalent) based on 37 hours per week, Term Time only.

Working with us: ‘Wilmington Academy is an exceptional school providing a world-class education for its pupils and sixth formers.’ OfSTED May 2023

The Academy is very successful, rated by OfSTED as Outstanding in all areas, where students from a wide variety of backgrounds and starting points can flourish and succeed. The IB philosophy is at the heart of the curriculum and is carefully designed to meet the needs and aspirations of all our young people. We have an extensive programme of enrichment and support that provides extra opportunities for personal development and growth and students are encouraged to contribute to their wider community. We are housed in state of the art buildings in a semi-rural location just outside of Dartford. Wilmington offers a calm and purposeful learning environment where students are thoughtful, polite and respectful.

In September 2017 we became an International Baccalaureate World School and offer the IB Career-related Programme in key stage 5. In July 2020 we were successfully authorised to deliver the IB Middle Years Programme in Key Stage 3, to ensure we provide our students with a truly world class education. Value added puts it in the top band for similar schools nationally in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 and examination outcomes are among the best of non-selective schools in Kent.

Academic excellence, hard work and good manners are expected of all our students. International- mindedness, cultural understanding and an appreciation of the benefits diversity can bring are at the heart of what we believe. Our success is achieved through teamwork. Subject teams work closely together to share resources and ideas to achieve the very best outcomes for our students. We support the Trust model of small schools within a school, so that no student is left behind. Vertical tutor groups, an excellent pastoral programme underpinned by a strong moral purpose, helps students to develop into responsible, well-educated young adults who are ready to take their next steps in life. A large proportion of our students go on to University and high level apprenticeships.

We aim for excellence in everything we do and have received recognition at regional and national level for our work. We are forward thinking and outward facing, constantly striving to advance and improve. We are very supportive and offer excellent training and development opportunities for staff at the various stages of their careers. We are a friendly, caring and ambitious community placing the academic progress and welfare of our students at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with Leigh Academies Trust, external partners and organisations to ensure we provide the educational experience our students need to make their way in an increasingly complex and ever changing world.

Please click here to view our website, to find out more about Wilmington Academy.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st April 2024, our Trust comprises 32 geographically organised academies (16 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating more than 20,000 students and employing 3,000 talented staff. Nearly 40% of our academies are judged outstanding overall by Ofsted, versus 15% nationally. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider.

Our future plans are found in our Vision 2030 document available on our website.

As part of Leigh Academies Trust, you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the benefits available to all LAT employees from day one.

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.